Upright and Electric Bass Lessons + Jazz/Classical small group coaching!

For lesson inquiries email Robin.Betton@gmail.com

Private lessons are sold in package format. 4x per month 1 hour in duration per lesson. Cost is $400 per month.

Skype lesson package 4x per month for 1 hour each are $240/month.

Small group coaching $100/month per student meeting once a week for each student.

For lesson, coaching/workshop inquiries email Robin.Betton@gmail.com

*24 cancellation notice must given by student or parents of student. No shows or less than 24 hours cannot be made up.

For those in the Boston/Cambridge Area and especially students attending Harvard, MIT, Emerson, Berklee etc… I am now offering music lessons!

https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/people/robin-betton

Small Group Coaching

In conjunction with one on one tutoring and mentorship I coach groups ages k-12, young adults and adults in

groups how to play and communicate confidently and proficiently(Jazz, Classical/chamber, Rock/Pop,

Funk/R&B). I introduce songs (listening sessions) to the group and we

choose together what "set list" we want to perform together. Students immediately learn the song structure,

basics on chart reading, and expressing musical dynamics. Students learn to work as a team to accomplish

musical goals. Once students learn to interact I teach them to how to record themselves as a group.

About Me

All the knowledge and skills I offer are synthesized from the materials and lessons I've learned from my time at New England Conservatory BM Jazz Studies ‘12 and Oberlin Conservatory.

My two primary influences are Richard Davis who I studied with during high school.  I received private lessons at his home in Madison WI.

My second main influence was Eddie Gomez who I studied privately with at Oberlin Conservatory when my main teacher Peter Dominguez was on sabbatical.

Shortly after Eddie encouraged me to transfer to New England Conservatory where I studied privately with Cecil Mcbee, John Lockwood, John Mcneil, Ran Blake and Joe Morris. 

JAZZ BASS ONLINE COURSE

Right and Left Hand coordination w/ technical exercises and etudes

Developing an accurate sense of Time and good Sound with references and analysis of recordings of famous jazz bass players 

Accurate intonation

Hear before you play, play what you hear improvisation excercises

Jazz Scales, Modes and Chords

Best ways to learn and memorize forms

Soloing and Improvisation

Strategies for playing with groups and preparing for jam sessions

 

Testimonials:

“Over the past two years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to sit in on weekly private lessons Robin Betton has given my Grandson. Amidst the pandemic, these lesson were initially online lessons, are now in-person. Regardless of how the lessons were conducted, Robin formed a connection with my Grandson and continually explored methods and styles of instruction to which he best responds"

The lessons began as ear-training incorporating theory and solfège, then branched out to include electric and upright bass technique, reading and notation, and music technology and film scoring utilizing midi keyboards and digital audio workstations. Robin struck a perfect balance between firmness and patience with my Grandson, clearly communicating concepts in ways relatable to this particular student’s interests and individual needs. Robin has a clear talent and passion for music, but that alone does not make for good teacher. I have worked in and with higher education institutions for most of my life. I know a good teacher when I see one. Robin is such a teacher. Any organization—and more importantly—any student of his, would be lucky to have him.

-Kevin C.

Billy M.

"I have only taken one lesson with Robin and have been learning bass on and off for 2 years. In just our first meeting Robin not only pointed out ways I could increase technical ease on the bass, but also explained methods to facilitate finding my own sound. I couldn't have had a better experience. He answered every question I had, was very easy to work with and left me feeling inspired!"

Ben T.

"Robin has taught me to try and play music in much the same way that one should try to live life.  To be in the moment, thoughtful, and aware.  His ability as a musician is surpassed only by his ability to be a compassionate human being"