About the Baylor Double Bass Program

The Baylor University Double Bass Program offers an immersive, high-level musical experience for students who aspire to perform, teach, create, and lead. Double bass students receive the individualized attention of a focused studio within the resources of a nationally recognized School of Music.

All double bass majors study exclusively with Dr. Sandor Ostlund, a full-time, resident faculty artist known for his dynamic teaching, supportive studio culture, and commitment to each student's long-term success.

Teaching Philosophy

Dr. Ostlund's teaching emphasizes technical freedom, artistic curiosity, and the development of each student's own musical voice.

Students aiming for orchestral careers go deep on excerpts, mock auditions, and audition preparation. Those drawn to solo playing, jazz, early music, chamber work, or contemporary and electronic music find those doors open to them. The goal is not to produce a single kind of bassist, but to help each student become the musician they are working to be.

Graduates leave Baylor with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in today's musical world.

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A Week in the Life of a Baylor Bassist

A typical week includes:

  • One-on-one private lesson with Dr. Ostlund

  • Studio Class featuring peer performance, pedagogy, and technique

  • Double Bass Orchestral Repertoire Class

  • Baylor Symphony Orchestra rehearsals

  • Additional rehearsals for Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Early Music Ensemble, or Chamber Music

Each student's schedule is built around where they're headed, so the week looks different for a bassist preparing orchestral auditions than for one focused on solo playing, jazz, or early music.

Performance Opportunities

Baylor bassists have numerous opportunities to perform, often in multiple settings:

  • Solo recitals

  • Studio recitals

  • Chamber ensembles

  • The acclaimed Baylor Symphony Orchestra

  • Jazz ensembles and combos

  • Early music and new music ensembles

These frequent, diverse performance experiences accelerate musical growth and help students develop confidence and artistry on stage.

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Guest Artists

The program regularly hosts renowned guest bassists for masterclasses, workshops, and residencies. Past guests have included:

François Rabbath • Paul Ellison • Harold Robinson • Gary Karr • Andrew Raciti • Joey Naeger • Robin Kesselman • Hans Sturm • Brian Perry • Samuel Suggs • Dennis Whittaker • Rufus Reid • Nick Lloyd • Time for Three

These interactions give students access to different schools of playing, professional perspectives, and international pedagogical traditions.

Our Alumni

Baylor double bass graduates carry forward a legacy of excellence. Alumni can be found performing in major orchestras, military bands, chamber groups, and jazz ensembles; teaching at universities, conservatories, and schools around the country; and building versatile, creative careers across the field.

We'd Love to Hear From You

If you're passionate about becoming a dynamic, versatile, and high-level bassist, there's no better place to grow than the Baylor Double Bass Studio. We welcome driven students who are eager to challenge themselves, refine their artistry, and join a thriving community of musicians who support and inspire one another.

[Information about applying to the Baylor Bass Studio can be found here.]

If you'd like to learn more about the program, the studio culture, or what life as a Baylor bassist looks like, feel free to reach out — Dr. Ostlund is always happy to connect with prospective students and their families.