Freddie the Bassist
Book Freddie

Electric and double bass, arranger, vocalist and teacher.

Freddie the Bassist

Performing, recording and collaborating with acts, artists and writers, across every genre.

Book Freddie Watch & listen
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live shows, sessions & tours
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festivals, including Glastonbury & the Isle of Wight
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lessons & masterclasses taught
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teaching, including ICMP faculty
Freddie playing bass under stage lights

Some of the artists, shows and people he has worked with

About

Meet Freddie

Freddie Draper holding a Fender bass

Freddie Draper is a professional Electric Bass Player performing, recording and collaborating with a number of acts, artists and writers. Freddie enjoys playing all genres including Rock, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Disco, Prog, R&B, Musical Theatre and Classical.

In addition to Bass Guitar, Freddie is also a Double Bass player working with groups, ensembles and orchestras, playing original compositions and covers. His sight reading skills are a bonus in both performing and recording environments.

Freddie is also 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.

With over 18 years of teaching music, Freddie has had the privilege of working with students of all levels and backgrounds. Previous clientele include ICMP London, Bath Spa University, Morley College & eBassguitar lessons. His teaching expertise spans one-on-one sessions, group lessons, and online delivery, allowing him to adapt his methods to meet the unique needs of each student - whether it be beginner to advanced!

Freddie proudly endorses Cosmic Ears, Darkglass Electronics and Tech 21 pedals.

Services

What he offers

Session work — where he shines

Book with confidence

Session bass is Freddie’s home turf. Fluent sight-reading, a sharp ear and perfect pitch let him learn a set on the fly — or straight from your recordings — and nail it at short notice, first take, to the highest standard. Last-minute dep, remote session or a tricky chart: expect flair, precision and a player who’s comfortable across a huge range of styles, from pop, rock, soul and funk to jazz, musical theatre and classical.

Sight-reading Playing by ear Perfect pitch Learn on the fly From your recordings Last-minute deps Remote recording Electric & double bass Any style
Perform

Bass Guitar

Live, session and remote — every genre.

Performing, recording and collaborating with acts, artists and writers across rock, jazz, soul, funk, disco, prog, R&B, musical theatre and classical.

Double Bass

Upright for orchestras, ensembles and jazz.

Original compositions and covers with groups and orchestras — sight-reading in notation and jazz changes a bonus on stage and in the studio.

Vocals

Lead and backing, trained and gig-ready.

A trained singer providing both lead and backing vocals for function bands, tribute shows and original artists.

Other Instruments

Guitar and keys when a track calls for it.

Occasional guitar and keyboard work for artists — including a run playing lead guitar for T’Pau in the Caribbean.

Studio & writing

Recording

Industry-standard parts from a pro home studio.

Records for clients all over the world — bass guitar, double bass, guitar, MIDI parts and vocals.

Remote and on-site

Transcription

Scores and arrangements for pro clients.

Transcribing and arranging for brands such as Scott’s Bass Lessons, Marshall, the Proms at Windsor Races, eBassguitar and touring orchestras.

The Sibelius Wizard

Songwriting & Composition

Original writing and performance, any style.

Writing and performing across multiple instruments, adapting to whatever a project needs and ranging widely in style.

Teaching & more

Tuition

ICMP faculty — tailored lessons, all levels.

Teaching at ICMP London since 2015 and eBassguitar since 2023. Advanced DBS checked, with individual lessons and action plans for each student.

Learn with Freddie →

Anything Else?

Not listed? Chances are the answer’s yes.

If there’s any other kind of musical service you need that you can’t see here, get in touch below.

Get in touch →
Live

On stage

Live band on stage
Freddie playing electric bass under green light
Freddie playing double bass
Vocalist and band under blue stage light
Freddie with a bass under magenta light
Freddie playing double bass, close up
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performances — clubs, theatres, festivals & ships
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hours on stage (estimated)
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tours & multi-year residencies
Video

Watch & listen

A selection of live performances and music videos. Hover to preview, click to play.

More on YouTube →
Milestones

Career timeline

A decade of landmark performances, tours and recordings. Follow the links for each artist or show.

Shows

Where he’s played

A look back at recent shows, tours and multi-year residencies.

Teaching

Study bass

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.

Bass technique Reading & writing music Harmony & theory Aural & transcription Sight-reading Improvising Walking bass Bowed double bass Slap bass Tone sculpting Grades 1–8 (ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool) Music history & philosophy Tips on teaching music Any song you wish to learn
Freddie teaching a bass lesson

“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.”

Crystal, 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.”

Laurel, 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.”

Jessica, 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.”

Stephen, 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!”

Nicoló, professional guitarist

Watch Freddie teach

Lessons and masterclasses, including his series for the eBassGuitar community.

More on eBassGuitar →
Booking

Get in
touch

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.

freddiethebassist@gmail.com