Hi there! I've been providing private lessons since 2006 and it's truly a joy for me. I'm a versatile bassist located in Frederick, MD and am actively involved in the Baltimore/Washington area. With over 15 years of experience playing in a variety of genres, including rock, pop, funk, blues, orchestras, and jazz ensembles, I'm also skilled in drums, guitar, composing, conducting, and music theory.
My teaching journey began at the age of 17 when I was hired by the music store where I was taking lessons. It wasn't long before I fell in love with teaching. Witnessing a student experience that "click" moment when something they found difficult suddenly becomes easy brings me the greatest satisfaction.
I welcome students of all ages and skill levels. From beginners to aspiring professionals or college-bound students, everyone is welcome. I'm incredibly pleased that each of my students who pursued higher education have been accepted into the first school of their choice, including Berklee School of Music, The New School, Shenandoah Conservatory, USC School of Music, Belmont University, and University of Maryland School of Music. Seeing them succeed in their professional careers is just wonderful.
I tailor my teaching method to each individual student's style of learning and thinking. My primary goal is to treat my students with respect and to make the lessons relevant and personal so that they can fully grasp the concept and enjoy the learning process.
Let me share my story with you too! Growing up in an artistic family of professional classical musicians, I started playing the piano at a young age. However, I switched to drums during fifth grade when I fell in love with The Beatles. My drum lessons opened doors to playing in bands with my friends and studying all three instruments with my teacher. Soon after, I found a greater connection with the bass and it became my primary instrument.
In my junior year of high school, I developed an affinity for funk, jazz, and fusion music. Jazz led me to learn upright bass, but my focus during my formal education was classical bass. Recently, under the tutelage of Jeremy McCoy (assistant principal bass of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), I completed one year of graduate study at Manhattan School of Music. In addition, I studied with Jeff Weisner of the National Symphony Orchestra during my undergraduate years.
I love music with all my heart and there is no greater pleasure than passing on my joy and passion to my students.
Interested musical styles:
Rock, Blues, Country, Folk, Jazz, Classical, Recommendations available
Service location:
Remotely
Service Reviews
4.5
7 reviews
Service as described
4.1
Communication
4.7
Punctuality
4.8
NW
Nicole W.
With the constraints of virtual lessons notwithstanding, David exhibits remarkable professionalism, crystal-clear instruction, and an extensive understanding of bass guitar. He offers valuable tips and astute assessments concerning techniques.
November 5, 2021
KB
Kyle B.
David Lester has been my acquaintance for 15 years, and I have received string bass lessons from him for 8 years. It is noteworthy that he is competent in training learners with either the French bow or German bow, which is an uncommon skill. Thanks to his guidance, my German bow technique is getting better.
David never speaks harshly. Furthermore, he is proficient in playing the bass, encompassing both classical and jazz music genres. He pays attention to the student's growth and makes sharp observations, which translate into an improved understanding of the bass. Despite having more than twelve instructors and playing the bass for forty-five years, I hold David Lester in the highest regard.
October 12, 2021
KA
Kyle A.
For nearly eight months, David and I have been collaborating and I cannot provide enough compliments. David is an excellent bass tutor! We initiated my lessons after my initial bass guitar purchase and have since progressed remarkably. I have acquired countless songs and grasped the fundamentals of instrumental play (including tabs, scales, rhythm, and more). I eagerly await our sessions and depart with enthusiasm to further my expansion and skill. David consistently arrives prepared for our virtual sessions and manages to select songs that correspond with my level of ability yet still challenge me. If you are interested in learning the bass guitar or improving your style, I heartily endorse David.
October 10, 2021
JB
Joseph B.
Over the last few months, David has been an exceptional bass instructor. Prior to learning from him, I had never received any formal music instruction and had only been casually playing and self-teaching. Thanks to David's guidance, I have been able to bolster my skills in fundamental areas such as solid hand technique and the ability to identify notes. He is incredibly patient and has been effective in curating exercises and song selections that are appropriately challenging. I wholeheartedly endorse David for anyone looking to enhance their abilities as a bass player.
October 5, 2021
KA
Kayla A.
At 45 years of age, I am beginning my journey as a bass guitar student rather late. Fortunately, David has been an incredible instructor, equipping me with the foundational elements such as scales and arpeggios, which I can work on in the comfort of my own home. During our lessons, we review the basic concepts and then delve into the practical application by learning and performing songs recommended by David. My newfound love for funk music has intensified, and David's expertise in music theory makes him the ideal mentor for me.
