Upright Bass Teachers NYC

Study one-on-one with professional upright bassists who are active in New York's live music scene. Jazz, rock, funk, Latin, Brazilian — all levels welcome at our Midtown Manhattan studio.

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Whether you’re just learning how to tune or mastering your improv technique, our upright bass teachers in NYC will meet you exactly where you are. The New York Jazz Workshop offers private upright bass lessons with a roster of working professional bassists and dedicated educators.

Our approach is rooted in jazz, but our teachers are versatile performers fluent in rock, funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and contemporary styles. Developing your jazz foundation will make you a stronger musician in any genre.

Upright bass lessons can take place at our dedicated studio in Midtown Manhattan, at your teacher’s studio in neighborhoods across the city, or online from anywhere in the world. You can also explore our full faculty here.

Why Study Upright Bass at the New York Jazz Workshop?

Professional NYC Musicians

Every teacher is an active performer on the NYC music scene. You learn technique and musicality from someone who plays it every night.

All Styles, All Levels

Complete beginners to advanced players — jazz, rock, funk, Latin, Brazilian and more. Our teachers build a foundation that travels across every genre.

Flexible Location & Free Studio Time

In-person at our Midtown Manhattan studio (studio time is free when you lesson there), at your teacher’s studio elsewhere in the city, or online from anywhere in the world.

Simple Scheduling & Billing

We handle booking, scheduling, and billing through our platform. You focus on playing — we take care of the logistics.

W-2 Employees & Fully Insured

We hire our teachers as W-2 employees. That means fair pay, sick leave, access to a retirement plan with employer matching, and full payroll protections — something that’s still rare in music education, but shouldn’t be. All teachers are also covered by workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.

The NYJW Guarantee

Not satisfied after your first lesson? We’ll connect you with a different instructor at no additional cost. Your progress is our priority.

Meet Our Upright Bass Teachers in NYC

All teachers offer in-person lessons in Manhattan and/or Brooklyn, and online lessons worldwide.

Andrea Veneziani

Private Double Bass lesson Private Electric Bass lesson Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Bass Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Biography Bassist and composer Andrea V. performs extensively within the improvised music scene, across a broad spectrum of genres. His instrumental tone, sensitivity and imagination, and melodic approach to a supposedly clumsy instrument brought him to perform and record with many established musicians such as Ralph Alessi, Kenny Werner, Houston Person, Jean-Michel Pilc, Brian Lynch, Jacob Sacks, Kenny Wessel, Tony Moreno, John Stowell, Roberto Gatto, Tom Guarna, […]

Rates start at: $103
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Maryann McSweeney

Private Double Bass lesson Private Electric Bass lesson Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Double Bass, Electric Bass Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Biography Maryann McSweeney was born in Aptos, California. She started playing piano at the age of five and then began studying the violin at age 8. In high school she fell in love with the acoustic bass while watching Ray Brown perform at the Concord Jazz Festival. She was chosen to play at the Monterey Jazz Festival at age 16 with the All Star […]

Rates start at: $151
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Dave Ambrosio

Upright Bass Lesson Online Bass Lesson Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Bass Overview Private Lessons Locations Biography David Ambrosio has been one of New York City’s most respected freelance musicians and educators for over 25 years. As a bandleader, his current projects include CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE: Blue Note Records in the Progressive ’60s, featuring Grammy-nominated saxophonist Donny McCaslin and drumming icon Victor Lewis, as well as the David Ambrosio Trio with renowned saxophonist Loren Stillman. Beyond his own ensembles, David is the co-leader of the David Ambrosio/Russ […]

Rates start at: $154
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Sean Conly

Electric Bass Double Bass Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Electric Bass, Double Bass Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Biography Sean Conly is a bassist (electric/contrabass) composer  and bass teacher whose love and affection for a huge spectrum of the world’s music have made him an extremely versatile performer. As a teacher. player and a writer, Sean is constantly looking for ways to mix the traditional bass playing with the new, in an never ending journey to mix melody harmony rhythm and sound […]

Rates start at: $91
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Joe Fonda

Beginner Intermediate Advanced In Person Online

Acoustic Bass Overview Private Lessons Locations Photos & Videos Teaching Topics and Philosophy Topics:At the New York Jazz Workshop, Joe Fonda leads the Jazz Creation class and offers private instruction in bass for all levels. His teaching covers a wide range of subjects including instrumental technique, harmony, composition, improvisation, and ensemble communication. He also explores spontaneous composition and interdisciplinary collaboration, helping students develop their personal voice in jazz and beyond. Philosophy:Joe believes in nurturing the […]

Rates start at: $126
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Not sure which teacher is right for you? Contact us and we’ll match you with the best fit based on your goals, schedule, and location.

The NYJW Guarantee: If you’re not fully satisfied after your first lesson, we’ll connect you with a different instructor at no additional charge. Your progress matters — and we stand behind every teacher on our roster.

How Private Upright Bass Lessons Work at NYJW

Lesson Format

All lessons are private and one-on-one, typically 45 or 60 minutes. Your teacher tailors every session to your goals — technique, repertoire, reading, or improvisation. Lessons are purchased in packages for convenience.

Where Lessons Take Place

  • Our Midtown Manhattan studio at 265 West 37th Street
  • Your teacher’s private studio in Brooklyn or other NYC neighborhoods
  • Online via Zoom or FaceTime — available worldwide

Scheduling & Billing

Scheduling is handled through our online platform at https://app.newyorkjazzworkshop.com. Lesson packages are billed monthly. You can reschedule with reasonable notice, and our team is always available to help.

What to Expect

Your first lesson is an assessment and orientation — your teacher will get to know your background and goals, then design a learning path that makes sense for you. Progress is visible from the very first session.

We hire our teachers as W-2 employees. That means fair pay, sick leave, access to a retirement plan with employer matching, and full payroll protections — something that’s still rare in music education, but shouldn’t be.

Ready to Start Your Upright Bass Journey?

Browse our teachers above, pick the right fit, and buy a lesson package directly online — or contact us and we’ll help match you.

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