Electric and double bass, arranger, vocalist and teacher.
Performing, recording and collaborating with acts, artists and writers, across every genre.
Some of the artists, shows and people he has worked with
Freddie Draper is a professional bass player performing, recording and collaborating with a number of acts, artists and writers. He enjoys playing all genres including rock, jazz, soul, funk, disco, prog, R&B, musical theatre and classical.
At home on both electric bass and acoustic double bass, he sings lead and backing vocals and reads on sight, equally comfortable in the studio and on stage. He is also an orchestrator and instrument builder.
He graduated from ICMP with a first-class honours degree and the Best Bass award, and has been on its teaching faculty since 2015. As a session player he has worked with producers including Bruce Woolley, Ray Stiles and Mick Jones, toured internationally, and plays the major UK summer festivals including Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight.
Freddie works as a professional bass guitarist performing, recording and collaborating with a number of acts, artists and writers. He enjoys playing all genres including rock, jazz, soul, funk, disco, prog, R&B, musical theatre and classical.
Freddie is also a double bass player working with groups, ensembles and orchestras, playing original compositions and covers. His sight-reading skills in notation and jazz changes are a bonus in both performing and recording environments.
Freddie is a trained singer and provides vocals in a number of collaborations, regularly providing both lead and backing vocals for a variety of projects, including function bands, tribute shows and original artists.
Freddie regularly records industry-standard parts for clients all over the world. From his professional home studio he can send bass guitar, double bass, guitar, MIDI parts and vocals!
Remote and on-siteNicknamed the Sibelius Wizard, transcribing and arranging are skills from which Freddie takes great pleasure. He has undertaken professional assignments for brands such as Scott’s Bass Lessons, Marshall, the Proms at Windsor Races, eBassguitar and touring orchestras.
The Sibelius WizardFreddie has been a member of teaching faculty at ICMP London since 2015 and online bass channel eBassguitar since 2023. He has studied education, is advanced DBS checked, and tailors individual lessons and action plans to each student’s needs.
Learn with Freddie →Freddie occasionally enjoys providing services on other instruments for artists, on guitar and keyboards, including a run playing lead guitar for T’Pau in the Caribbean.
In addition to the services listed above, Freddie can offer writing and performing services across multiple instruments, adapting to various musical needs and ranging in style.
If there’s any other kind of musical service you’re in need of that you can’t see listed above, please get in touch below!
Get in touch →
A selection of live performances and music videos. Hover to preview, click to play.
A decade of landmark performances, tours and recordings — follow the links for each artist or show.
A look back at recent shows, residencies and tours.
Freddie has taught privately for 18 years and joined the faculty at London’s ICMP in 2015, specialising in bass, arranging, musicology and academic writing. He graduated from ICMP with First-Class Honours, a Rockschool Level 6 Teaching Licentiate and the Best Bassist award, and holds a First-Class PGCTLHE from the University of East London.
A self-confessed tech nerd, Freddie has cultivated a robust global teaching presence through a meticulously refined digital studio, using high-fidelity platforms to keep his world-class bass tuition as immersive and rigorous as an in-person session. Lessons run over Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts, bridging geographical gaps for students across every continent. Since 2023 he has also taught and written courses for the eBassguitar community.
★★★★★“An excellent teacher. What really stands out is his ability to adapt his methods to each student’s learning style, even within a group setting. A great balance of practice and theory, and he always makes each lesson fun.”
CCrystal, beginner bassist
★★★★★“Freddie is freakin’ awesome. I’ve been through quite a few teachers and never had this much fun, made this much progress, or had this many aha moments. He always has something new and exciting to share, and his follow-up is superb.”
LLaurel, eBassguitar student
★★★★★“Freddie is an absolutely amazing teacher. Patient and encouraging, he instils the importance of practice, and went above and beyond by asking us each week to study a bassist and bring our findings to class. I learnt so much.”
JJessica, ICMP degree student
★★★★★“Freddie has an encyclopaedic knowledge of bass playing and music theory, which coupled with a passion for his instrument and care for his students makes an enjoyable and informative lesson. He filled many gaps in my understanding.”
SStephen, ICMP student
★★★★★“Freddie is a true professional musician: a versatile, experienced player and passionate teacher. He turned a pure guitarist into a proper bass player. Prepare yourself for some nerdy bass stuff and cool stories too!”
NNicoló, professional guitarist
Eager to explore a collaboration, need some bass on your track, or looking to take a lesson? Kindly share your details and I’ll reach out to you promptly. I look forward to the opportunity to connect.