James Strange

I served in the Royal Marine Band Service for six years (2002-08) as a bass player playing numerous venues around the country such as the Royal Albert Hall in London, The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and with celebrities such as Katherine Jenkins and Jane McDonald. I studied for three years at the Royal Marines School of music under Kevin Rundel (Principal Double Bass, London Philharmonic Orchestra), Andy Cresci (Principal Tuba, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra), and Alan Ham (RM Musician, 26 years experience on bass guitar, including many years aboard the Royal Yacht Brittania).

I was trained to Diploma standard on all three bass instruments, during which time I also achieved my Diploma in Music through Portsmouth University and Grade 5 Theory.

I have extensive originals band experience, having toured with an Edinburgh based rock band for 4 years, and have performed with a wedding/function band from 05/10 until 03/11 playing over 110 rock and pop covers at various events. I have also performed on double bass with the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra and at The Jazz Bar on several occasions.

I have a strong understanding of harmony and arrange classical pieces for accoustic bass guitar, which has led to the publishing of my arrangement of Debussy's 'Saraband' with Freehand Music (see my website at www.classicalbassguitar.co.uk).

I have been teaching the bass guitar since September 2009, passing on my professionaly aquired experiences and techniques, whilst studying a BSc and progressing towards completing a PGCE to enable a career in teaching secondary education.