Ivica Marusevic
About
I am a full professor of double bass at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia, with over two decades of experience as a principal bassist in both symphonic and operatic orchestras. As a soloist and chamber musician. I have performed across Europe and mentored numerous students who now hold positions in orchestras and academic institutions worldwide.
My musical journey is deeply rooted in both performance and pedagogy, allowing me to guide students at all levels — from aspiring conservatory candidates to professional musicians seeking refinement and inspiration.
Teaching Style
My teaching is highly individualized. I adapt to each student’s physical characteristics (such as hand shape, arm length, and posture) as well as their musical background, personal goals, and stylistic preferences. I specialize in solving complex right-hand technical challenges, especially for French bow players, but also German bow technique with equal attention and depth.
I am also open and actively engaged in exploring the variety of emerging styles and techniques brought forward by a new generation of exceptional bassists — such as Dominik Wagner, Xavier Foley, and Mikyung Sung — whose musicality and innovation inspire both performers and educators worldwide.
Whether you're improving technique, exploring new solo repertoire, or preparing for auditions, I will help you develop fluency, confidence, and a musical voice that feels natural and expressive.
Curriculum
I draw on a diverse range of technical and musical traditions, including the innovations of François Rabbath and Édouard Nanny (via Bille), the clarity and structure of Ludwig Streicher, and the expressive demands of Bottesini and Dragonetti's works. For more advanced students, I also incorporate insights from contemporary pedagogues such as Jeff Bradetich.
I do not rely on a single textbook, but rather recommend or create material based on each student’s needs — including études, orchestral excerpts, solo repertoire, and customized exercises.
Credentials & Affiliations
He was born in 1970 in Novi Sad into a family of musicians. He studied at the Academy of Music in Zagreb (professor J. Novosel) and the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad (professor K. Ivanović, N. Ignjatović), where he received his Magister post-graduate level degree. He perfected his skills by studying with Rinat Ibragimov and Jean-Marc Rollez.
Ever since his studies, he has been actively participating in the work of "Camerata Academica" chamber orchestra, Mediterranean Youth Orchestra, by performing in: De Ysbreeker(Amsterdam), Concertgebuow(Amsterdam), De Doelen(Rotterdam), Musikverein-golden hall(Wien), and others.
As a member of numerous ensembles and chamber compositions he has worked with renowned domestic and foreign artists and made noticeable performances at numerous major festivals in the country and abroad: NOMUS, BEMUS, KotorArt, J.Miro FF Nits de musica, FESTIVAL MUSIQUE ACTUELLE Victoriaville.
He created numerous tone recordings, some of which were included in CD publications. He was a member of Belgrade Philharmonic, NBO, and he had spent over ten seasons as a solo double bass in Serbian National Theatre orchestra. He held the position of double bass from the establishment of Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra - VSO until 2022, and a group of double bass players in the orchestra originated from his class. He began his educational work at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad in 1998, where he is now employed as a full professor.
