Rufus Philpot Visits LAMA Bass Department

A special someone stopped by to give LAMA’s “lowenders” a lesson this week. In case you weren’t aware, Rufus Philpot is BEAST! Photos via bass department chair Jerry Watts’ Instagram (@j_double_diz)

Rufus Philpot BIO:

Ten years ago, bassist Rufus Philpot moved from his native land of London, England to the United States to pursue his musical vision. His first port of call was New York City. Whilst there, he rapidly became a much sought after bassist, with a reputation for his complete versatility, musicality and total command of the instrument, whether on fretted, fretless, four, five or six string..

Rufus was also invited to join the faculty of the world renowned Drummers / Bass Collective. In addition to teaching advanced classes with Tania Maria drummer Kim Plainfield, he performed regular seminar concerts with his own trio, JVR-featuring Spyro Gyra & Michel Camilo drummer Joel Rosenblatt.

In 2004, Rufus moved to Los Angeles, touring the U.S. with British Acid Jazz group Down to the Bone (acting as Musical Director), playing in a trio with Kirk Civington;s CPT Kirk, touring with Lao Tizer-and playing locally with such virtuosi as Scott Henderson, Steve Weingart, Tony Macalpine, Brandon Fields, Joel Taylor, and Mitch Forman.

Read the rest of Rufus’ complete bio here: http://www.rufusbass.com/bio.html

-LAMA Staff

Tina Wood Visits for a Master Class at LAMA

Tech and repair expert (and guitarist) Tina Wood visited LAMA for a master class, showing our “low-enders” what it’s all about! Bass department Chair Jerry Watts, Jr. shot a couple photos through his Instagram. Everyone had a great time learning from her — she has a new fan club 🙂 The LAMA students love master classes like these…we have them for all departments and more are coming soon!

-LAMA Staff

Marco Minnemann Drum Solo Snippet

Just found this clip of Marco soloing during his clinic at last year’s Drummer’s Reality Camp, hosted every year at LAMA in conjunction with DrumChannel.com. This year’s camp takes place June 27-30, 2013 and guest drummers so far include: Alex Acuna, Peter Erskine, Terry Bozzio, Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, and recording specialist Uli Frost. Read all about DRC 2013 here: http://www.lama.edu/programs/additional-programs/drummers-reality-camp.

-LAMA Staff

LAMA’s Jody Fisher Releases New Book

Congrats to LAMA guitar department Chair Jody Fisher on his new book! “Jody Fisher’s Jazz Guitar Chord Melody Course” came out January 2013 from Alfred Publishing ($24.99).

-LAMA Staff

Video Quick Tip – Recording Drums

LAMA Instructor Andrew Murdoch discusses ways to record drums to achieve your ideal sound. In this video, he specifically takes on snare drums and some older Pearl toms (where they’ve added Naugahyde under the heads). Interesting stuff!

-LAMA Staff

Juan Alderete Visits LAMA for Master Class

Lucky bass department today…the master class  at LAMA featured Juan Alderete, probably best known as bassist for Racer X and The Mars Volta. Students in all departments pursuing degree programs at LAMA get to experience master classes with amazing musicians from around the globe. For more info visit lama.edu.

-LAMA Staff

LAMA Grad Pete Korpela Performing with Josh Groban

Pete Korpela is an accomplished musician in orchestral, latin, jazz, world, rock, and pop music. He is also a percussion graduate from LAMA and is currently on tour with Josh Groban. He sent us photos and a fantastic update regarding all his TV appearances with Josh over the last week or so which also includes today and tomorrow with Ellen and Jimmy Kimmel. Peter also mentioned that last week they played a show from Lincoln Center which was broadcast across the US in over 500 different movie theaters. This show was taped as a PBS special and will be aired some time this spring. Peter will be performing with Josh in Australia and New Zealand in April as follows:

AUCKLAND: Saturday April 13, Vector Arena

PERTH: Tuesday April 16, Kings Park

ADELAIDE: Thursday April 18, Festival Theatre

MELBOURNE: Saturday April 20, Palais Theatre

SYDNEY: Tuesday April 23, Sydney Opera House

BRISBANE: Friday April 26, Qpac Concert Hall

Here are some photos from his current trip:

On Conan

Pete’s Kit at Lincoln Center

Good Morning America

At rehearsal…

-LAMA Staff

LAMA’s Music Producer, Engineering Degree Program Explained

LAMA has released a new video featuring department Chair Sean Halley, who eloquently describes what students can expect while learning at LAMA in Los Angeles. Besides spending a lot of time recording, getting produced and producing others, you will learn signal processing, computers, songwriting and you take lessons on other instruments — so you can learn the language of instrumentalists and singers. Plus much more… Check out what Sean has to say in the video below:

-LAMA Staff

Bassists: Get Money for Music School

LAMA says grants are still available for its bass department — the deadline is days away, February 15, 2013 — that means you still have some time to apply and secure funding for your music education at LAMA.

You should call the admissions department at LAMA, 1-626-568-8850, to learn more.

Not familiar with our bass department? That’s ok — we made this video for you — Chair Jerry Watts Jr. discusses what you can expect from your time studying at LAMA.

-LAMA Staff