About this Event
What makes a great bass player more than just a great technician?
It’s the pocket. The feel. The tone. Knowing when to play, when to leave space, how to support the song—and how to make an entire band feel better.
Inside The Music presents an intimate Bass Masterclass with renowned Chicago bassist Maurice Fitzgerald.
Known for his exceptional groove, pocket and tone across gospel, R&B and soul, Maurice has played behind some of the most influential names in contemporary music, including The Isley Brothers, Beyoncé, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee and many more.
But this masterclass isn't simply about watching Maurice play.
It's about discovering how he thinks.
Get Inside The Music
Maurice will take you beyond scales, exercises and bass licks to explore the musical decisions that have shaped his career.
You'll discover how he approaches groove, pocket, tone, technique, listening, musicality and playing in a professional band setting.
What does Maurice listen for when playing with a drummer?
How does he decide what not to play?
What makes a bass line sit perfectly in the pocket?
How does he adapt his playing when supporting different artists?
What separates a technically capable bassist from the player who gets called back?
And what has decades of playing at the highest level taught him that you simply can't learn from practising alone?
This is your opportunity to ask.
What you'll experience
IN-DEPTH BASS MASTERCLASS
Maurice breaks down his approach to groove, pocket, tone, technique and musicality.
INSIDE THE MIND
Hear the thinking behind the notes: how Maurice listens, responds and makes musical decisions in real time.
LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
Hear concepts demonstrated rather than simply explained.
TONE & GEAR
Explore how Maurice approaches sound, touch and equipment—and how much of great tone actually comes from the player.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Discover lessons learned from a professional career playing with world-class artists.
LIVE Q&A
Bring your questions. This is an intimate room, giving attendees the opportunity to go considerably deeper than a conventional clinic.
LIVE JAM SESSION
The evening culminates with Maurice putting the concepts into practice in a live musical setting.
Who should attend?
This experience is designed for bass players and musicians at all levels who want to develop more than technique.
Whether you're a music student, serious hobbyist, church musician, aspiring session player or working professional, the focus is on becoming a more musical player.
Guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, producers and other musicians interested in rhythm-section playing are also welcome.
You don't need to bring an instrument to attend.
VIP Experience (17:00) £50
Places are limited.
VIP includes:
- Full Bass Masterclass
- Live Q&A
- Live Jam Session
- Meet & Greet with Maurice Fitzgerald
- VIP photo opportunity
- Priority seating
General Admission (18:00) - £35
Includes:
- Full Bass Masterclass
- Live demonstrations
- Q&A
- Live Jam Session
Capacity is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate and interactive.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Old Library Bar, 116-118 New Cross Road, London, United Kingdom
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