Dean Montanaro

Bass Guitar Lessons in Rotterdam

Hello! My name is Dean Montanaro, I'm from Malta and I'm a bass player on bass guitar and double bass. Have you perhaps already tried something via YouTube and noticed that you are not really making any progress? Or are you regularly grooving on your bass and just want to be able to play much better? Yes! Of course you want that!

Beginners to Advanced

If you are looking for a comprehensive approach to playing bass guitar, that covers styles such as jazz, funk, R&B, afro-beat, rock and pop, or you simply want to learn the basics and start playing for fun, my bass guitar lessons in Rotterdam are for you!

Trial Lesson

The trial lesson is the perfect way to check whether we are a match in terms of your goals, location, lesson times and teaching style. You don't need a bass for the trial lesson yet, unless you prefer to play left-handed.

Flexible approach

My approach to the electric bass is flexible, goal-oriented and aims to support you to become a fantastic bass player! You will be encouraged to set up your own learning goals and gradually get to know your own style and preference. Bring your favourite playlist!

What can you expect?

With practical tips and clear instructions you will learn various right-hand techniques, finger style, slapping, fretboard positions, fretboard mapping, physical posture, fluidity exercises, extended techniques, so that you can create a solid groove for your band, learn to play beautiful bass lines and to improvise interesting solos. The tuition language can be either English, Italian or Dutch (basic level).

What more?

• Groove & rhythmic-study: deconstructing iconic lines, analysis, rhythmic exercises, polyrhythms, groupings, odd-timings.
• Walking bass: transcriptions, time-feel, note choice, stylistic/aesthetic concepts, harmonic/melodic function.
• Applied theory & skills: reading music, reading chord charts, knowledge of scales and chords, ear-training, analysis.
• Improvisation: transcribing and applying ideas from selected solos, creative concepts, stylistic vocabulary, harmonic knowledge.
• Composition: General principles, basic counterpoint, melodic writing, harmonic framework, serial techniques, specific exercises.

Lesson Location

I give the lessons at my studio in Rotterdam. Polderlaan 62A (Feijenoord area), which is within 20 minutes by public transport from anywhere in Rotterdam South (Charlois, Ijsselmond, Zuidplein and Barendrecht).

• 2 minute walk from tram stop Hillevliet.
• 20 minutes from Ijsselmond area (tram 2 direction Charlois).
• 20 minutes from Charlois area (tram 2 direction Limbrichthoek).
• 23 minutes from Barendrecht (tram 25 direction Maashaven).
• 15 minutes from Zuidplein (bus 66 direction Polderlaan).

Online Lessons

In addition to lessons on location, I also teach online using a high-quality setup that makes the experience seamless. For this you will need a bass guitar, amplifier, computer and a suitable internet connection.

About Me

I got my first bass guitar when I was 11years old, and started performing a short while afterwards. Initially I studied with a private teacher and learned from more experienced player. I obtained my Bachelor in Music (cum laude, 2021) from Codarts Rotterdam, followed by a Master in Music from Conservatorium van Amsterdam (2023).

Studies

I also got the chance to study with some of the most sought after musicians in Europe including Gary Willis, Jeroen Vierdag, Glen Gaddum, Mario Rossy and Stefan Lievestro. Apart from teaching, I am active in a number of projects in Rotterdam/Amsterdam with whom I write, record and perform locally and internationally, and I lead my own projects.