Real Learning. No Flashy Licks!
Study with NYC Bassist Gianluca Renzi
Cherokee on Electric and Upright Bass
My experience as a performer, arranger, and educator has taught me that walking bass lines and jazz improvisation are closely connected. Both are built on harmony, rhythm, melody, and form, and understanding these elements is essential for developing a strong musical language.
This philosophy is at the core of Jazz Bass Academy. Rather than relying on shortcuts or isolated licks, I help students understand how jazz works so they can create their own bass lines, develop their improvisational vocabulary, and make informed musical choices in real playing situations.
Shows around the world
Being a jazz bassist in New York City has challenged me to continually deepen my understanding of music as a performer, arranger, and educator. Over the years, I have performed, taught, and presented masterclasses internationally, while my studies in classical double bass performance and jazz composition and arranging have shaped the way I approach harmony, improvisation, and the role of the bass in jazz.
Through Jazz Bass Academy, I share the concepts and practice methods that have shaped my musical journey. Through structured online jazz bass lessons and personalized guidance, I help upright and electric bass players develop walking bass lines, jazz improvisation, harmony, repertoire, and a deeper understanding of jazz standards.
✓ 100+ lessons already available
✓ Beginner and early intermediate bassists
✓ Learn at your own pace
✓ New lessons added regularly
✓ Intermediate and advanced bassists
✓ Harmonic and melodic concepts
✓ Slower takes and breakdown lessons
✓ Learn at your own pace
✓ Personalized weekly recorded lessons
✓ Upload videos of your assignments
✓ Structured study plan tailored to your progress
✓ Unlimited support
✓ All skill levels welcome
✓ Live feedback and direct interaction
✓ For upright and electric bass players
✓ Flexible scheduling and monthly packages
VIDEO FEEDBACK - $29.99
Try a one-time Personal Studio session, uploaad a video (up to 5 minutes), ask specific questions, or submit a performance for review. You’ll receive a personalized 15-minute downloadable video lesson with detailed feedback, practical examples, and targeted assignments. Book anytime — no subscription required. Upload instruction after purchase.
PLAY ALONG SINGLE VIDEOS - $5.99
A single Play-Along experience featuring my original bass lines and improvised solos on a curated selection of essential jazz standards and original compositions. Each session includes a complete transcription, a slow-tempo practice version for detailed study, and an in-depth lesson analyzing the harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic concepts behind the performance.
Gianluca is simply the best. I have studied with a few great teachers, but he stands among the best. His method for learning Jazz bass produces quick results and demystifies an art form many of us struggle with. Furthermore, he is very patient, accommodating, and a gentleman of high integrity. He is a great player and a great teacher. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn Jazz or have Jazz education serve as a vehicle to propel their playing to greater heights.
Thomas B.
Electric bass
(United States)
I started to study with Gianluca 2 years ago and it's changed my life, he is incredible as a musician and as a teacher and I can see my playing improved a lot, I truly recommend musicians to take lessons with him, I am going to continue studying with him for long time! Don't miss your opportunity!
Diego F.
Upright/Electric bass (Argentina)
Gianluca is a skilled and talented musician, and an amazing teacher. He’s able to make hard stuff simple and he finds a way to teach complex concepts in small steps to every level bass players. Highly recommended.
Mario I.
Upright bass
(Italy)
I've been taking electric bass lessons from Gianluca for about 9 months now and have gotten a lot out of it. The video exchange format is perfect. I create a quick video demonstrating where I'm at with a topic and he sends me a response video. This allows me to rewatch and slow down the video response to really grasp what he's demonstrating. He's a super nice guy as well and always happy to answer questions over email. Highly recommended!
Jason N.
Electric bass
(United States)
Yes. While lessons are demonstrated on upright bass, the musical concepts apply directly to electric bass. The focus is on harmony, walking bass, rhythm, and improvisation — which translate across both instruments.
No. While all examples are transcribed, the lessons can be followed easily even if you don’t read music, thanks to clear and detailed explanations. You can develop your ear, time feel, and understanding of jazz language without relying on reading.
Yes. The Practice Room provides a clear starting point for building jazz bass fundamentals step by step, even if you are new to jazz. You will learn to create bass lines starting from chord tones, gradually developing melodic approaches and basic harmonic substitutions you can apply in real playing situations.
Subscription based courses provide a structured path you can follow at your own pace, focusing on fundamentals, jazz standards, and progressive development. Private lessons offer direct, personalized guidance through Zoom meetings or video feedback (Personal Studio Plan), with detailed input on your playing, targeted exercises, and a customized approach based on your level and goals.
You will develop walking bass lines, harmonic understanding, time feel, and improvisation, working on real jazz standards through a structured approach. A central focus is learning the different melodic approaches to chord tones and how to combine them, as they form the foundation of jazz bass language.
Lessons are organized into progressive topics and applied through jazz standards, helping you build skills in a clear and connected way rather than isolated exercises. Lessons are connected to develop harmony, walking bass lines, rhythm, repertoire, and improvisation over time. Each study plan functions as a complete jazz bass course, guiding your progress with clarity and direction.
Developing more advanced walking bass requires a deeper understanding of harmony, voice leading, and rhythmic variation. The focus is on connecting chord tones smoothly, shaping phrases across the form, and creating lines that support the music while adding direction and interest. It is also crucial to understand the many melodic approaches to chord tones and how they combine, as they form the core of jazz bass language.
Improvisation becomes more natural when you clearly hear the harmony and understand how to outline it. By working on phrasing, time feel, and connecting ideas across the form, you can move beyond patterns and develop a more personal and confident approach. A key part of this is learning the different melodic approaches to chord tones and how to combine them, as they are central to developing a strong jazz vocabulary.
Stay In Touch With JBA
Updates and lesson excerpts for upright and electric jazz bass players
Jazz Bass Academy is an online jazz bass school founded by New York bassist and arranger Gianluca Renzi. It provides structured study paths and private lessons for upright and electric bass players, from beginners to advanced musicians.
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