Hello prospective students! I am currently accepting private students, both in person and online, who are interested in exploring the world of bass and all things music. Whether you play the double bass, electric bass, and are a beginner, looking to refine your skills, or want to get back into playing bass, I would be happy to help guide you in your musical experiences.

I have a diverse musical background and thus can provide a diverse curriculum that fits your wants and needs in music. Whether it’s working on music for orchestra, learning how to improvise basslines and solos in a jazz context, exploring diverse musical styles, or learning your favorite pop songs so you can rock out with your friends, I am there for it and would be happy to help you learn!

My teaching background is extensive. Over the past 5 years I have taught private lessons, group lessons, coached string orchestras and jazz bands, and taught general music for grades PreK-6. I employ a variety of formal and informal learning methods in approach, allowing me to maintain a flexible approach to your interests in music. Inspired by Paulo Freire, I believe in a student-teacher and teacher-student relationship and actively aim to practice this in my teaching.

In my private teaching I have taught a wide range of ages (10-60) and also have experience working with students on the autism spectrum and other learning exceptionalities.

If you are interested in taking lessons with me, please fill out this Google Form and read the FAQ below in regards to rates, location, and other topics.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAIPfL4zEkggputS3h8-StejWV56Vat6an7hrevfL5kBJdjQ/viewform

Best,

Sean Riddle

What are your lesson rates?

  • Currently I charge $35 for 30 minutes, $50 for 45 minutes, and $65 for an hour.

Where do you offer lessons?

  • I am able to provide in person lessons at my your home or at my home in Hatfield, MA.

  • If you live a reasonable distance within the 5 Colleges area in Western Massachusetts (i.e. Northampton, Hadley, Amherst, Sunderland) I can offer lessons in your home. If you live any further, I will either have to charge a travel fee or would prefer to work with you at my home.

FAQ

Do you offer online lessons?

  • Yes! If you are not in the Western Massachusetts area but would still like to take lessons with me, I would be happy to work with you over Zoom.

What is your cancelation/rescheduling policy?

  • Unless in the case of an emergency, please give me at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your lesson. If not, students will be charged for the missed lesson.

  • If I need to reschedule or cancel a lesson, you will not be charged.

What payment methods do you accept?

  • I am able to take payments by check, cash, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal.

What is your suggested lesson length?

  • For children, I generally recommend 30 minutes for grades 5-7, 45 minutes for grades 7-10, and an hour for grades 11 and up. I am flexible though to your needs.

  • For advanced students and adults, I generally find at least 45 minutes to best.

What are your practice expectations?

  • I encourage my students to practice at least 5 days a week.

  • The amount of time varies on your experience and also general life schedule. I know life can get hectic, but even just focusing practicing one thing for 10 minutes 5 days a week is far more effective than trying to cram in 3 hours of practice!