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Ask the Teacher - Ricky Pringle

2020-02-13T11:13:00

pringle

The Texas-based double bass pedagogue shares his advice for teaching young bassists, helping students cope with nerves and preparing for auditions

What students do you teach?

I have a private double bass studio and I am a school string teacher, working with high-school ensembles for students aged 14 to 18 and elementary-school pupils aged 11. I also teach the schools’ bassists individually.

At what age do you prefer to start a young bassist?

If a child says they want to start playing the instrument and they are able to communicate their desire, then I think they’re ready and will happily teach them. Of course their age may affect the pace at which they learn, but I don’t think any age is too young if a child really wants to do it.

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