A registered and trained Suzuki Bass teacher
Congratulations on choosing the double bass! I have been helping students learn to play and love the bass for over 25 years. Whatever style of music you wish to pursue, whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, correct technique is the key maximizing the enjoyment you get from your musical experience. My students range in age from 3 to 87. Some are complete beginners when they have their first lesson, but many are also returning to the instrument after a long sabbatical, or coming from another instrument such as electric bass. In addition to weekly private lessons, most students participate bi-monthly group lessons/ensembles. All students have the opportunity to perform in 3-4 studio recitals per year, either as soloists or as members of a bass ensemble. Nobody is too young, old, or small to learn to play the bass!
What is Suzuki Bass?
Dr. Suzuki, a violinist and teacher in Japan, marveled that all children learn to speak their native language (a complex and sophisticated skill even for adults) and he began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music and called it the mother-tongue approach. He felt that the concept of inborn talent was artificial and limiting. He believed that given the right set of circumstances, all children could learn to play music and learn to play well. Suzuki students often begin taking lessons at 3 or 4 years of age. Double bass is one of the newest members of the Suzuki family, and I am happy to bring the double bass to the Seattle Suzuki community! Though the double bass is the largest instrument in the string family, there are 1/32nd size instruments available that allow children as young as 3 years old to start learning the bass.
About Anna Doak
Anna Doak graduated magna cum laude from Cornish College of the Arts with a B.A. in double bass performance. She is currently a member of the Northwest Sinfonietta and on faculty at the Japan-Seattle Suzuki Institute. Formerly principal bassist with the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, Anna has also performed with the Seattle Symphony, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Astoria Music Festival, Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival, and on numerous recording projects. Anna taught bass at Western Washington University in Bellingham before having a family and has since focused on building her Seattle home teaching studio. Her arrangements for double bass trio have been published and performed world wide.
Each day of practice brings you to closer to the enlightenment of having music as a lifelong artistic pursuit!
Call or email for schedule details and lesson rates.
Anna Doak
(206) 784-6626
Need a bass to get started with? Check out our rentals page.
Check our calendar for upcoming master classes, concerts and other bass activities.
Hear Anna play with Northwest Sinfonietta.
Watch the Videos!
Japan-Seattle Suzuki Institute 2012 Double Bass Program
2013 dates Aug 5-9 www.japanseattle.org
