BASS PROGRAM
The Bass Program at Musicians Institute, led by a world-class staff of professional bassists, combines intensive technical training with applied performances.
Students of the bass school will take classes that will equip them to handle any style of music, from funk, rock, jazz, R&B, and more, making them diverse players in the industry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MI
SETTING THE STANDARD FOR TOP BASS PROGRAMS
MI’s Bass programs have been setting the standard for contemporary bass education for over three decades. Under the direction of a world-class teaching staff of professional bassists, you’ll develop the techniques, musicianship and technological expertise needed to be a successful working musician. At MI, you’ll get playing experience to handle any style from funk to rock, jazz, Latin, R&B and more, while you also unlock your unique playing style.
Aside from offering foundational bass classes, MI’s performing opportunities are unmatched, with graduates performing, recording, producing, composing and anchoring rhythm sections on stages and studios all around the world.
BASS DEGREES OFFERED
MASTER OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
the Master of Music in Performance (Bass) from Musicians Institute offers a variety of bass classes, lessons, and courses to help you learn bass guitar, improve your skills, and play bass at an advanced level. The bass program combines advanced performance training with additional study in traditional and contemporary disciplines such as music theory, bass lines, and music history. Additionally, students can study education, research skills, recording technology, production, business relations, and online brand management. The Master of Music in Performance (Bass) program is designed to take your bass skills to the highest level, providing you with the tools you need to succeed as a professional bassist. Whether you want to record music in a studio, play bass in a band, or teach bass lessons, this program can help you achieve your career goals in the music industry.
BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
This unique degree program combines contemporary music performance training with the in-depth study of traditional disciplines such as music theory, sight-reading, arranging, conducting, and bass lines. In addition, the program also covers recording, music history, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain the skills they need to succeed as professional bassists in today’s music industry. Students will learn to demonstrate stylistic depth, creative maturity, and professional competence through bass classes, lessons, and performing opportunities. Whether you’re looking to learn bass guitar, improve your skills, or play bass professionally, the Musicians Institute’s bass program provides a solid foundation. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and goals. By the end of the program, students will have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a professional bassist.
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
The intensive A.A. curriculum is designed to prepare students to perform in any professional situation while also providing training in professional development skills such as basic computer use, EPK creation, resume and bio writing, and social media for business and networking. The Associate of Arts Degree program is perfect for those looking to learn bass guitar, take bass lessons, or improve their bass skills, and is intended to equip students with the knowledge and training needed to become professional performers in today’s music industry. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering everything from bass technique and music theory to bass lines and performance training. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bassist, the Associate of Arts Degree program at Musicians Institute provides a solid foundation for a successful career in music. You’ll have access to a variety of bass classes, lessons, and performing opportunities, allowing you to develop your skills in a real-world setting.
CERTIFICATE OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE
Earning the Certificate in MI Performance Studies program for Bass provides students with the opportunity to learn bass guitar, bass lessons, and bass techniques. The program takes an innovative 360-degree approach to music education, focusing on Harmony, Theory, and Ear Training, with core subjects in Reading, Technique, and Performance. The Certificate program in Performance Studies is designed to provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge and practical experience in bass playing, encouraging the rapid development of skills in preparation for a range of professional music performance situations. Whether you’re looking to play bass in a band, record music in a studio, or teach bass lessons, this program can help you achieve your career goals in the music industry.
MI SELECT & NON-CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Musicians Institute offers MI Select, a range of non-certificate programs that provide students with an opportunity to take bass guitar lessons and get a taste of MI without committing to full-time study. With MI Select, students can create their own customized schedule by choosing from a variety of available bass classes and workshops. In addition to bass lessons, students in the MI Select program will also have access to special guest clinics, extra activities, and other industry networking opportunities. This makes the program an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their skills in bass guitar lessons while also making valuable connections in the music industry. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bassist, the MI Select program offers a flexible and customizable approach to music education. By taking bass guitar lessons through MI Select, you can develop your skills and achieve your goals at your own pace.
