Latin Bass 

Enrol in the Latin Bass main subject at Codarts and explore the rich bass music traditions of Cuba and Brazil, among others. As a student and aspiring musician, you acquire the skills to prepare for a career in the international music industry. With our holistic teaching approach, regular jam sessions and opportunities to perform in ensembles, you develop your own voice and get a chance to showcase yourself in the world of Latin music. This, in close collaboration with our other departments, such as Jazz and Pop, helps you to become a creative and successful bass player. 
 
Why study Latin Bass at Codarts? 
Codarts is the only conservatoire in the Netherlands that exclusively offers Latin bass. Study with experienced bass teachers who boast vast experience in the music industry and have performed with the greatest artists in the world.  
 
The musical ensembles at Codarts allow you to hone your individual playing skills, while also acquiring valuable performance experience. Learn to communicate and collaborate with other musicians from diverse musical backgrounds. This breeding ground for creativity is a safe place to prepare yourself for the complex reality of the international music scene. Learning how to play Latin bass also equips you with the musical skills and rock-solid rhythm that will open doors to other music genres. 
 
Programme 
Our curriculum is designed to give you solid knowledge of techniques, harmony and rhythm, as well as improvisation skills for the Latin music genre. From learning to play the standard repertoires to gaining a strong grasp of the role of the bass in various Latin genres, we strive to fully equip you with the competence you need to become an accomplished musician, in the Netherlands or abroad. 
 
We believe that an in-depth understanding of percussion is a prerequisite for any musician who wants to learn Latin music. That is why in the first two years of the Latin Bass main subject, you also study percussion.  
 
An important part of the curriculum is to master the standard Latin music repertoires. These repertoires draw from a rich diversity of musical genres, including Brazilian samba, baião, MPB and maracatú, Cuban son, salsa and timba, that also explore the rich history and cultural context of Cuban and Brazilian music. Immerse yourself in these diverse music genres to develop the instrumental skills and cultural awareness to become a well-rounded musician, capable of conveying the depth and meaning of music to your audience. 
 
Masterclasses 
To further enrich your learning experience, we regularly organise masterclasses with renowned bass players. In these sessions you study with the best in the music industry, who serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Some of our masterclasses have been taught by Andy Gonzalez, Ney Conceição, Alain Perez, Richard Bona and Jorge Reyes.  
 

“The bass connects everything in Latin music: percussion, harmony, melody. By using a modern, hands-on approach, we teach our students to groove like your life depends on it!”

Nils Fischer