Billy Edwards
Bass, Guitar
Billy Edwards, a San Francisco Bay Area native, started playing Guitar at the tender age of 7. At 10, he had his introduction to Jazz, what he considers as the beginning of his musical career, when he began studying Drums under well known, local musician, Walle Schnalle. High School found Billy experiencing the musical possibilities the Bass Guitar gave him in the Jazz and Classical styles, and thus, decided to explore that avenue. As well as Acoustic, or Upright Bass, Billy chose to learn 6-String, or Extended Range Bass, believing a Bass should be able to be played in the same range as a standard Guitar, just in a lower register.
Throughout his adolescence, Billy honed his skills in the San Jose Youth Symphony and Winchester Orchestra as well as numerous Jazz groups in the South Bay. He is inspired by musicians such as Victor Wooten, Ron Carter, Esperanza Spalding, Ray Brown and Steven Bruner.
Billy has played in the house band for the SOMA Ballroom and played bass on tour with Austin, Texas based band, Free Kittens and Bread, as well as spent many an hour in the recording studio. He continues his growth as a musician by studying Bass under Dan Robbins, a Grammy nominated musician from Santa Cruz - one of the best educators in the Bay Area!
In lessons with Billy, students will begin by focusing on rudimentary exercises designed to help students break down concepts from the beginning and throughout their musical life. An incredibly passionate teacher, one of his many goals is to help students “find their sound”, and not just play by rote. He provides a relaxed environment, where students are encouraged and not chastised. Billy offers lessons for any age, in any style.
He is now accepting students in Bass (Electric or Upright), Guitar and Drums. To register, call (408) 395-7436 or submit your contact information here and someone from LGSM will be in touch shortly!