Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations, produced by Double Bass HQ, features interviews and performances from leaders in the world of the double bass. Host Jason Heath dives deep into what makes these world-class artists tick. With over 3 million downloads, Contrabass Conversations is the most popular podcast for double bassists. Join the community and experience life on the low end of the spectrum!

1161: Daniel Chiva Sanz on Intonation, Audition Prep, and Daily Mozart 09/17/2026

1160: What Bottesini Really Wrote - Mark Morton’s Urtext Editions 09/10/2026

1159: Cole Davis and Jason Heath teach each other bass lessons! 09/03/2026

1158: Neal Miner on Juzeks, Golden Spirals, and the Art of Playing Bass Melodies 08/20/2026

1157: Kathryn Schulmeister on Imagining Hands 08/14/2026

1157: Kathryn Schulmeister on Imagining Hands joins the podcast to talk about , her debut solo album on . A bassist, improviser, composer, and , Kathryn brings together contemporary music, storytelling, extended technique, and deeply personal experience in a project shaped by her time at UC San Diego, her work with Mark Dresser, and the narrative world of Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ Women Who Run With the Wolves. We dig into the album’s connection to The Handless Maiden, the thread-and-tabletop bass techniques behind “Underground Forest,” the prepared-bass sounds of “Harrowing,” the role of injury and recovery in “Silver Hands,” and how contemporary music can expand what bassists imagine is possible on the instrument. Kathryn also reflects on growing up in Hawaii, discovering contemporary improvisation at New England Conservatory, studying at McGill and UCSD, working with ELISION Ensemble in Australia, and why classical, experimental, and improvisational practices can strengthen each other. Enjoy, and follow Kathryn on and , and listen to Imagining Hands on , Spotify, and Apple Music! Thank you to our sponsor! – CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with . Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city’s ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. to visit Micah’s website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson. Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Theme music by /episode/index/show/contrabassconversations/id/42434030

1156: SoJung Kim’s journey from Korea to the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra 08/06/2026

1155: Orion Miller on preparation, structure, and trusting the process 07/30/2026

1154: Dominik Wagner on teaching, competitions, and finding your sound 07/16/2026

1154: Dominik Wagner on teaching, competitions, and finding your sound returns to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation recorded during his visit to San Francisco for the 2026 . A prizewinner for many major solo competitions, Dominik has built an extraordinary career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, and pedagogue, with albums including Giovanni Bottesini - Revolution of Bass, Chapters - A Double Bass Story, and Double Bass Rhapsody. He currently teaches at the , and his work continues to expand what is possible on the double bass. We dig into Dominik’s daily “musical hygiene,” his thoughts on posture, motion, sound, vibrato, setup, great instruments and bows, and how teaching keeps pushing his own playing forward. Dominik also shares what he looks for in students, how he thinks about auditions and the German-speaking orchestral world, why competitions should reward compelling soloists and creative programming, and how the bass community can keep evolving while honoring tradition. Follow Dominik on , , and his , and experience this episode in . Thank you to our sponsor – CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with . Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city’s ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. to visit Micah’s website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson. Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Theme music by /episode/index/show/contrabassconversations/id/42039200

1153: Remembering Don Prell 07/09/2026

1152: Noa Eve on Late Bloomer, Edgar tuning, and finding your own musical lane 07/02/2026

1152: Noa Eve on Late Bloomer, Edgar tuning, and finding your own musical lane (NoaBass) joins the podcast to celebrate the long-awaited release of ,* a debut album that blends virtuosic arco playing with the rhythmic grit of bluegrass, old-time, and acoustic music-making. We talk about the “10 years in the making” arc from Jason first hearing Noa play in the Bay Area to recording the album over three intense days in Portland, plus what it takes to bring a bass-forward project to life with a full band. Along the way, Noa shares how touring and real-world gig reps shaped their groove, arranging instincts, and confidence, plus why Edgar tuning and a lighter, more agile sound concept can unlock an entirely different palette on the instrument. We also dig into influences ranging from Edgar Meyer to video game music, how to chase what you’re obsessed with (even when it’s not the “linear” path), and why making music that reaches beyond “sweaty bass nerds” can be both the hardest and most rewarding goal. Follow Noa on , find everything at , and stream Late Bloomer on . Noa would also like to give a big shout out to for her support over the years! Thank you to our sponsor! – CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with . Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city’s ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. to visit Micah’s website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson. Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Theme music by /episode/index/show/contrabassconversations/id/41807590