A teacher and clinician with over 30 years experience, Darin is available for electric and upright bass, guitar, piano, drums, ukulele, percussion lessons. Lessons also available for improvisation, composition, and creativity coaching.

Contact Darin for lessons, clinics, and lectures.

Testimonials

Both as a teacher and a person, Darin’s enthusiasm is unmatched by anyone I’ve come across. He exceeds expectations in honing your efforts and excels in revealing new pathways to explore. He understands where you are in the process with practical certainty and is expert and helping you find out where you want to go with your efforts. He is expert at the nuts and bolts of both practice and performance, as well as necessities of preparation before you even pick up your instrument. He not only pushes your playing forward, just as importantly your mind as a player.

- Benjamin Wilson

I've been working with Darin for 12 years, and through those years I have grown as a musician in ways I didn't think possible. When I started with him as a teenager he did a great job of breaking lessons down into the rock songs I wanted to play, with the music theory I needed in order to grow as a bassist. Without the consistent insight and guidance Darin has given me through our time together I wouldn't be anywhere close to the musician I am today.

- Bryan McPherson

Darin is not only an amazing teacher and incredible musician, he has also been a life mentor for me for over a decade. He has taught me not only bass technique but also a philosophy of hard work, listening, and curiosity. Darin goes above and beyond with his students, transcribing and sharing resources and advice for students of all skill levels and interests.

- Jonah Wiggenhorn

I have been taking bass guitar lessons from Mr. Darin since I was 12 for the past four years. He is not like any other teacher I have ever had. He equips me with the learning skills that I need by encouraging me to try new things and to learn songs by myself in order to explore who I am as a musician. Some of the lessons he has taught me are: 

1. Practice smart, not hard

2. Simple does not mean easy

3. The most important thing for a musician is to listen to the music

- Aidan

Darin’s unconventional approach to teaching music inspires a student to explore the various aspects of bass playing, to experience different music genres, to be creative, and to find their own groove. This keeps the student curious, engaged and challenged.

- Chun

Darin Gray has been teaching music to my children for many years. We are forever grateful that such a gifted musician choses to pass on his knowledge and passion for music to the next generation. Musicians of Darin's caliber who also possess the patience and understanding to truly teach a child and help them grow in their musicianship as well as master their chosen instrument are rare, yet all of these qualities exist in Darin Gray. Darin's students get to see him perform in big concert arenas, on national television, record and produce albums, and travel the world performing. They are taught by his example that if you hone your passion and craft anything is possible. The families in this community are extremely fortunate to have Darin as a trusted teacher and mentor for our children.

- Amanda

We have known Darin for many, many years. What started out as our oldest learning guitar has evolved into all 4 of our children taking lessons- guitar, bass, drums, piano and a little instrument experimentation along the way. As a mother and educator (with a solid musical background) it was important to me that my children not only learned the skill of playing an instrument but that music become a part of their formative world with the goal of music being something that brings them joy as they go through life. Darin has been key in helping us move towards that goal. He has always been willing to “meet them where they’re at” both musically and developmentally. The kids started lessons with Darin when they were elementary aged, some as young as age 5 and we are now well into the teenage years. I’m always impressed with how much he “gets” our kids (their personalities and different stages) and shows genuine interest in who they are and their well being. Darin is creative with his instructional approach to fit the learning style of the student which provides a much richer experience. If you asked any of my kids they would share great things about Darin and that to me is the most telling. They enjoy their time learning from him and they have all progressed nicely over the years. We are grateful to have Darin as a part of our village that pours into our kids!

- Sarah