Watch Now: Episode 6 What’s in a Bass Line?
The bass is one of the most versatile instruments in the world. It is used in nearly every musical genre, and integral to the harmonic and rhythmic structure of the music we listen to every day. In honor of bassist Draylen Mason, Dana Wygmans, bass teaching artist for Austin Soundwaves, will explore bass lines spanning multiple genres and show you how to start creating your own bass lines at home.
What to bring: Your own voice or musical instrument.
Bio: Dana Wygmans is currently the bass teaching artist for Austin Soundwaves, assistant director of the UT Austin String Project, and director of the Prelude Ensemble of the Austin Youth Orchestra as well as being a private teacher and freelance musician. Formerly, she was the Director of Orchestras at Murchison Middle School from 2016-2019 and East Austin College Prep during the 2015-2016 school year. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she received a Bachelor of Music Education from Alma College. She moved to Austin in seven years ago and earned her Master’s in Double Bass Performance from UT Austin in 2015. You can find Dana playing her bass all over Austin and performing with the orchestra folk band American Dreamer. In her spare time, Dana loves to spend time crafting, cooking, hanging out with her cats, and taking care of plants.
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TEKS Alignment
Grades K-5 | Music. Music literacy: Identify instruments visually and aurally.
Middle School 1, 2, 3 | Music. Historical and cultural relevance: Relate music to history, culture, and the world. Music literacy: Describe and analyze music and musical sound. Experience and explore exemplary musical examples using technology and available live performances. Creative expression: Demonstrate musical artistry by singing or playing an instrument, alone and in groups.
High School 1, 2, 3, 4 | Music. Historical and cultural relevance: Relate music to history, culture, and the world. Music literacy: Describe and analyze music and musical sound. Experience and explore exemplary musical examples using technology and available live performances. Creative expression: Demonstrate musical artistry by singing or playing an instrument, alone and in groups. The student creates original music within specified guidelines.