Tuition

Professional Bass Lessons in Leeds

Geoff Chalmers is an experienced electric and double bass teacher who has taught at schools, colleges and universities. He is the visiting bass tutor at Hull University, teaching undergraduate and masters students. He also teaches privately and is currently accepting new students in Leeds.


"I teach bass guitar and double bass covering all styles and abilities from beginners to degree level students."

"I’m passionate about teaching and tailor my lessons to the needs of the student. If you are just beginning, or want help developing your playing please get in touch with any questions, for details of rates and availability."



Testimonials

 

Sam Edgington      

Ex student Sam is now a professional bassist living in London. Vist his Website Here. He also runs music agency Articulate Music.

'Geoff Chalmers taught me bass guitar and helped me achieve Grade 8 distinction. I would highly recommend him as he is an extremely committed teacher. His lessons are well adapted to suit individual students.
I have since gone onto become a professional bass player based in London. I have played for various shows including Hairspray, West Side Story, Rent, Oliver, Honk, Godspell, Sweet Charity, Songs for a New World, Fame and many more - at venues such as the National Theatre, Richmond Theatre, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Leeds Riley Smith Hall, Theatre Royal Wakefield, The Electric Theatre, and the Beck Theatre Hayes.'



Kevin Bennett            

Ex student, now a pro bassist working in China. Visit his website here.

'I had lessons with Geoff between September 2008 and January 2009. I first met Geoff at Scarborough Jazz Club in the summer of 2008, he was playing with he Julia Wray Quartet and I was playing in a Jazz/Funk band who opened the gig. Speaking to Geoff I quickly realised how much of a nice guy he is and as soon as I saw him play I was blown away. He played the first half of the gig on double bass and the second on a 5 string electric and was superb on both instruments. After the gig we chatted more and I asked about the possibility of getting some lessons and Geoff immediately pointed out things that we could work on from watching me play earlier in the night.

At the time I was living in Scarborough and Geoff in Leeds (140 mile round trip, which once took me almost 5 hours in the snow!) so I would drive to him every other week for an hour and a half lesson (1 hour electric bass and 30 minutes double bass). I really enjoyed the lessons and they were a lot of fun, there was no shortage of Yorkshire Tea and Geoff certainly wasn't clock watching, Geoff would make sure I got the most out of our time together and lessons would often run over if abit of extra time was needed to ensure we covered what we needed to and I understood what I had to practice before the next lesson.

When learning with Geoff I felt seriously motivated to practice and work on my playing. The lessons were tailored to what I felt I wanted to work on and Geoff would also have his expert input on this. I was especially interested playing jazz (walking and soloing as well as jazz harmony), sight reading, improving my left and right hand technique and general musicianship. I also wanted to take up double bass and try and get myself to basic standard. In the short period of time I got lesson from Geoff I seen massive improvements in my playing and I don't feel that it would have been possible without Geoff's expert guidance.

Sadly I had to stop lessons with Geoff when he moved from Leeds to Manchester but if I was ever within a commutable distance from him in future I'd certainly be in touch for more lessons. I would wholeheartedly recommend Geoff to anyone wanting to take their bass playing to the next step. I have had some bass lessons since moving back to Teesside and although they were with really great players I didn't feel that their ability to teach was as high, certainly not when compared to what I was used to with Geoff.'


Richard Friedrich       

'I had the pleasure of being a student of Geoff back in '03 through '07 (I believe, it's been a while!)

The level of expertise and guidance that I received was brilliant and I honestly believe it was because of Geoff's outstanding musical knowledge in both classical theory and jazz/pop and his natural ability to teach that I progressed exponentially faster than I would have with another tutor or through self learning. Moreover, he opened my eyes to all kinds of playing and how I can incorporate them as a bass player.

In a relatively short amount of time I was taught the basics of bass playing, musical theory, improvisation and advanced bass techniques.

He's truly an outstanding tutor and player in all levels as I experienced all the way from beginner up - he knows his stuff and he certainly knows how to teach it.

An absolutely great guy, tutor and bass player; due to personal dedications of mine I had to leave the area, but given the chance in the future, there is no doubt in my mind that I would go back to him for further tuition. I would not recommend anyone else as highly as Geoff - either for bass guitar, double bass tuition or BOTH!'

Nick Merriam      

'I just want to emphasis what an inspirational teacher Geoff is. He will get the most out of you and then a bit more than you expected'