July 28 – 31, 2026 • University of Puget Sound
The TYSA-Hammond Ashley Bass Festival welcomes double bass players of all ages and levels of experience to learn from legendary bass pedagogue Jeff Bradetich and from Washington’s top bass teachers. Whether you are new to the instrument or a performance major in college, we invite you to explore the double bass through a highly concentrated study of technique-building exercises, orchestral excerpts, masterclasses, all-bass chamber music, jazz instruction, faculty recitals, and more!
A teacher in-service bass intensive is also offered – this track is designed specifically for teachers who primarily play other instruments and would like to further develop their bass skills for the classroom.
Festival Information
How to Register
Please complete the online registration below and submit a deposit in order to secure your place. You can pay online (click here to go to our payment page) or by mailing in a check to the TYSA office.
Welcome Packet and Student Guidelines
After completing your online registration and submitting your deposit, please click below for your welcome packet, medical/consent forms, and student guidelines:
Tuition
Deposit: $125
Early Bird tuition: $435 (please submit deposit by May 15)
Standard tuition: $475
Teacher In-Service tuition: $237.50 (Half of standard tuition!)
Balance is due by June 15.
Need-Based Financial Aid
If you need tuition support, please complete and submit the financial aid application below by June 1.
Teacher In-Service/Clock Hour Information
A maximum of 26 O.S.P.I. approved clock hours, dependent upon personal attendance, will be offered by the Washington Music Educators Association. Clock hours are free to current WMEA/NAfME members. Nonmembers may claim hours at the rate of $2 per hour claimed. Clock hour registration materials and instructions will be available onsite.
Placements
Beginning group: students younger than 13 and/or who have less than 1 year of private instruction
Intermediate group: students younger than 17 with less than 3 years of private instruction
Advanced group: students 17 and older with at least 3 years of private instruction
This is only a guideline. If you are uncertain of your level, please contact education@tysamusic.org and we will help determine your placement.
Sample Daily Schedule
8:45 – Student Check-In
9:00 – Warm-ups and Scales
10:00 – Special Bass Topic Presentation
11:00 – Bass Ensembles
12:00 – Lunch
12:45 – Technique Class
1:45 – Masterclasses
2:45 – Break
3:00 – Excerpts / All-State / Junior All-State Repertoire
4:00 – Mass Bass Ensemble
5:00 – Day Ends
History of the Festival
The Hammond Ashley Memorial Double Bass Festival (previously the Hammond Ashley Double Bass Workshop) has helped hundreds of bassists improve their skills since 1993. Mr. Ashley attended the very first workshop, passed away shortly thereafter, and the following years have been dedicated to his memory. Under the direction of internationally-renowned double bass soloist and pedagogue, Jeff Bradetich, bassists from age 8 to 78 have attended the festival and benefitted from his influence and teaching. The faculty for the festival has included bassists from the Seattle Symphony, the Oregon Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and many premier regional bass teachers. Some attendees are now performing in major orchestras and teach bass themselves. From beginners to developing professionals, and every bassist in between, all are welcome to share the love of our instrument – the double bass – at this festival.
Bass Festival Faculty
Jeff Bradetich
Chris Burns
Todd Gowers
Tommy Hawthorne
Jon Heintz
Anna Jensen