Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Upright Bass James Hunter

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Upright Bass, James Hunter, to share insights into his connection to the instrument and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, James reflects on what first drew him to the upright bass, how he creates an encouraging and organized studio environment, and the values he emphasizes in his lessons. From finding joy in playing from the very beginning to encouraging students to play as much as possible, James highlights fun, consistency, and musical curiosity as key ingredients for long-term growth on the upright bass.

What drew you to learning about the upright bass?

I first began playing the electric bass in high school strings class. Later on when I joined the school's concert band, they wanted me to play upright bass. The upright bass sound is very unique and totally different from the electric bass. Even though it's a very old instrument I think it will remain popular because it is essential to that jazz and orchestral sound you can't really replicate on the electric bass yet.

How would you describe your teaching studio? 

My teaching studio is a small but cozy space where I have all my instruments. I try to make my space an encouraging place where music can exist. 

Keeping my studio space organized and clean is number one priority for me. If the space becomes messy and disorganized, I feel that it can have a negative effect on my lessons.

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

I think one thing would be to have fun and enjoy playing right from the get go. Music is something that should always be fun and I try my best to make my lessons fun but at the same time to show my students they have a lot of potential already.

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

One takeaway would be to play as much as possible.

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

The realist pickup I feel is the best for the upright bass.

One piece of gear is the bass bow quiver :)

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

I recommend musicaa.com for its ability to program chord changes in many different styles and tempos!

Jamey Aebersold recommends buying the best quality instrument you can reasonably afford and I agree with this. 

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

For me, I want to focus on transcribing more this year and diving more into harmony.

How about your students?

For my students, I'd like to continue seeing them enjoy and have fun as they progress with their musical abilities.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential students about the upright bass?

I offer trial lessons and am happy to work with students who are just beginning the upright bass or have been playing for some time.

If you are interested in learning more about James 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!