Bass Workshop

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Berklee's Boston campus on Massachusetts Avenue

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Learn what it means to become a versatile performer. Hosted by the Berklee Bass Department and Victor Wooten, you'll expand your musical vocabulary by experiencing a diverse range of styles. Improve your overall musicianship, apply new techniques to your performance, and develop an appreciation for new styles of music.

2021 Program Information

Program dates:	Monday, August 16–Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Registration fee:	$50
Tuition:	$750
Housing:	$480
Payment deadline:	July 1, 2021
Move in:	10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16
Move out:	Wednesday, August 18 by 7:00 p.m.
Age range:	15 years and older

What is the curriculum like?

The Bass Workshop offers master classes, clinics, faculty concerts, and jam sessions. Classes will be led by faculty in Berklee's Bass Department, including Victor Wooten.

Every participant's schedule will include a class in each of the following:

Master classes: Attend small-group, lesson-format master clasess led by hand-picked faculty on different practice, technique, and performance methods.
Clinics: Steve Bailey, Victor Wooten, and special guests will present clinics on ear training, theory, and general musicianship
Ensembles: Expand your rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic skills in small ensembles each day.
Faculty concerts: Explore new styles as you take in the performances by our renowned Bass Department faculty. Friday evening's concert will feature all of the Bass faculty, and Saturday evening's concert will feature Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten.
Jam sessions: Play with other students and faculty members in various styles through this informal performance opportunity.

What is the schedule?

Below is a sample of a typical day in the program.

Time	Event
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.	Breakfast
9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.	Announcements
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.	Clinic with Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten
11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.	Master Class
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.	Lunch
2:15 p.m.–3:45 p.m.	Ensembles
4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.	Faculty Q&A
5:45 p.m.–7:15 p.m.	Dinner
7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.	Faculty Concert
9:15 p.m.–10:15 p.m.	Jam Sessions

Schedule subject to change

What are the performance opportunities?

The program will feature several jam sessions where students can apply new techniques from master classes and perform with other students and faculty, including Victor Wooten.

What are the requirements to attend?

All students 15 and older with six months of playing experience on electric or acoustic bass are welcome to attend.

Please note:This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.

What do I need to bring?

Students should bring their instrument and any necessary accessories. We provide amplifiers for all participants to use in our classes. Amplifiers are not provided for use in practice rooms, so you may elect to bring a set of practice headphones and a small practice amplifier.

If you intend to stay in the Berklee residence halls while participating in the program, please also review what to bring for your room on the housing page.

Meet Your Mentors: Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten

As chair of the Bass Department, Steve Bailey is a constant source of inspiration, whether it's career advice or the long list of heavy-hitting bassists that he's brought to campus to work with students, including legendary virtuoso Victor Wooten, who also serves as a visiting artist for the Bass Workshop.

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