Preston Davis, String Bass and Bass Guitar Instructor

A Knoxville native, Preston Davis’s heart lay in the hills of East Tennessee, and after several years as a working musician in New York, he and his wife returned to Knoxville. His easy-going nature and array of experiences allow him to truly relate with a broad range of ages, goals and personalities. Musically, Preston has many interests and enjoys playing all styles of music.

Preston has been playing music since he was only five years old and but didn’t start bass until he was seventeen. Normally, that would be a late start for a string player, but within six months he had won the fourth spot in the All-State Orchestra.

While working for his Bachelor of Music Degree, with an emphasis in String Performance, at the University of Tennessee, he served as Principal Bassist for the UT Symphony and frequently played with the Kingsport Symphony, as well as with jazz and funk groups.  Immediately thereafter, he left for New York where he played in the Long Island Philharmonic and occasionally with the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Working with some eastern Long Island folk musicians and indie groups while in New York, he also taught as many as 18 students.

Smiling broadly, he adds “every one of those students loved coming to their lessons, partly because they were engaged in a fun atmosphere.”

Having built up a working knowledge of various instruments, he draws from many sources for his playing and teaching.  His enthusiasm spills over when he talks about it, saying “The bass is my instrument of absolute adoration.”

Preston teaches both upright bass (string bass or double bass) and electric bass guitar.