BASSWORKS 2007 Faculty

Nicholas Walker is an accomplished musician who brings a broad range of training and experience to the double bass: classical and jazz, modern and baroque, solo recitals and chamber ensembles, his enthusiasm and aptitude transcend arbitrary musical boundaries.

Walker earned his DMA in Early Music at Stony Brook University in 2004. Formerly Walker studied with Paul Ellison at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University where he received a BMA in 1994. Walker has also apprenticed with two master mentors: for three years he toured with swing era saxophone legend Illinois Jacquet, and for the last fourteen years Walker has worked closely with the pioneering maestro of the bass, François Rabbath . As a Fulbright Scholar (1994-95) he began his training with Rabbath at the Nadia Boulanger Conservatoire de Paris. His research focused on pedagogical components of Rabbath's "Nouvelle Technique de la Contrabasse", and adapting Rabbath's technique and repertoire for the American Jazz and Latin music traditions. For more info on Nicholas click here.

Marian Heckenberg is a very successful freelance performer and teacher. She has enjoyed 20 years as a professional musician and performs regularly with the Adelaide , Melbourne , Queensland and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras as well as Orchestra Victoria . She has enjoyed guest principal bass contracts with these orchestras and is a founding member of X-Collective (a Queensland based chamber/cabaret ensemble). Since working and studying (at USC ) with Paul Ellison and Dennis Trembly in Los Angeles , Marian has been inspired to share her passion for the bass with many students of all age groups and abilities. She teaches at the Queensland Conservatorium, The Young Conservatorium (Griffith University) and at the University of Queensland . Additionally, Marian has also been enthusiastically involved in educational programs for Melbourne Youth Music, The National Academy, The University of Southern Queensland, Education Queensland (MOST Scholarship program) and AYO (Young Symphonists).

Peter McLachlan ( Director Adelaide ) is an active and enthusiastic educator who maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule, manages Bassworks and is also active in the restoration and building of double basses. He has played in the State Opera Orchestra, The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and numerous bands, and is a regular faculty member at conferences in Australia and the USA . He has also directed 3 very successful national bass conferences in Australia.

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