Joseph Tarsia, Double Bass

Joseph was born with music in his heart.  He spent many a long summer evening watching his great-grandfather pick his mandolin at blue grass festivals. But he always got a kick out of that huge upright bass. Something about the bass just resonated with Joseph and he decided he was a bass player.  By the time he was four, Joseph was participating in the festival's Academy for Kids, a three-day instructional program that culminated in a live musical performance.  Having fantastic academy teachers like Sandy Skidmore Marola and Bolek Mikoluk gave Joseph the foundation and encouragement he needed to keep following his dreams. 

In the fall of 2018, at the age of 6, he began taking piano lessons with Miss Jessica Friis.  He really enjoyed sitting at her piano and creating beautiful music.  Joseph especially loved performing and sharing his new skills with the audience.  A serendipitous moment occurred at a summer music festival in 2019 when John Daley walked by and told Joseph he looked like a bass player. Joseph beamed with delight and explained that he was in fact a bass player, if only in his heart.  The friendship blossomed and The Daleys offered him a sponsorship at the Let There Be Rock School in Folsom to learn the electric bass. At 7 years old, he began studying under Jeffrey Blaise at the LTBRS. Shortly after his lessons began we were hit by the pandemic.  Joseph had to learn how to utilize his computer so he could continue his progress.  He never missed a beat and quickly learned enough to join his rock band UndeRage Against the Machine.  Three years later and the band is still performing together every chance they can get!

Joseph's sister was playing classical violin and this got him excited to explore opportunities to learn the double bass.  Shelley Beard Santore was a guiding force in bringing this dream to reality.  Through her we learned about Musicopia.  Joseph was able to join the Musicopia Young String Players Orchestra under Taia Harlos in 2021.  Musicopia graciously provided him a double bass, finally making it possible to take classical bass lessons.  He began studying virtually  with Nicholas Salcido through Settlement Music School. Joseph is enjoying his second year in the MYSP.

In 2022 Joseph was able to participate in The Music School of Delaware's Youth Strings Camp under the direction of Julie Murphy Ruiz.  He especially enjoys playing jazz music and spent time over the summer of 2021 and 2022 at the Brad Schoener Jazz Jam! Summer Camp directed by Hiruy (Henry) Tirfe. His most special moment of 2022 was auditioning and being accepted as a Primavera Artist.  Through the mentorship and support of The Primavera Fund, Joseph will be able to take part in masterclasses, festivals, competitions and groups that would otherwise be unaffordable.  He plans to take advantage of every learning opportunity that he can to develop his craft and grow as a musician.

It was through Primavera that Joseph was able to find a wonderful in person double bass instructor.  Meeting and working with Brent Edmondson has made huge improvements in his playing almost immediately.  It was with Brent's guidance that he was able to audition for and clench a seat on the Young Musicians Debut Orchestra under the direction of Kenneth Bean and Rachel Segal. It feels like nothing can stop him now!  Since becoming a Primavera Artist, Joseph has been able to participate in The Settlement Music School Chamber Music Program, where he is joined by his sister Antonella in a string quartet directed by Linnea Marchi.  He was excited to also join Settlement Music School's Middle School Jazz Ensemble under Alan Ens, and perform a set at Chris' Jazz Café in Philadelphia.  Along with is sister, he recently participated in the Boscov's Berks Get JazzED! Fest. 

Joseph is a fifth grade homeschooler.  He resides in Drexel Hill with his parents and two sisters, one older and one younger. In his free time he enjoys sketching and traveling.  He has been a member of our local library book club for three years.  In addition to playing bass he has fun learning other instruments on his own, especially ukulele, kalimba and air piano.

Joseph is currently a fifth grade homeschooling student living in Drexel Hill with his parents and two sisters, one older and one younger.  He loves drawing and exploring in nature.