BASS GUITAR CAREERS
In addition to the many general music-related classes and electives offered at our bass college, our bass college program provides grads with the essential knowledge and skills that lead to such career options as:
PERFORMER
ACCOMPANIST (STUDIO OR LIVE)
ARRANGER
BAND MEMBER
PRODUCT REP
SONGWRITER
MUSIC DIRECTOR
TRANSCRIBER
COPYIST
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
BASS TEACHER
BASS GUITAR PROGRAM DETAILS
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
- All aspects of theory and musicianship for the electric and upright bass
- Playing techniques for finger and slap styles
- Exposure to various grooves like rock, funk, shuffles, swing, odd- meter, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, country, and jam-band
- Performance classes to fine-tune listening skills and stage presence
- Experience with chart reading and band interaction
- Fretboard basics covering triads, chords, scales, harmonies and arpeggios
- Includes music theory, ear training, music history, and understanding of different styles
- Reading fundamentals for the bass clef, with rhythmic subdivisions, pitch identification, and string positions
- A choice of elective classes for topics like upright acoustic bass as well as genres like metal, R&B and jazz
COURSE CATALOG
For a detailed look at all of MI’s program offerings, you can find the course catalog here.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: BACHELOR
Bachelor of Music Degree requirements include completion of 30 semester-units or 45 quarter-units of coursework in General Studies. For more info, please see the MI Course Catalog.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: CERTIFICATE
Musicians Institute programs are fast paced and certain fundamental musical skills are required before you can begin your program. If you meet entry requirements and are accepted, a one-on-one performance evaluation and placement testing will be held during registration to determine whether you qualify for advanced placement in any area of course work. You are evaluated based on the content of your submission. For more info, please see the MI Course Catalog.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Musicians Institute offers many opportunities for scholarships in all of our programs. Please visit our Scholarship page for more information.
FINANCIAL AID
Please visit MI’s Financial Aid page for all the details on how you can qualify.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students make up nearly one-fourth of MI’s total student population, representing more than 50 countries throughout the world while creating a unique and diverse learning environment, full of endless opportunities in Hollywood and beyond. For more info, please visit the International Students page.
FACILITIES
- Full production sound stages and recording studios
- Fully equipped practice facilities and computer labs with the latest industry standard equipment
- Concert Hall access, with full audio/video recording capabilities
- Multiple performance and recording studios available for student practice
BASS GUITAR SUCCESS STORIES
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Our faculty pool is comprised of dedicated, working processionals in the competitive Los Angeles music scene. These passionate masters offer clear guidance and nurturing designed to make the students get the most out of their time at MI.
ALEXIS SKLAREVSKI
CREDITS: CROSBY, STILLS & NASH, MANHATTAN TRANSFER, JACKSON BROWNE, DWEEZIL & AHMET ZAPPA, ALBERT LEE, CAROLE KING
LYMAN MEDEIROS
CREDITS: STEVE TYRELL, DIANE SCHUUR, ALEX ACUNA, ERIC MARIENTHAL, MARY CLAYTON, LEW SOLOFF, BYRON STRIPLING
DAVE KEIF
CREDITS: MARK LINDSAY, RITA COOLIDGE, ETTA JAMES; AND TV SHOWS AND MOVIES INCLUDING “SMALLVILLE” AND “THE HORSE WHISPERER”
IS THE MI BASS PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re looking to learn bass guitar or improve your bass playing, MI’s bass program is a great choice. The program offers a wide range of bass classes, lessons, and courses, covering everything from basic bass technique to advanced music theory and bass lines. The program is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to your specific interests and goals.
In addition to the bass classes and lessons, MI’s bass program also provides students with a variety of elective courses to choose from. Whether you want to focus on advanced improvisation techniques, sight-reading, music production, or other areas, you can find courses that suit your needs.
One of the key advantages of studying bass at MI is the performing opportunities available to students. MI’s bass students have access to a range of performance opportunities, including concerts, recitals, and jam sessions. These experiences allow students to develop their skills in a real-world setting, build their confidence, and make valuable connections in the music industry.
MI’s bass program also emphasizes the development of each student’s unique playing style. While the program provides a strong foundation in bass technique and theory, it also encourages students to find their own voice on the instrument. This approach helps students develop a distinct musical identity and stand out in a crowded music industry.
Upon graduation, MI’s bass students are well-equipped to pursue careers as professional musicians, producers, composers, and more. Many graduates have gone on to work with some of the biggest names in music, performing on stage and in studios around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your bass playing to the next level, MI’s bass program offers a comprehensive and rewarding education in contemporary bass guitar.