This course accommodates all levels and styles of music–––whether you are interested in Classical, Jazz, Rock, Funk, Pop, Punk Rock, etc. Gerry will primarily concentrate on ways to improve one's technical ability. 

Beginners can expect to learn the following:

• How to read music;
• How to tune the bass;
• Major, minor, pentatonic and blues scales;
• Arpeggios;
• Chord symbols and what they mean;
• Constructing bass lines; and
• Beginning classical studies and repertoire (Simandl Book I).

Intermediate students can expect continuing work on scales and arpeggios, exploration of whatever styles they are interested in, improvisation, exploring Simandl Book II, Simandl 30 Etudes and expanding your repertoire in your preferred styles.

Advanced students can expect the advanced study of melodic and harmonic concepts (jazz, classical, rock etc.), expanding repertoire, advanced technical studies and Gerry will also watch and listen to you play and offer critique and advice on how to address whatever deficiencies are present.

About the Instructor: While Gerry Pineda is well known for his bass playing, he actually started his musical journey by playing the piano aged just nine years old. It wasn't until he discovered The Beatles a year later that he decided to switch to playing the guitar. Inspired by Paul McCartney and his catchy bass lines he then switched again to the electric bass guitar, which he played in various rock and jazz bands throughout high school.

At the age of 16, Gerry discovered the double bass, which sparked off a lifelong love affair with Jazz. He was awarded a Bachelor of Music in Jazz studies as well as a Master of Music in Double Bass from California State University in Sacramento. He has also received two critic's choice awards, or "Sammies", for best bassist in Sacramento. 

Gerry teaches from his private studio and at both California State University Sacramento and the University of the Pacific.