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Whitney Moulton

When I was young, my Mom would buy me records as gifts, while she got other items for my sisters. I loved those albums! When I took them to school for "Show and Tell," I would have to promise to be very careful to not damage the album; otherwise, I would not be able to take another album to school later. I think I can still sing the lyrics to Winnie the Pooh's "Exercise Song."

While I was still too young to start piano lessons, I would watch and listen to my older sisters practiced for their lessons. After they finished practicing, I would go to the piano and figure out what they had played. I did the same thing when they started to play band instruments.

My first big step towards being a musician occurred when I chose to play oboe in the fifth grade beginning band. This is an instrument I love and will always play. In high school, when the really cool bass player graduated, the bass guitar spot came open. Bass looked like it was fun to play. I tried it and was right. So, I borrowed a bass over the summer and taught myself to play. Then in college I played a bass violin for the first time and that was it, I was hooked. The college jazz ensembles and orchestra gave me more opportunities to stretch my wings towards becoming a well-rounded bass player. Later, when I began teaching private lessons, my students benefited from my experiences.

After college I started to perform on cruise ships and traveled the world for a year and a half. There was nothing like playing 7 nights a week to advance my musicianship.

Upon returning to land I was a full time musician. Teaching a studio of up to 21 students, substitute teaching in schools, holding coaching sessions for jazz bands in the local schools, as well as continuing to perform at every opportunity, kept me more than busy.

After earning my Master's degree, I moved to New York City and furthered my professional career. I have had the privilege of playing with jazz organ legend Sarah McLawler, Carol Sudhalter, Emme Kemp, many Basie Band Alums, Dick Katz, Bronx Symphony Orchestra, Regina Opera Company, Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, and The Jazzmobile. I have also played in some of the best concert halls in New York City including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, and Birdland.

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Tags

Primary Instrument

Bass

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

College Teaching Experience Adjunct Professor, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, Instructor of Jazz History. A survey of jazz styles, jazz musicians and societal influences on the music starting from the origin of jazz to the present. This class included both music majors and non-music majors. Coached a Small Jazz Ensemble. Instructed the ensemble on creating musical arrangements, developing group communication, improvisation and developing effective rehearsal techniques

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