Why Study Bass Guitar?
Incredible bassists are made at BIMM University Berlin. Bass players like Mike Prince, Phil Simmonds, Victoria Smith and Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood have walked through our doors and out into the music industry. And you could be next.
You’ll learn how to maintain that steady rhythm – you’ll also learn multiple skills and see how you could fit within the music industry. That’s because we’ve designed our courses with the industry to make sure you have everything you need to turn your passion into your career path.
Within this three-year degree course, you can experience what life as a professional bassist is like from day one. You’ll collaborate with like-minded individuals, be taught by world-class lecturers and have the chance to perform onstage at the world’s biggest festivals, such as Glastonbury and 2000trees.
You’ll get to do all this – and more – before the ink is even dry on your certificate. Then, you’ll have everything you need to step straight into the music industry and kick-start a meaningful, sustainable career. Not bad, right?
Key facts
Available at BIMM University Berlin Berlin
Available as an industry-led undergraduate degree
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities
A well-balanced blend of theory, analysis, practical and technical skills
State-of-the-art facilities and top-of-the-range equipment from some of music’s leading brands
What to expect
If you’re a bassist looking to take your technical, performance and musicianship skills to a professional level, there’s no better place to be than BIMM University Berlin. You’ll find your niche as a performer here, as well as your place in the music industry as a whole.
Because we’ve worked so closely with the industry, we know what makes a successful bassist. And that’s why our Bass courses are structured in the way they are. When you study the undergraduate course, you’ll learn all you need to be the multi-skilled professional the industry is on the lookout for
You’ll learn core topics within your first year, such as:
- Performance Skills
- Applied Performance
- Core and Applied Instrument Skills
- Context and Culture of the Creative Industries
Choose your path with optional modules
Every bass player is different – you all have your own interests and ambitions. That’s why our Bass undergraduate degree includes optional modules so you can steer the course in the direction you want.
Hone your skills or expand your horizons. It’s all designed this way so you can reach your own personal and professional goals.
Pave your own path with optional modules, such as:
- Applied Repertoire Performance
- Session and Recording Skills
- Touring and Live Events
- Psychology of Music
Studying Bass can take you to places you never thought were possible. With our optional modules, you’ll build your own path to success and launch your career.
Potential bass career paths:
- Creative Performer
- Session Specialist
- Commercial Band Performer
- Music Teacher
- Academic
For students wishing to maximise their instrumental and performance experience during their studies, the BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance degree stands unique amongst our courses for its live-performance focus for students within their first year, enabling graduates to have an expert level of knowledge and performance on their chosen discipline.
The Performance Skills module will take you through the process of effective live performance through individual preparation, live ensemble performance and reflective practice. Weekly instrument-specific prep classes will equip you with techniques for effective part-preparation, memorisation and rehearsal strategies. The Live Performance Workshop component will provide you with the opportunity to further your skillset through full-band live performance. Here you will receive guided feedback and feedforward from lecturers and peers to help further your own reflective practice. This will be recorded in a weekly Reflective Journal. You will be encouraged to develop confidence on stage, and the necessary arrangement and communication skills for professional live performance.
Exclusive networking opportunities
At BIMM University Berlin, we believe collaboration is key. That’s why we offer you access to exclusive networking opportunities, connecting you straight to the action. You’ll also get to join BIMM Connect – our exclusive social media platform. Here, you’ll team up and network with fellow students, alumni, bands, songwriters, press agents, managers and promoters to get even more out of your time here.
We’re immensely proud that so many BIMM students have become successful professionals in the music industry – and turned playing Bass into their career. Head on over to our BIMM University Berlin Alumni page for more Success Stories like these.
Hawkwind’s founding member Dave Brock contacted Haz personally to ask if he’d fill in on bass for a handful of tour dates. Haz jumped at the chance, and, put simply, he’s never left. “I’m very grateful to have a broad understanding of how the industry works as a whole thanks to BIMM, especially as my only experience and knowledge beyond BIMM is in the live sector."
2014 saw Fickle Friends achieving high-profile shows notched up by constant attention from the UK’s grass-roots music blogging community. Zane Lowe picked up on their soaring, anthemic pop and chose their song ‘For You’ as his Next Hype track of the week. The band's second album is highly anticipated.
Phil was asked to play for Jessie J after being spotted by her musical director while playing a small jazz gig in North London. Phil is now in demand with his new band ‘Basement Project’ and has joined the BIMM teaching faculty in London to train the next generation of music industry professionals.
At BIMM University Berlin, you’ll learn from world-class lecturers. These people live and breathe music – and they know a thing or two about picking up a bass and taking it out onto the world stage or into the studio.
Our lecturers will provide you with essential insider tips and exclusive knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s their role to help you step into the music industry with confidence.
Niklas Lukassen showcases an equally lyrical sensibility and skillful command on both the upright bass and the bass guitar. Special characteristic of his distinct artistic voice are his exploration of rarely heard qualities on the fretless bass guitar in creative improvised music and his occasional usage of a pick on the upright bass.
Martin is a Berlin-based musician who started his career studying bass in Dinkelsbühl and Hamburg. He’s since worked with numerous German and international acts, such as Söhne Mannheims, Laith Al-Deen, Flo Mega, Max Mutzke, Andrew Roachford, Diane Birch, Emma Lanford, Andreas Bourani, Blue, Kate Ryan, Rolf Stahlhofen, Femme Schmidt, Take Berlin and Yvonne Catterfeld.
BIMM University Berlin’s exclusive Masterclasses give you access to some of the best bassists to have ever graced the stage and the studio.
The likes of Divinity Roxx (Beyonce), Tom Robertson (Jake Bugg’s bassist) and Sharay Reed have given our students career tips and insider insights that they never would have found in a textbook.
What better way to learn the tools of the trade than by getting real life experience under your belt? Our specialist Careers and Industry Teams are here to help you do just that. Thanks to their unrivalled contacts and insider connections, they’ll link you up with real-world experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Being a BIMM student also means you get access to exclusive opportunities that other music students could only dream of. This includes the chance to play at some of the best festivals on the planet (such as The Great Escape Festival, Brighton Pride and Glastonbury); performing at our end-of-term gigs; and collaborating with students from other disciplines including Music Business, Songwriting and more.
Check out and bookmark our resources below to discover more about studying Bass and life at BIMM University Berlin. Hear from students currently on the course and gain access to handy tips on how to unleash your talent once you get here.
Bass offers me something different and unique…every time I play, it makes me feel like I am on the highway to heaven.
The soundcheck is your chance to lock down a decent live mix, and if you don’t use your time effectively, you’ll sound like a clock radio.
Something about the tone and fullness of the bass has always made me feel great when I play.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our Bass courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM University Berlin, please contact our Admissions Team on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email admissions@bimm-institute.de.
