The Piccolo Bass Project

The Piccolo Bass project works in partnership with Wellington schools to promote the double bass and create engaging education and live performance opportunities. Your children will have access to high quality instruments and lessons with internationally acclaimed music teachers, and the chance to perform in a vibrant community. We need your help to make it happen.

What are our aims?

• Make the double bass accessible to all ages
• Promote the double bass in schools in and around Wellington
• Purchase a collection of 1/10 and 1/8 sized instruments that will allow 6-10 year olds to play and easily trade up to a larger size when ready. 

Piccolo Bass is supported by the Wellington Music Education Trust (WMET), whose aim is to provide appropriately sized instruments for students. At the moment, there are virtually no small double basses in New Zealand, this means children can only start learning double bass once they're big enough to play a 1/4 size (around 10-12 years old). With WMET providing the instruments, and Piccolo Bass providing the education - we will enable a new generation of talented young New Zealand double bassists to grow and thrive in our diverse Kiwi music scene.

Who are we? 

Piccolo Bass was initiated in 2019 after Alanna Jones and Lachlan Radford returned from overseas to settle in Wellington as full-time professional double bassists. Growing up in New Zealand, they were able to participate in iconic New Zealand music education programmes and work with inspiring mentors. Alanna and Lachlan are excited to spark the same sense of enthusiasm and musical empowerment in the next generation.

Why support Piccolo Bass?

The double bass is widely acknowledged as an "endangered instrument.” It is unique in its size and diversity from jazz to rockabilly, and film music to Beethoven. Beyond providing these instruments, WMET will also facilitate other engaging opportunities for young musicians all over NZ. With a successful Boosted campaign any income received from renting these little basses goes straight back into positive musical experiences, ensuring a sustainable musical education for future generations.

How will this make a difference?

With our combined knowledge of front running beginner bass techniques, we offer a powerhouse of educational experience. With only a few months of operation underway, the Piccolo Bass Project already has pupils lined up who have no access to appropriately sized instruments. 

We wish to provide pathways for all children to encounter a community that will serve them for a lifetime. Music is a powerful tool for expression, team-work and growth, which has a lasting impact on students and those around them.