This class for all bass instruments with strings will help you create more fluid and dynamic lines using these elements of music: rhythm, harmony, melody, and tone. We will focus on technique and introduce exercises tailored to each student’s needs. Closed position scales and patterns, arpeggios, and pentatonics are some of the topics that will be covered. All concepts and exercises will be applied to repertoire; bring your songs! All levels welcome.

Karen Horner

Karen Horner has been studying and playing the bass since age 11. She has been in the ranks of the Bay Area Freeway Philharmonic (regional orchestras) and has performed professionally many styles of music including jazz, bluegrass, gospel, salsa, and folk. Some of the artists she has performed and recorded with include: Linda Tillery, Kitka, Don Burnham, Rick Dougherty (Kingston Trio), Bobby Black, Will Scarlett, John Handy, and Mike Marshall, to name a few. She holds a Masters of Music in Doublebass Performance, and has done post-graduate studies at the JazzSchool, San Francisco State, and Holy Names. Karen recently retired from teaching music in public schools in Hayward, California and resides in Berkeley.