One-on-one bass instruction rooted in funk, soul, and jazz. Electric or upright. All levels. Learn to lock in a groove, walk a line, and play with feel — not just fingers.
First lesson free — no commitment — instruments available at the studio
Bass is the glue between rhythm and harmony — and it only works when it feels right. Lessons here start with feel, not flashiness. You'll build a real pocket before you ever touch a slap technique.
Simon is a working musician, producer, and educator rooted in the Oakland funk and soul tradition. That means you learn bass the way it's actually played on records — with taste, dynamics, and intention behind every note.
Whether you want to jam with friends, play in a band, or just finally sound like what you hear in your head, the approach is the same: fundamentals first, music always.
Bass lessons are grounded in the genres where groove matters most. The techniques you build transfer across all of them.
Outcomes vary by level and time, but here's what consistent students develop over months of lessons.
Not just playing in time — playing with feel. The difference between stiff and swinging, tight and loose, following and leading the pocket.
Repertoire from day one. You'll have real bass lines — funk, soul, jazz, or whatever you love — under your fingers within weeks.
Keys, scales, chord tones, walking lines — taught in context, on your instrument, through real music. Not abstract theory.
How to listen, lock in, and hold down the low end in a band setting. The dynamics and awareness that make you the player everyone wants to hire.
Proper fretting hand, plucking hand, thumb position for upright. Built right from the start so you don't have to unlearn bad habits later.
How to get a sound — from your hands, your amp, your setup. Bass tone is mostly in the fingers, and that's a learnable skill.
Private one-on-one bass lessons. Bundle packs available at a discount — see full pricing on the rates page.
Bundle packs save 10–15%. See all rates & packages →
"Groove is everything. The notes matter, but the feel is what makes a band sound right."Simon Keyser-Petty — Bass Instructor, Professor of Funk — Oakland, CA
Most beginners can play a recognizable bass line within the first two or three lessons. The bass is one of the most approachable instruments — the fundamentals of fretting, picking, and keeping time come together quickly. Within a month of consistent practice you'll have several songs under your fingers and a real feel for how to lock in a groove.
Yes — both. Electric bass is the main focus for most students, covering fingerstyle, slap, and pick technique across funk, rock, R&B, and jazz. Upright (double bass) lessons are available for students interested in jazz, classical, or orchestral playing. If you're unsure which to start on, we'll figure it out at the trial lesson.
Yes — online lessons are available via Zoom or FaceTime. Electric bass translates very well to video: you can hear every note clearly and Simon can watch your technique in real time. Students outside Oakland and across the Bay Area are welcome. All you need is your bass, an amp or audio interface, and a reliable internet connection.
You don't need to own one before the first lesson. A bass is available at the studio for trial lessons. If you decide to continue, Simon can recommend the right beginner instrument for your budget — there are solid options under $200 that will serve you well for years.
The emphasis is on feel-based genres: funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and rock. Simon is a working producer and multi-instrumentalist rooted in the Oakland funk and soul tradition — so expect real groove training alongside technique. Students also learn to walk jazz lines, lay back in R&B, and develop the pocket that makes a band sound tight.