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Music Performance

BASS

For students with the courage, drive, and perseverance to become great bass players, McNally Smith provides a unique and individualized learning opportunity. Department Head Terry Burns and his staff have designed and developed a comprehensive bass department curriculum that utilizes the electric and upright bass in a variety of musical genres, from jazz and rock, to country and funk. The Department emphasizes sight-reading and interpretive skills, both stylistically and musically. Graduates of this program are ready to perform professionally on stage or in the studio.

Download the Bass Audition Requirements here (pdf).
KEY CLASSES

History of the Bass and Popular Music
This class explores the cornerstone role played by the bass guitar in jazz, pop, Latin, and rock music. To gain a wide perspective on contemporary bass playing, students study and analyze the contributions of milestone players like Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, Robbie Shakespeare and Geddy Lee.

Contemporary Music Literature
This course immerses the student in rock, funk, blues, reggae, country, and other modern repertoire through live performance in a nurturing, non-judgmental environment that fosters skill, confidence, and healthy competition.

Technique, Reading, Applied Theory and Music Interpretation
Applied theory and music interpretation develop the language of the bass.

 

Commonly Searched Phrases: Bass Guitar School | Music Production School | Music Business College

 

CAREERS
 

  • Bass Tech/Specialist
  • Musical Director
  • Private Instructor
  • Producer/Composer
  • Recording/Touring Artist
  • Worship Ensemble Leader

    Jeff Bailey
    Jeffrey Bailey is the newest member of the Bass Department at McNally Smith College.
  • Jeff Bailey
    • Terry Burns
    Department Head
    Terry has been a professional bassist for over 25 years, working with such greats as Rufus Reid, Linda Rondstadt, Gene Harris, and Billy Rodgers.
  • Terry Burns
    • Charles Fletcher
    An accomplished electric bassist, Charles Fletcher brings his 4-string, 5-string, and 6-string fretted and fretless bass talents to a wide variety of performances.
  • Charles Fletcher
    • Gary Raynor
    Gary’s diverse credits include working with Sammy Davis, Jr., the Count Basie Orchestra, Herb Ellis, and Debbie Duncan
  • Gary Raynor
    • Travis Schilling
    Performing over 200 shows a year Travis can be seen in a multitude of musical settings including musical theater, jazz and pop country.
  • Travis Schilling
    • Jay Young
    Jay is a freelance performer and educator as well as the founder and president of Cartouche Records.
  • Jay Young
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