Robert L. — Double Bass Teacher — The Beaches, Toronto

Robert Lee is an upright bassist, composer, and bandleader in the Toronto jazz scene. His musical interest started with the violin before switching to the bass. He is a graduate from the University of Guelph and Humber College music programs. He obtained his Masters in Contemporary Performance from Berklee Valencia in 2021. Lee has had the opportunity to study and perform with Neil Swainson, Ted Quinlan, Allison Au, Mike Downes, Geoff Young, Lorne Lofsky, Kieran Overs, Pat LaBarbera, Kirk MacDonald, Andrew Scott, Kevin Turcotte, Amanda Tosoff, Andrew McAnsh, Nick Mancini (Los Angeles), Perico Sambeat, Matt Baker, Magda Giannikou, and others. He has performed at various venues and festivals across Ontario and internationally, including the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival, the Guelph Jazz Festival, the Newmarket Music Festival, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, Toronto Fringe Festival, Jimmy Glass Off Festival, MusicFest Canada, and the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. In October 2023, Lee performed alongside the Seocho Philharmonia (Seoul, Korea) and the Glen Gould School Orchestra as part of the Korean War Memorial Concert at Koerner Hall (Toronto, CA), conducted by Jong Hoon Bae . He performed with world-renowned artists Sumi Jo (soprano), Jens Lindermann (trumpet), and Matt Catingub (piano). Robert performed on the 2024 Juno Nominated album “ Little Bit a’ Love” by vocalist Denielle Bassels. He was named a Toronto Arts Foundation Finalist for “Breakthrough Jazz Artist” in 2025. He has been recognized for his work in composition and arranging, earning the Humber College Duke Ellington Society Scholarship in 2017 and 2018 as well as the James Appel School Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship in 2018. In 2018 he had the opportunity to work with the Artist-in-Residence at Humber College Pat Metheny, arranging the composition "Then and Now" for the Humber Studio Band and performing with the Ted Quinlan Pat Metheny Tribute Ensemble for the Artist-in-Residence Showcase concert. He has also been commissioned by the York Region Chamber Music Society to compose an original piece for the Hogtown Brass Quintet, entitled “Castle in the Sky” which premiered at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts in 2019. Robert in 2017 participated in the Spectrum Music New Voices Composers Residency. He attended the Keep an Eye Summer Jazz Workshop at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the Netherlands in 2018, studying under the likes of John Riley, Jay Anderson, Jesse Van Ruller, Frans van der Hoeven, and Dick Oats. He has also been featured on Jazzology with Heather Bambrick on JazzFm91 in 2018, as well as on Big City Small World and Saturday Night Jazz on CBC.

“Throughout my career, I have explored many musical paths—ranging from jazz and pop to folk traditions and North-Eastern Brazilian music. These experiences have reinforced my belief that musical diversity and active engagement are essential not only for a sustainable professional career, but also for fostering creative innovation. My teaching philosophy is centered on guiding students in the development of a distinctive artistic identity, grounded in their own musical and emotional experiences. I encourage students to explore a broad spectrum of genres and integrate these influences into a cohesive and authentic creative voice. My aim is for students to be recognized not as generic musicians, but as unique, expressive artists. I work to help them discover their personal equilibrium—an organic fusion of their influences and experiences—resulting in a sound that is personal, distinguished, and compelling. In addition to developing strong technical and musicianship skills, I emphasize the importance of composition as a tool for deeper artistic exploration. I believe that composing allows students to discover new perspectives and helps them define and refine their individual musical character. Ultimately, I want my students to leave their studies feeling empowered—with a deeper understanding of their own artistic voice and the tools to confidently pursue their creative goals, wherever their musical paths may lead.” Musicianship • Focus on developing a unique musical identity, with emphasis on time, intonation, articulation, sight-reading, and understanding instrumental roles. • Study of ensemble characteristics and repertoire across genres such as jazz, pop, and rock. • Instruction in sight-reading lead sheets (melody and harmony) and performing in various keys, time signatures, and styles. • Emphasis on improvisation, ensemble identity, and collaborative learning.