EXPLORE

BASS AT WATERBEAR

Through expert guidance, live performance opportunities and peer collaboration you’ll grow into a versatile, in-demand bass player.

APPLY NOW

BASS EXPERIENCE

WATERBEAR

BASSISTS

As a bassist at WaterBear, you’ll likely be in high demand, as we often have lots of bands and artists looking for solid bass players. Taught by professional bassists, you’ll be in small classes held in dedicated instrumental spaces, plugged into your own Ampeg amp, with regular access to a range of professional backline. You’ll work across a wide range of styles, theory, and techniques, all of which are essential for any professional bass player. Be open to exploring innovative tunings too, as musical diversity is absolutely valued.

ESSENTIAL

GEAR

We encourage you to bring a standard 4-string bass guitar in standard tuning, but we also love to see players arrive with 5- or 6-string instruments, acoustic basses, and any other specialist gear you would like to use. A decent tuner is a must-have. Every bass player will need a portable, practical amp suitable for small gigs and practice, along with a metronome, and ear protection. Don’t feel pressured into having expensive gear though, as it’s perfectly possible to get great tones on budget equipment if you know how to make the most of it.

WATERBEAR

FACILITIES

You’ll have access to a wide range of industry standard facilities, including dedicated instrumental teaching spaces, working music venues, social areas, songwriting and meeting rooms, and Mac suites. Our teaching environments are fitted out with state-of-the-art digital A/V technology alongside classic vintage gear and modern musical equipment giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll also have free, bookable access to recording and rehearsal facilities. Additionally, the ability to record to a reasonable standard at home is also very useful.

LIVE

PERFORMANCE

You’ll have regular opportunities to perform live in working music venues in Brighton and Sheffield. We also offer support slot opportunities at numerous festivals, gigs, and events across the UK throughout the year. Live performance, along with the support of emerging artists and grassroots venues through our Keeping Music Live campaign, is central to what we do at WaterBear.

1-1 Mentoring

Musical Development

At WaterBear, one to one mentoring is at the heart of your growth. Alongside support for your academic progress, artistic growth and career planning, you will receive dedicated time with industry professionals to focus on your musical skills whether that means mastering your instrument, improving your practice, developing your stagecraft or exploring new techniques.

ARTIST AND CAREER

DEVELOPMENT

Our Music Industries team, composed of active artists, producers and industry professionals, will support you through both your artistic development, and career planning. The focus is on real-world application and industry-facing outcomes, including work experience, live performance opportunities, live industry projects, masterclasses, showcases, soundchecks, A&R feedback, and industry networking and events.

WORK

EXPERIENCE

Through our extensive partner network, you’ll have access to work experience opportunities across many areas of the industry. These include festivals, touring, recording, session work, record labels, publishing, PR and marketing, live event management, backline, tech’ing, musical instrument manufacturing, teaching, studio internships, and much more.

WATERBEAR

COMMUNITY

You’ll be part of an incredible community of artists, musicians, and music industry professionals, all focused on creating great music and supporting one another’s creative careers. Every member brings unique ideas, strengths, perspectives and experiences that will enrich your learning and help you grow as an artist and professional.

FLEXIBLE

VIRTUAL LEARNING

Through our online virtual learning environment (VLE) all course content is available 24/7, whether you are studying on-site or fully online. You’ll have access to a wide range resources, and tuition, all tailored to suit your individual needs. Everything online is accessible to all students, allowing you to tailor your own learning journey at your own pace.

Bass Opportunities

Bass students have access to a range of industry-focused opportunities designed to develop both their playing and career skills in real-world settings. These include:

Clinics & Masterclasses

Learn directly from leading bassists and touring professionals across genres through in-depth sessions focused on technique, tone, gear, and career insights.

Band & Artist Auditions

Regular opportunities to audition for bands, live acts, and session work to build your CV and live performance experience.

1-1 Industry mentoring

Personal development sessions with established players to guide your progression and connect you to potential work.

Collaborative Projects

Write, record, and perform original music with peers across pathways, gaining valuable experience as both a creative and session player.

DEP & Live Gig Opportunities

Step into real performance roles and build your network through DEP work and support slots across a range of genres.

Studio Recording & Production

Collaborate with producers and engineers to track basslines, develop tone, and refine recording techniques for professional projects.

WHO YOU’LL LEARN FROM

To reach your full potential, you’ll need to be taught by great tutors. At WaterBear we have some of the best tutors and mentors in the UK today. As working professionals, the tutoring and visiting faculty team may be subject to occasional change and availability may vary. Our visiting faculty also bring a wealth of experience in the form of in-class masterclasses and Q&A sessions throughout the year.