Jonathan Fisher
Jonathan Fisher is a graduate of the prestigious and internationally renowned University of North Texas (UNT) Jazz Studies Program in Denton, Texas, ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report since 1994. Jonathan is an active player in the Dallas music scene and, long prior to graduating UNT, has been playing predominantly jazz, but also latin, blues, salsa, calypso, rock and acoustic singer-songwriter. Jonathan performs live music nightly and teaches bass students both in person and online. His students range in ability from absolute beginner to professional, and in age from middle school to adult. The ability to teach online is now giving him access to international students with varied skill levels, as well. Jonathan was recently given the opportunity to join the adjunct jazz bass faculty at the esteemed UNT Jazz Studies Program for a year, an opportunity that allowed him to work under jazz bass aficionado and UNT head bass instructor, Lynn Seaton. The opportunity gave Jonathan experience that resulted in an enhanced teaching program and expanded expertise as a private teacher.
Jonathan’s pursuit of a high level of playing led him to travel to Paris for studies with modern bass virtuoso and pedagogue François Rabbath. Noting influences of Edgar Meyer, François Rabbath, Ray Brown, John Coltrane, Oscar Pettifford and Paul Chambers, Jonathan strives to fully explore the acoustic bass and the tonal possibilities of his instrument and encourages the same of his students. He has also studied privately with Lynn Seaton, Paul Ellison, and Jeff Bradetich and continues to pursue his continuing education and disciplined practice regime in order to maintain a level of playing that continues to improve and grow.
Jonathan’s approach to the bass is one of optimal ergonomic positioning and balance. He is passionate about jazz, bass and music in general, and listens with a concentrated ear aimed at constant growth and learning. This is reflected in his playing on the bandstand, which he considers a conversation that requires intense listening to all band members on stage. He is joyful and energetic in his playing to the delight of his regular following in the local jazz community.
Jonathan has had the opportunity to play with revered members of the international and national jazz scene, including: Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Bernard Wright, Dave Zoller, Shelley Carroll, Stefan Karlsson, Marchel Ivery, Brad Leali, Steve Lippia, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and has also performed with Bernadette Peters and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He has experience as a session musician and has a diverse list of recordings in addition to his own original project, FM Acoustic. Jonathan has a love of live performance and teaching and is excited about his expanding careers in both.