Bass Lessons with Adam Lowdermilk

I wanted to learn how to play the electric bass, I got Adam’s information from the shop that I purchased my bass and amp from. I called was able to start taking lessons that week. Adam is a wonderful teacher. He teaches theory, and has a lot of patience with me. I would recommend Adam to anyone who wants to learn bass.

Adam is one of the Bay Area’s best bass players. With great groove and experience in Afro-​latin, Jazz, and improvisation to light up a venue, I can say he is one of the kindest dudes in the bay area to boot. You would be lucky to take lessons from him.

Adam is fantastic! I played violin for most of my life but recently decided to take up the electric bass, so I signed up for lessons with Adam based on the positive reviews I’d read on Unilocal.So glad I did! He is super passionate about music and teaching, and all in all a really nice person. Would be great teacher for more experienced players too.
I’ve had tons of private teachers over the years (albeit for a different instrument) and Adams definitely one of the best. Highly recommend him if you’re thinking of taking lessons in the area!

I found Adam via Unilocal after looking through all the reviews for an upright bass teacher. There were a few closer to my location (within 10 miles) but I chose to go with Adam (25 miles away) based upon reviews. I have played woodwind instruments and piano since the early 80’s so I have some musical background so I was not starting from ground zero musically. I am an older student (more than 40 years and less than 50) and have been taking lessons from Adam for the past 3 – 4 months — no knowledge of string instruments.
I talked with Adam for my first lesson to get a taste of his musical background and personality. He is easy going, very positive about learning music and really got a sense of where I was with music. To keep me from lugging my upright bass in a car from 26 miles away, storing it in the heat for most of the day (my lesson was at 5pm) Adam offered the use of his upright bass to take my lessons on. That was very much appreciated. As for Adam’s musical background — he is still active in the Bay Area and beyond. I was particularly interested in his Jazz background as I am trying to focus on playing more jazz but also wanting to know how to «bow» classicaly. Adam pretty much covered what I was looking for and much more.
Unanswered questions for what you may be wondering:
How is Adam as a teacher? I think he is a wonderful teacher. I have had a great experience learning from him. He breaks things down into simple pieces that I can learn from. We went through what to look for in an upright bass (before I purchased mine), how to hold the bass, how to pluck the strings, terminology, right hand and left hand techniques — all at my own pace. Adam answers all my questions (in person, over text messages, via email). He also provides plenty of material for me to review and to practice.
Cost? Comparable to many of the teachers I researched out there in the Bay Area
Other information — Adam does teach both upright bass and electric bass. I have walked in on other students (young and old) a few minutes early before my lesson and have observed Adam’s style with the other students. Again — very positive and very professional.
You will get something out of taking lessons with Adam as long as you are willing to put in the time. Set your expectations for learning bass (electric or upright) — give Adam a call — and get ready to do some great learning (and plenty of practicing at home…)!

Adam is awesome! He’s a fantastic teacher and a really nice guy. I’m 42 and I took upright bass lessons from him weekly for about 6 months. I stopped just because I injured my finger (non-​bass related injury) and the recovery has been long and slow.
Adam is very knowledgeable with theory, styles, technique, practicality, etc. What’s great about Adam is that he’s down to work on whatever you want to work on. He meets you where you are (musically). He’s excited about music and excited about teaching and it shows (and gets you excited too). And he’s a working musician, which is nice.
I learned so much from him and I can’t recommend Adam more. He’s great!

Adam has been my son’s bass teacher for about a year. My son is 16 and played bass for a little over a year before Adam became his teacher. Adam offers a young, fresh perspective to the possibility of bass repertoire. He’s patient and encouraging and has been flexible in scheduling lessons. We both really appreciate him.

Adam is a great teacher! I have learned a lot about theory and have had fun doing it.
The way Adam teaches is relaxed and stress free, I look forward to my lessons each week! I would recommend Adam to any level – great teacher and great person.

I never thought I would find a bass teacher for my 14 year old son off the internet, but boy am I glad I found his website.
My son had been playing for two years, rock and jazz., and his interest waxed and waned. So I after trying a couple of teachers that were recommended by friends that didn’t work out, we found Adam. Since my son began lessons, he has developed an interest in jazz theory, practices a ton more, and is noticeably progressing in skill level. Adam meets him where he is, sometimes it’s a trying to figure out a song by ear, or other times, a walking bass line. My son’s knowledge of music theory has taken off and I see him integrating into how he approaches tunes and his understanding of music.
Adam is highly professional in his approach to teaching, kind, has a sense of humor, and a wide range of musical interests. He is truly a gifted and skilled teacher, who has the keen ability to meet a student where they are and guide them to stretch and grow as a musician. I highly recommend him!

Where do I start…
Adam is a terrific teacher, an outstanding musician, and a great guy. I love Adam’s teaching style. He uses a combination of theory, technical skill building, and FUN! — playing music. Adam will make you feel comfortable and confident allowing you to explore music without feeling embarrassed or self conscious. As a musician he is amazing; he excels in all styles of music and music composition!
If you want to learn how to play bass, call Adam and get started — you won’t regret it.

Adam is a very professional and excellent instructor for any level bassist.
I saw Adam perform recently in the Bay Area and approached him about lessons for my daughter who is in High School. Not only was he friendly and easy to get a hold of, his website and his music shows the caliber of musician he is. I felt this was a great sign of a polished musician and he has been excellent with Samantha since day one.
If you are looking for great instruction look no further. Expect to grow and learn while loving what you’re doing in music with Adam!

My 11-​year-​old son wants to play bass and we found Adam and gave him a try and we’re so glad we did!
Adam is GREAT with my son, very patient and infomative. My son likes him a lot and is inspired to get better and he practices every day without us nagging him :-) What else can a parent ask for?
Can’t recommend Adam enough.

Mr. Lowdermilk works with my son and my son absolutely loves working with him. He raves about Mr. Lowdermilk after every session and is constantly inspired to keep going back.