Bass Guitar
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Live, session and remote
Electric bass for tours, recording sessions and last-minute dep gigs, sight-reading or playing by ear.
Session player, arranger, vocalist and teacher.
Freddie the Bassist
Electric and double bass for gigs, tours and recording sessions.
Meet Freddie
Freddie Draper plays electric bass for artists, bands and songwriters, on tour and in the studio. His work spans rock, jazz, soul, funk, disco, prog, R&B, musical theatre and classical music.
He also plays double bass with bands, ensembles and orchestras. He’s an experienced sight-reader, both live and in the studio.
A trained singer, Freddie sings lead and backing vocals for function bands, tribute shows and original artists.
Freddie is currently working as touring bassist for progressive metal giants Haken on their European tour.
He has taught music for over 18 years, from beginners through to professional musicians, at ICMP London, Bath Spa University and Morley College, and for eBassguitar. His experience includes individual lessons, group classes and online teaching.
His basses are a mix of Fender, Dingwall and Music Man, and he proudly endorses Cosmic Ears in-ear monitors and Tech 21 pedals.
What he offers
Double Bass
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Bowed or plucked, from the page or by ear
Double bass for orchestras, theatre pits, films in concert and jazz bands.
Vocals
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Lead and backing vocals
Obsessed with the challenge of holding down the bassline while singing (a far cheaper alternative to Sting!). Also fronts bands, including a Toto tribute!
Recording
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From his home studio or on-site
Sessions for clients worldwide: bass guitar, double bass, guitar, MIDI and vocals, turned around at short notice.
Transcription & Arrangement
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Scores, charts and arrangements
Known as “the Sibelius Wizard”, transcribing for ICMP, The Infinity Orchestra, Scott’s Bass Lessons, Marshall and eBassguitar.
Tuition
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Lessons for all levels
Has taught at ICMP London and for eBassguitar, with first-class honours, a Rockschool teaching licentiate, a PGCTLHE and advanced DBS clearance.
Other Instruments
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Guitar and keys when a track needs them
Guitar and keyboard work for artists, including a run playing lead guitar for T’Pau in the Caribbean.
Anything Else?
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Not listed? Just ask
If it’s musical and you can’t see it here, just get in touch below.
Watch & listen
Who Freddie’s played with
Some of the artists, organisations and shows Freddie has worked with.
& many more
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Study bass
Freddie teaches beginners through to professional bassists, with online lessons available worldwide. He has taught at London’s ICMP, and since 2023 has written and presented courses for eBassguitar. His qualifications include first-class honours, a Rockschool teaching licentiate and a postgraduate teaching qualification (PGCTLHE).
“I would always look forward to his lessons. They were always fun and interesting, and he’s honestly one of the most encouraging teachers I’ve ever had.”
Taylor Grace Harvey, Session Bassist
“An incredibly wise and friendly mentor whose knowledge and experience shine through in his lessons. His advice has stuck with me all this time…”
Ellie Daniels, Session Bassist
“Genuinely one of the most inspiring teachers I’ve ever had. His knowledge is incredible, not only in bass, but in music as a whole.”
Jess Ingram, Bassist, Sisters of Hysteria
“Freddie is freakin’ awesome. I’ve been through quite a few teachers and never had this much fun, made this much progress, or had this many aha moments.”
Laurel, eBassguitar Student
“He is an excellent teacher… His lessons are interesting and engaging, and he inspires a love and passion for the bass and music in every pupil.”
Alex K., Bassist and Music Teacher
“That one hour lesson flew by. He gave me technique suggestions that instantly helped my playing… I’d highly recommend him.”
Sarah M.A., Vocalist, Yoga Teacher and Sound Healing Facilitator
“It isn’t always the case that a great musician makes a great teacher, but with Freddie there’s complete coherence between the two.”
Nick Gauntlett, Burr Island
“Freddie was a kind, inspiring, and effective electric and double bass teacher… never losing sight of the importance of having fun when playing.”
Joel Mayes, Professional Upright and Electric Bassist
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Get in
touch
Need a bassist for a gig or recording, or interested in lessons? Drop Freddie a line and he’ll get back to you soon.
