Berklee Names Steve Bailey as Chair of Bass Department

Berklee College of Music has named Steve Bailey, a ix-string fretless bass pioneer, educator, as the chair of the college's Bass Department.

Bailey begins his tenure this summer. He succeeds Rich Appleman, who retired in May 2012 after holding the position for 40 years.

"Berklee is iconic. With a world-class faculty and over 400 bass students, I can't think of another music institution on the same scale," Bailey said. "To have the opportunity to build upon Rich Appleman's incredible 40-year legacy is truly special."

He brings to Berklee over 25 years of teaching experience, with faculty appointments at Musicians Institute, UNC Wilmington, and Coastal Carolina University. He is the author of six books and instructional DVDs on bass performance, and is an in-demand clinician and performer.

He holds a B.M. in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Miami, with additional study at the University of North Texas. A mainstay in the bass community for decades, Bailey was twice recognized as runner-up Bass Player of the Year by Bass Player Magazine, and is co-founder of Bass Extremes, a collaboration with Victor Wooten.