Private Bass Guitar Lessons with Dawson Lau
Build groove, timing, and a strong theoretical foundation on electric bass with structured, personalized lessons from Dawson Lau.
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Dawson is a working bassist and sideman who performs with artists across many genres. Lessons combine ear training, music theory, technique, and practical playing experience so you can learn and play virtually any bass line.
About Bassist Dawson Lau
Dawson Lau is a seasoned bassist, guitarist, and passionate educator based in California. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Jazz Studies from the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where he studied under some of Los Angeles’ leading jazz musicians and educators, including Jacques Lesure, Tamir Hendelman, Clayton Cameron, and Hitomi Oba.
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As a session and performing musician across Los Angeles and the Bay Area, working in pop, indie, rock, gospel, and more, he brings real-world experience playing bass into his lessons, teaching groove, timing, ear training, and music theory so students can play with other musicians and learn virtually any bass line.
Bass Lessons for Every Style
Dawson teaches electric bass for players who want to lock in with a drummer, hold down a groove, and play the music they actually love. Lessons cover pop, R&B, soul, neo-soul, blues, rock, funk, fusion, and jazz, so you can step into almost any band, jam, or session.
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Beginners start with alternating fingers, reading tabs and notation, and simple root-note bass lines. Intermediate and advanced players move into walking bass, chords, improvisation and fills, learning songs independently, and creating their own bass lines.
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Every student follows Dawson's four-level bass roadmap at a pace that fits, in private one-on-one lessons at Jinny's Music Studio in San Jose.
THE BASS ROADMAP
Level 0 - Foundations
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Alternating fingers
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Reading tabs & notation
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Basic rhythms & scales
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Root notes & simple bass lines
Level 1 - Theory & Technique
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Scales & arpeggios
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Fretboard knowledge
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Walking bass fundamentals
Level 2 - Musicianship & Expression
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Learning songs independently
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Playing across multiple genres
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Creating bass lines
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Improvisation & fills
Level 3 - Advanced Bass
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Jazz harmony & walking bass
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Advanced improvisation
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Chords
Styles: Pop • R&B • Soul • Neo-Soul • Blues • Rock • Funk • Fusion • Jazz
BASS LESSONS FAQ
What styles of bass can I learn?
Dawson teaches pop, R&B, soul, neo-soul, blues, rock, funk, fusion, and jazz bass, so lessons can follow the music you actually want to play.
Do I need experience to start bass lessons?
No. Level 0 starts from the beginning with alternating fingers, reading tabs and notation, basic rhythms and scales, and simple root-note bass lines.
What will I learn as I progress?
The four-level roadmap builds from foundations to theory and technique, then musicianship and expression, and finally advanced bass, including jazz harmony, walking bass, improvisation, and chords.
Where are bass lessons held?
Lessons are private, one-on-one sessions at Jinny’s Music Studio in San Jose.
Does Dawson also teach guitar?
Yes. Dawson teaches both bass and guitar. See his guitar lessons page for the guitar roadmap.
How do I book a trial lesson?
Use the Book Now button at the top of this page.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sideman, Freelance (2022-Present): performs with artists on guitar and bass
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Ann Sobrato Marching Band, Front Ensemble Instruction (2022-2023): coached students on technique, rhythm, and ensemble listening, and arranged exercises tailored to each student's level
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Live Oak Emerald Regiment, Front Ensemble Instruction (2025): coached students on technique, rhythm, and ensemble listening, and arranged exercises tailored to each student's level
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Performed with: UCLA Jazz Orchestra, Charles Mingus Ensemble, Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, Clayton Cameron Jazz Combo, and African American Music Ensemble
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Over 7 years of teaching and gigging experience as a guitarist and bassist
Lessons with Dawson Lau
- 120 US dollars
- 120 US dollars
Dawson also teaches guitar with a structured four-level curriculum. See his guitar lessons for the full roadmap.
Bass Guitar Lessons
Learn electric bass with Dawson, a working bassist and sideman. Lessons build groove, timing, and music theory for pop, R&B, soul, blues, rock, and jazz.
Teaching Philosophy
Based on over 7 years of teaching and gigging experience as a guitarist and bassist, Dawson's approach to teaching emphasizes versatility and a strong theoretical foundation.
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Rather than simply teaching students where to place their fingers to play a handful of songs, Dawson uses a structured curriculum designed to help students develop the skills and understanding needed to learn and perform virtually any song. Lessons combine carefully selected material, either written by Dawson or drawn from established instructional books, with extensive ear training, music theory, technique, and practical playing experience.
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Students will also have opportunities to jam and practice with other musicians, developing the listening, communication, and adaptability that are essential to playing in real-world musical settings.
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His goal is to build not only confident musicians, but well-rounded, adaptable players who understand why music works and can apply that knowledge in any situation. Whether a student wants to play for fun, join a band, pursue professional work, or major in music, he aims to bring them one step closer to becoming a versatile, hirable musician who is ready to play anything.
Dawson's honors include the National Jazz Festival "Superior Musician" award (2022) and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award (2020 and 2022).
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At UCLA, Dawson performed with the Jazz Orchestra, Charles Mingus Ensemble, Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, Clayton Cameron Jazz Combo, and African American Music Ensemble. Beyond his extensive jazz background, he has performed across a wide range of genres and musical settings, working with a diverse group of artists and ensembles throughout his career.
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Dawson's teaching reflects this versatility. His curriculum prepares students not only to play jazz, but to confidently perform across genres including pop, R&B, soul, neo-soul, blues, rock, funk, and fusion. His goal is to give students the broad musical foundation and practical skills needed to adapt to different styles, collaborate with a variety of musicians, and become well-rounded, versatile performers.