What does a sustainable career as a professional bassist really look like?
In this episode of Now That's Bass, Pete sits down with bassist, educator and online creator Dan Hawkins to explore the journey from an 11-year-old schoolboy discovering the bass to performing in the West End, touring with major artists and teaching thousands of bass players around the world.
Dan shares how incredible teachers shaped his playing, why reading music opened doors throughout his career, and how adapting to technology helped him build a successful online business without ever losing his love of performing.
They also dive into practice, motivation, overcoming plateaus, balancing family life with music and why the best bass players never stop learning.
Whether you're an aspiring professional, a weekend player or somewhere in between, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest insight.
In this episode:
How one music teacher completely changed Dan's life
Getting Grade 8 bass in just two years
Learning from West End session musicians
Why reading music still matters
Following a professional bassist for work experience
Building a career through teaching, sessions and live work
Playing Les Mis, Martha Reeves and Katie Melua
Creating a successful online bass business
Why deliberate practice beats endless noodling
The biggest mistakes bass players make when learning
Life after moving from London to Singapore
The importance of adapting your career over time
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