Music has been a long time passion for me, and nothing brings more joy than seeing an aspiring musician achieve success. I provide beginning music lessons for people of all ages on acoustic guitar, electric bass, double bass and voice. My goal is to share music and music theory to help the student easily learn, play and memorize music. Let's connect for a free first lesson.
Contact Info:
Chris Dugmore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbassbeat
Email: justbassbeat@gmail.com
Text or VM: 703-996-9290
I began playing guitar at age 13. I could barely reach the E string to make a G chord. Starting young allowed me to develop muscle memory for chord changes and it seemed easy. But I know I spent hours working through chords like kids today on YouTube. Seeing my continued interest, my dad recommended I pick up the double bass because there were good music programs in college. I played my double bass in my high school band .. it was like a throw back to the early "Rockabilly" of the 1950s. Sadly, I didn't realize how cool it was at the time. I played in orchestra and jazz band in school.
In college, I started as music major. I completed my music theory, musicianship and composition classes but it was really cool to play with other musicians. Jazz band and choir were great opportunities. These classes really challenged and stretched my music abilities. To this day, the second most influential person, the first is my dad, in my musical life was my choir director, George Attarian. He was patient, kind and pushed me to be better. He also submitted my name to sing in the Olympic Honor choir which performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics. It was awesome to be directed by John Williams at the event. Being taught by George made me want to be a teacher.
During the mid-1980s to early 1990s, I began working as a contemporary music director for churches in Southern California. And, this is when I began teaching high school students how to sing, and play guitar and bass. It was great to see these young students grow and learn.
Today, I play electric bass, acoustic guitar and double bass in an Americana style band at farmer’s markets and local breweries. I am still a student studying jazz on the double bass with a teacher remotely. It’s great having a teacher to set goals and help me push myself. A teacher also pushes me toward music and artists I don't already know, and provides new challenges for musical growth. I like all styles of music. Currently I’m influenced by Scott Mulvahill, Katie Thiroux, Post Modern Jukebox & Lake Street Dive... to name just a few. And am working to join a local community orchestra.
About Teaching
Your success and enjoyment in music is my goal. The first lesson is free and is an hour long. This is for us to get to know each other, develop an understanding of your long-term goals and your current ability. For lessons to be successful, I'd like three songs from you that you want to learn before we meet. Together we’ll break the songs down into its parts - chorus, verse, bridge - to understand the chords and musical structure and rhythms. We’ll also work on technique - chords and scales: major, minor, modes, etc… these will be exercises that build strength, agility, and accuracy. These will also help with learning the notes and patterns all over the neck. The lesson break down will be 70/30- 70 percent learning songs, 30 percent technique. You’ll need to keep a practice log and together we’ll work on a written practice plan. While this sounds like work, the focus on songs you like and be should be fun. I hope this sounds like more fun than work.
Reach out and tell me about yourself? Do you have a specific goal? Whose music do you like and what are your influences? I'm looking forward to learning more about your goals and seeing if we can make lessons work. Let me know if you’re interested and available for the free lesson.