Vidal Montgomery

I am an experienced and engaging double bass tutor; my teaching combines strong technical foundations with a deep appreciation of the instrument’s rich musical heritage. Drawing on experience performing alongside leading UK jazz musicians, I offer students an authentic insight into both the practical and artistic aspects of double bass playing. Lessons are designed to inspire learners of all abilities, from complete beginners to more advanced students seeking to refine their technique and musical expression.
I place emphasis on developing a solid understanding of rhythm, tone production and stylistic awareness, encouraging students not only to learn how to play the instrument, but also to explore the historical development of the double bass and the influential performers who have shaped its role in jazz and contemporary music. This broader approach helps students gain a deeper appreciation of the instrument and its place within different musical traditions.

In making learning enjoyable and personally meaningful, Lessons are tailored to individual goals, whether a student wishes to perform professionally, prepare for examinations, improve ensemble playing, or simply play for personal enjoyment. By combining technical instruction with creativity and musical understanding, students build confidence and develop their own musical voice.
My ability to connect practical skills with real-world performance experience makes me more than a mainstream conservatoire tutor. I am someone who has spent three and a half decades learning by doing, in real rooms, with real audiences, under real pressure, so that students don't just learn the instrument. They learn the industry it lives in.

Lessons begin with a conversation. Where you are, where you want to go, what's been stopping you. From there, the work is practical, low-jargon, and built around your goals — not a syllabus designed for someone else.