TYSA-Hammond Ashley Bass Workshop

Camp dates for summer 2024 will be announced soon.

July 5-8, 2023 • Pacific Lutheran University

The TYSA-Hammond Ashley Bass Workshop 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.

Workshop Information

How to Register

Please complete the online application below, then pay your deposit or full tuition. You can pay online (click here to go to our payment page) or by mailing in a check. Your registration is not complete until we receive: 1) your online application and 2) your deposit or full payment. Your deposit will be applied to your tuition.

Post-Acceptance Packet and Student Guidelines

AFTER receiving a communication from the workshop manager indicating your acceptance to the workshop, click below for your post-acceptance packet and student guidelines:

Tuition

Tuition for the TYSA-Hammond Ashley Bass Workshop is $395 (Early Bird rate if full application received before May 15, 2023) or $425 (regular rate), with a $95 deposit. Full balance is due by July 1st.

Financial Aid

Please contact education@tysamusic.org to inquire about need-based financial aid, or complete and submit the financial aid application below by June 1. Teacher in-service participants are eligible for a teacher discount – please email education@tysamusic.org for more details.

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 Workshop

The Hammond Ashley Memorial 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 workshop and benefitted from his influence and teaching. The faculty for the workshop 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 workshop. 

Bass Workshop Faculty

Jeff Bradetich

Chris Burns

Todd Gowers

Tommy Hawthorne

Jon Heintz

Anna Jensen

Bryce Van Parys

TYSA-Hammond Ashley Bass Workshop Application