Teaching

“I’m fascinated with the way we learn, improve and create. Assuming that we all have different learning processes and interests, I always tailor my approach to each student. By balancing an effective, functional and straight to the point approach with an emotional, inspiring and mindful side, I try to give a comprehensive view of music and arts.”

“I was fortunate to have studied with amazing musicians that generated awakenings and epiphanies on me. I want my students to feel the same type of experiences that I had.”

He is currently part of the staff of the Hot Clube de Portugal, where he teaches Composition, Double Bass and Ensemble and previously taught at Mark Murphy’s Music (New Jersey), Academia de Amadores de Música (Lisbon), ESTAL (Lisbon) and Conservatório de Música de Angra do Heroísmo (Azores). André’s goal is to give each student an holistic view of music, not only focusing on the necessary and fundamental tools, but also to help in the pursuit for happiness in and through music.

Since 2014, André has directed his private studio, where he has taught students ages 6-75, from beginners to advanced levels, including Double Bass (Classical and Jazz), Piano, Improvisation, Composition and Ear-training. 

André holds a Master in Music (Jazz performance) from Manhattan School of Music, a bachelor’s degree from University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Austria (Classical Double Bass) and has studied privately with Sam Yahel, Ben Street and Ari Hoenig. He also has a post grad in Film Scoring from the European Film Scoring Academy. André truly believes that his broad background made him a better person and of course a better musician and educator.

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Teaching Quotes

André is the most amazing instructor! He is very helpful and incredibly knowledgeable. I was a complete beginner and he was happy to walk up and down complex ideas so I could understand them well.

—Nick, piano student

Our son has had the opportunity to have Andre as his double bass teacher from the age of 5. And 5 years later we have been impressed with his dedication to such a small student and professionalism. His consideration for a Grammy award in 2019 is just the proof of his love and giftedness for music and his profession. As the saying goes “It takes a village to raise a child…”, we are thankful that he is part of our ‘village’. By sharing his knowledge and inspiration he is enriching the soul of his students. We highly recommend him to anyone looking to broaden their love for music and add magic to their educational experience.

—Tatjana and Dusan Roganovic, parents of Stefan Roganovic, current Double Bass student

In order to help me being more efficient in my practice routine and finding my own way in music, André teaches me several techniques and approaches. I feel more and more confident and admiration on his teachings and each lesson is a gift.

—Raquel Neto, current Double Bass student

André has been a pleasure to work with. My older son started piano lessons with André and thrived with the personalised lessons. André is always well prepared and engaged during the lessons. André provides me daily feedback after lessons, which allows me to focus on specific areas when my son practices throughout the week. André is patient, calm and nurturing. Satisfied with my older son’s progress, I have started lessons for my younger son with André. We are fortunate to have André as our piano teacher and I highly recommend him.

—Harun Sinha, father of Alfie and Ernie, piano students

I have studied with André for 2 years. This time was extremely important for my development and strengthen my interest for this instrument. André is an excellent teacher, not only on the technical and musical level, but also on the personal and emotional level. He is technically very demanding and strict, but also very creative and exciting.”

— João Lucas, former double bass student

I can’t describe the huge progress and motivation I felt. André was always accessible, inspiring and above all a true friend. He showed me that I could always run the extra mile and that, with dedication and perseverance, I could surpass my goals. I also discovered Jazz, which is, nowadays, my focus.

— Francisco Silva, former double bass student

André was my teacher for 2 years and during this time I was always looking forward to meet him on Wednesday, when I used to have my regular double bass lesson. André was very important to me, not only because of the great progress I did during this period, but also because he planted the seed of interest for Jazz, by showing me the works of great Jazz bassists and inviting me for Jazz concerts around town. I hope I have the opportunity to study with him again or eventually we can work together in the future!

— Guilherme Santos, former double bass student

What have the students said?