I love listening to music, studying music and playing the bass.

This way of life began with a slightly unhealthy obsession with the bass stylings of Flea (RHCP etc.), who inspired me to take up the instrument.

After countless, slightly questionable renditions of various Chili Pepper tunes, I would seek to learn more and improve myself as a musician and bassist. This led to me studying for a degree in professional music performance at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford, where I would be fortunate enough to learn from, and be hugely inspired by some truly great musicians/teachers.

My time at ACM provided me with the opportunity to develop a high level of technical ability on my instrument as well as a strong musical ear, time feel and knowledge of music theory. I was also exposed to more new music than I had ever experienced before, leading to a confidence and ability to perform in a variety of different musical styles.

My teaching career began at Access to Music, Brighton, where I worked on placement whilst studying for the Certificate of Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS). This involved designing and delivering sessions on electric bass styles, music theory, ear training and reading music, as well as working as an assistant tutor for live performance workshops. I now teach the electric bass privately, on a one to one basis, in the Brighton & Hove area.

Over the years I have had huge amounts of pleasure (and some amounts of pain) performing music in a variety of different settings, from rock/pop covers to progtronica (whatever that is) to musical theatre productions. I remain wholly passionate about music and continuing to learn and improve myself as a musician, bassist and teacher.

Thank you for reading,

John.

My Equipment:

Lakland Darryl Jones 4 String Jazz Bass
Lakland 55-02 5 String Bass

Mark Bass SA450 Head
Mark Bass Standard 4x10 HR Cabinet

Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
Boss ODB-3 Bass Overdrive
Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus
Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synth