Samuel Kiel

Bass Guitar Teacher in Amsterdam

Hi, I'm Samuel Kiel, a professional bass guitarist and bass guitar teacher based in Amsterdam. Alongside performing with a variety of bands, I love teaching, especially when it's on the coolest instrument there is!

Learn Bass Guitar - Play the Music You Love

Are you picking up the bass for the first time and looking for an enthusiastic, conservatory-trained bass teacher in Amsterdam? Or do you play double bass and want to explore the electric bass? Whatever your level, I'll help you develop your skills in the styles you enjoy, including:

• Pop
• Blues
• Funk
• Metal
• Indie
• Traditional Jazz
• Free Jazz

Book a Trial Lesson Bass Guitar

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced bassist looking to take your playing to the next level, a trial lesson is the perfect way to get to know each other. We'll discuss your goals, I'll hear you play (if you already do), and together we'll create a plan that suits you. Never held a bass guitar before? No problem at all, we'll get started straight away. If you don't have your own instrument yet, there's a bass waiting for you.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Bass?

One of the great things about the bass guitar is that you don't need years of practice before playing your first great grooves. You'll quickly learn to create a solid sound and start playing the bass lines from your favourite songs.

Get Inspired

Every bassist is inspired by great players, and these are a few of mine:

• James Jamerson – for his groundbreaking, soulful grooves and unforgettable bass lines.
• Pino Palladino – for his effortless feel and impeccable sense of groove.
• Jaco Pastorius – for his incredible virtuosity, creativity and unmistakable sound.

And of course, there are many more!

Scales, Chords & Improvisation

If you're into jazz, pop, rock or any style that involves improvisation, learning scales is one of the best ways to develop your musical vocabulary. During the lessons we'll work on:

• Reading chord charts
• Jazz harmony
• Reading music
• Scales
• Groove and timing

Rather than learning theory for its own sake, I'll help you apply it musically, so it becomes something you can actually use in your playing.

Your First Bass Lessons

We'll start with the fundamentals: how to hold the bass comfortably, position your fingers and develop a relaxed, efficient technique. You'll learn your first groove, a simple blues line or perhaps a riff from a song you already love. As your confidence grows and you become familiar with chords, scales and rhythm, you'll soon be able to create solid bass lines for almost any song.

Slap Bass & Funk

Want to make your grooves really come alive? We'll explore slap bass techniques, ghost notes, timing and feel—the essential ingredients of funk. The bass has played a defining role in the sound of Motown, funk and modern groove music. We'll take inspiration from legendary bassists such as James Jamerson, Stuart Zender, Paul Jackson, Bootsy Collins and Larry Graham, while developing the techniques you need to find your own sound.

About Me

Originally from Denmark, I earned my Bachelor's degree at the Royal Academy of Music in Denmark and completed my Master's degree at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

Alongside performing regularly with a wide range of bands and artists, I lead my own project, Sonic Choir of Love, where we blend jazz with indie rock. Whether your goal is to play your favourite songs, improve your technique or become a more creative musician, I'd love to help you get there.