Bass Lessons and Creative Music Coaching

Develop Your Voice. Deepen Your Groove. Make Better Music.

I’ve spent more than 25 years as a professional musician, performing, recording, composing, teaching, and touring throughout the United States. My work ranges from jazz and improvisational music to rock, electronic music, film scoring, live looping, synthesizers, and experimental performance.

Whether you’re looking to improve your bass playing, develop stronger improvisation skills, understand music theory, or find your own creative voice, lessons are tailored to your individual goals.

Many musicians reach a point where they know scales, exercises, and songs, but still feel stuck. My approach focuses on helping students connect technique, theory, listening, creativity, and musical expression into a complete practice.

Areas of Study

• Bass technique and fundamentals

• Groove, feel, and time

• Improvisation

• Ear training

• Music theory

• Jazz vocabulary and harmony

• Composition and songwriting

• Live performance skills

• Practice strategies

• Creativity and artistic development

• Recording, production, and music technology

Who These Lessons Are For

I work best with:

• Adult musicians

• Intermediate and advanced bassists

• Jazz and improvising musicians

• Songwriters and composers

• Musicians looking to break through creative plateaus

Students don’t need to be advanced players, but they should be curious, motivated, and willing to explore.

Lesson Format

Lessons are conducted online via Zoom.

75-minute private lesson — $80

The longer format allows enough time to go beyond quick exercises and dive deeply into concepts, questions, repertoire, listening, and practical application.

About John

John Daniel Ray is a bassist, composer, producer, and educator based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He has performed professionally for more than two decades and currently leads the exploratory jazz project Vintage Astronaut, creates plant-generated music through Floraphonics, and performs with numerous touring and recording artists. His teaching combines technical development with creativity, helping musicians build both skill and artistic confidence.

Schedule a Lesson

If you’re interested in studying together, send me a message with a little information about your musical background and what you’d like to work on.

I’d love to hear what you’re working on.