Savannah Hilterbrandt
About
Hi my name is Savannah, and I teach the double bass! I graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) in the Spring of 2024 with a BA in music performance. I have studied with teachers Jeff Bradetich, Gudrun Raschen, and Dee Moses. I am the recipient of the John Pollard Blackwater Valley Opera festival bursary. I have also been named a semi-finalist of the 2024 Fulbright research grant category . I have prior experience teaching private lessons and have coached a chamber group at the 2023 Bradetich Double Bass Camp held at UNT.
Teaching Style
I teach mainly french bow players, and my focus is on both solo and orchestral playing for a rounded playing approach. I always start the lesson with some technique, and I make sure each student writes down their goals and weekly 'focuses' to make sure all of the information we discuss is retained. I always allow students to find out what works best for them first before offering advice and suggestions. What is comfortable for one person will most likely feel differently for another person- everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. My goal is to bring out their strengths and improve on their struggles!
Curriculum
I was first taught using the Simandl method, and later on worked through the Bille method book. My approach incorporates some of these techniques along with other useful texts such as Jeff Bradetich's technical excercises.