19 Winter Crescent, Reservoir VIC, Australia
Double Bass Lessons | Electric Bass Lessons | Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, VCE Music Exam Preparation, Skype Lessons
Bio
James Lockwood is a professional upright bassist, bass guitarist, and bandleader working in Melbourne and throughout Victoria. A graduate with Honours of The Victorian College Of The Arts, James specialises in performing and teaching Jazz and the Bebop idiom of the 1940’s and early 1950’s.
James freelances extensively throughout Melbourne and Victoria, and may be heard performing with Jazz ensembles, classical groups, pop and rock bands, and theatre orchestras.
In addition, James leads his own ensemble, The James Lockwood Trio, which performs the music of Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Barry Harris, and others in the Bebop style of the 1940’s and early 1950’s. This ensemble presents the upright bass as the leading voice of the ensemble, and serves as a vehicle for James’ exploration of the Jazz and Bebop repertoires alongside his personal improvisational style.
Teaching Info
James’ approach to teaching improvisation is informed by the teachings of the late pianist, composer, and educator Dr. Barry Harris, and emphasies an approach to musical learning based in the Jazz tradition and the professional requirements of a working musician.
James has undertaken a sustained and in-depth study Bebop and the musical legacy of Dr. Harris, and specialises in teaching Dr. Harris’ harmonic and improvisational pedagogy.
James’ teaching employs the development of instrumental technique, in addition to developing musical literacy through guided transcriptions of vocal parts, instrumental solos, and basslines.
In addition, James has undertaken extensive study of the methodology of Franco-Syrian bassist and virtuoso Francois Rabbath, and may work with students of all levels on developing foundational bowing and left-hand technique, in addition to assisting students in their studies of publications by Rabbath or related works by George Vance. These studies are perfect for beginner bassists, and offer a strong foundation throughout the whole range of the bass, allowing for further study in any field of the students choosing.