Bass Performance and Instructional Videos
Performance clips, demonstrations, and teaching insights drawn from real playing situations.
Multitrack Jam: One Musician, Many Parts
From bassline to lead, I recorded all the parts—except congas—to bring this full piece to life.
In the Groove: Bass Performance Through an Evolving Tune
Composed by Wayne Fettig. Studio recording highlighting ensemble support and long-form musical development.
Shake, Rattle and Roll — Live Blues Performance
Live blues performance highlighting groove, time feel, and ensemble interaction in a real-world club setting.
Video featuring Tom on bass during a trio performance with a piano and bass solo section.
String Bass — Trio Performance
A live trio excerpt featuring acoustic bass, with an emphasis on time feel, interaction, and melodic solo development.
Video of Tom playing a Latin groove with a band.
Electric Bass Ensemble Performance
Groove-driven ensemble playing focused on time, feel, and musical conversation within a full band context.
Electric Bass — Solo Performance
A focused bass solo highlighting tone, phrasing, and musical storytelling.
Video of Tom starting an electric bass solo after a piano solo with a Latin band.
Interested in booking live music, recording work, or learning more about private lessons and workshops? Please visit the Contact page — I respond personally to all inquiries.
What Makes a Great Bassist? Two World-Class Musicians Weigh In.
What separates a bass player who gets called back from one who doesn't? We put that question to two musicians who've spent decades on stage and in the studio with some of the biggest names in music — and the conversation went places we didn't expect.
Frank Martin (keyboards) has recorded and performed with Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen, Santana, and Paul Simon, among many others — including the piano and percussion work on Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game."
Deszon Claiborne (drums) has spent his career locking in the rhythm section behind artists like Boz Scaggs, Taj Mahal, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Don Cherry, and is also a respected drum educator.
What started as a conversation about bass players quickly turned into something bigger: the same handful of qualities — timing, listening, taste, feel — that separate the musicians everyone wants in the room from everyone else, regardless of instrument. If you play anything, this one's for you.
A quick note: this was recorded remotely over video call during the Covid-19 lockdown, so you'll hear a few references to that strange stretch of time — bear that in mind as you watch.
It's a free-flowing, 58-minute conversation — funny, candid, and packed with insight you won't get from a lesson or a textbook. Grab a coffee, settle in, and watch the whole thing.
Press play below and enjoy!
Insights and Discussions
In this conversation, Emma and I dive into our journeys in music, what we each offer, and the experience of being a woman in the industry. Next time, we’ll explore world-class attitudes, the one-word key to playing with others, and how to handle self-criticism. Stay tuned!
Part One
Part Two
In this video, we dive into world-class attitudes, the power of networking, the art of communicating with fellow musicians, the importance of listening while playing together, and how to balance self-critique with celebrating your successes.
Part 3
In Part 3 of Insights with Emma and Tom, we compare teaching kids versus adults, highlight how home music exposure opens kids to different genres, and share practical tips for teaching improvisation at any age
Part 4
In Part 4 of our series, Insights With Emma & Tom, we explore soloing concepts, engaging audiences, YouTube's impact on learning, practicing effectively, learning at any age, and ways to help students build confidence and independence.
Part 5
In Part 5, we discuss motivation, goal-setting, and effective practice strategies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, you'll find practical ideas for staying inspired, making steady progress, and getting more from your practice time.
Part 6
In this video, we explore three key topics: how to find and set up an instrument that’s truly playable, what you gain from weekly lessons, and a thoughtful approach to participating in jam sessions.
Part 7
In this final episode, we show the kind of discussion musicians have before a jam, then Emma and I improvise a blues, reacting to each other’s surprises. Afterward, we reflect on how listening shaped the moment. Finally, we share how to connect with us online.
Instructional Videos
Be the player every bandleader wants to hire again — here's how.
In this video, I break down the nine essential traits of a successful sideman — listening, reliability, preparation, and professionalism among them — drawn from years of experience on the bandstand. Whether you're just starting to gig or looking to level up, these are the qualities that keep you getting the call.
Attributes of an Effective Leader — Part 1 of 2
In Part 1 of this two-part presentation, Tom begins exploring the essential qualities of effective leadership. He considers how vision, integrity, communication, attentive listening, accountability, and respect help a leader earn trust and unite people around a shared purpose. These foundational attributes create an environment in which individuals feel valued and the entire group can flourish.
Mastering the Fretboard: Finding Notes Using the Cycle of Fourths.
In this lesson, I show you how to find notes across the fretboard starting with C, then following the cycle of fourths. We find each note on all four strings, step by step, building a solid mental map. Once you have it down, you can mix it up and truly master the fretboard!
Perfect your technique and stage presence with this mirror method.
Learn how using a mirror helps you focus on your fretboard intervals without looking down and enhances your connection with the audience and band on stage.
Sharpen your ear anywhere—start with your voice, confirm with your bass.
In this session, we use a movable 'one' to sing the major scale step-by-step. We build from simple patterns to random combinations, honing your ability to hear basslines, notes, and chord changes with confidence.
Groove along with ‘Use Me’: Learn the bassline step by step.
In this video, I break down Dave Weckl’s version of ‘Use Me,’ showing you how to dissect the bassline and lock into that soulful feel.