Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Double Bass David Jerkovic

We spoke with 2025 Lessonface Double Bass Teacher of the Year, David Jerkovic, about his journey as a performer and educator. In this Q&A, David shares what first drew him to the double bass and how he views the instrument as both the rhythmic foundation and an expressive, versatile voice. He discusses the importance of creating a calm, intentional teaching environment, building trust between student and teacher, and approaching challenges as a natural part of growth. David also reflects on effective goal-setting, the role of proper instrument setup in long-term progress, and his excitement for expanding the double bass’s creative possibilities through new compositions and projects ahead.
 

What drew you to learning the double bass?

I chose the double bass because it sounded like the heartbeat of every group I’d ever heard. Before I even knew what music theory was, or any technique to speak of, I could feel the bass —- it’s like the quiet force that holds everything in place; the pulse that makes music breathe. While a lot of people are drawn to the instruments that sit at center stage, I loved the concept that with the double bass you build the whole musical world from scratch on up.

But what truly reeled me in was how much personality this instrument has, once you let it speak freely. The double bass is not only the anchor of an orchestra — it can deliver great lyrical beauty, aggressive force and an emotional range that comes as a surprise to most people. I’m very interested in the concept of taking the instrument beyond stereotypes, combining classical techniques with what’s currently going on in the popular music industry and giving it a voice that feel fresh and alive.

How do you ensure you are a good mind frame for teaching in terms of your teaching space?

For me, creating the right mind-set for teaching means establishing a space that feels purposeful, calm and creatively open. Because the double bass is so tactile and resonant, the space around you really imprints itself on the energy level of a lesson. So I try to ensure that my teaching space mirrors the richness of experience I wish my students have.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about the double bass, what would it be? 

I would give them the ability to truly trust the teacher they chose to learn from. Developing a healthy musical ego is important—it gives you the confidence to perform, to take risks, and to express yourself boldly. But that same ego also needs to be balanced, because real growth often requires letting go of what you think you already know.

I wish my students could instantly understand that when something feels difficult or unfamiliar, it isn’t a sign that it’s wrong—it’s usually a sign that they’re stretching into something meaningful. Some techniques, ideas, or approaches take time to settle. They can feel uncomfortable at first simply because they challenge old habits.

What’s one lasting takeaway you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

It took me a long time to learn this myself. When I was younger, I questioned my professors constantly. I thought I knew better, or that there must be an easier way. Years later, I realized that they were right about almost everything—not because they wanted to be right, but because they carried decades of experience, trial, error, and wisdom that I didn’t yet have.

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

For me, the most indispensable piece of gear is a double bass that feels comfortable and responsive to play. That doesn’t mean it has to be expensive or flashy—it just needs to be set up correctly. When a bass has overly high action, uneven strings, or a bridge that isn’t adjusted well, every practice session becomes a physical battle instead of a musical experience.

What are some gear items that you wish all your students had?  

I wish every student had two things:

A properly set-up bass—even a modest instrument becomes enjoyable when it’s adjusted well. It gives students a fair starting point and removes unnecessary frustration.

Their own rosin—so they can develop consistent bowing habits and keep their sound reliable from lesson to lesson.

Are there apps / texts / other resources you often recommend?

At the moment, I provide all my students with a complete library of sheet music and exercises tailored to their level and goals, so I rarely rely on external apps for double bass. Most of the essential progress comes from hands-on playing, listening, and building technique with the foundations I give them.

Anything new that came out this past year or you are anticipating in 2026?

The biggest developments I’m watching aren’t about accessories—they’re about how musicians and teachers are blending genres and performance styles. New compositions and modern techniques for double bass are becoming more visible, and I’m excited to help push that movement forward.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026? 

I'm excited about finally getting around to recording some of my own pieces for the double bass that would introduce a completely new genre for this instrument. 

Anything you'd like to share about yours or your students’ accomplishments from 2025?

I would love to grow my student base on Lessonface and even organize a masterclass for a bigger group of double bassists. My most frequent students have shown immense progress throughout our time together and I'm very proud of them. I would love to provide the same for even more students next year.

Do you have guidance for goal-setting for double bass students, or generally?

I’ve found that effective goal-setting for double bass students works best when it’s personal, realistic, and intentionally flexible. The bass is a demanding instrument—physically, mentally, and musically—so the goals we set need to support growth without creating pressure that drains the joy out of learning.

If you are interested in learning more about David or would like to book a lesson with him, please visit his Lessonface profile here.

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!