Your Career is Not a Gig List
Design a freelance life that’s profitable, flexible, and yours.
Because great musicians aren’t built by accident — and neither are great careers.
What’s Broken -and what I’m rebuilding
Because musicians deserve more than survival mode — in every part of their work.
I’m Jarrett Bastow. I am a professional double bassist, educator, clinician, and freelance music coach with over a decade of experience performing with professional orchestras, guiding students in their musical development, and mentoring freelancers in building sustainable, purpose-driven careers.
Currently based in Greater Dallas, I maintain an active performing schedule across multiple states, a robust private teaching studio, clinician services in schools, and a coaching practice supporting musicians as they transition from burnout to balance. My goal is to help artists build freelance careers rooted in autonomy, strategy, and systemization.
Musicians need more than talent. They need strategy.
I’ve been the freelancer saying yes to everything out of fear. The educator with no boundaries. The performer on the road 40 weeks a year. The clinic coach trying to make a big difference in 45 minutes.
And over time, I realized something: the career I wanted wasn’t going to show up on its own. I had to build it.
Now I help other musicians do the same — not with more hustle, but with smart systems, practical tools, and a deep understanding of how musicians actually live and work.
Here’s how I Make it work
I help musicians grow sustainable, multi-dimensional careers — on stage, in the studio, and beyond.
Musicians today don’t just play. We teach, coach, gig, record, create content, and support schools. I’ve designed Opus Freelance Music Coaching to meet that reality head on - with services that reflect the full scope of what modern musicians need to thrive.
PERFORMING ARTIST
Bass playing with intention, depth, and versatility.
I’ve performed with orchestras and chamber groups across the Midwest and Southern U.S., with a focus on expressive, collaborative artistry. My work as a bassist feeds every other part of my career — and I bring my stage experience into every classroom, coaching session, and clinic I lead.
What I Offer:
-Principal, section and substitute work for regional professional orchestras
-Chamber music collaborations and special performances
-Guest artist appearances for schools, studios, and festivals
FREELANCE MUSIC COACHING
For musicians who want to stop guessing and start growing.
Through Opus Freelance Music Coaching, I provide 1:1 coaching, group programs, digital resources, and monthly webinars to help musicians turn chaos into clarity.
You’ll learn to:
-Reclaim your time through better systems
-Expand your income beyond gigs and lessons
-Build a personal brand that opens doors
-Develop financial confidence and career goals
Say no with strategy and yes with intention
Offerings Include:
-Monthly webinars on a variety of topics (time management, personal branding, budgeting, etc.)
-1:1 coaching packages with accountability and deliverables
-Downloadable templates for scheduling, budgeting, social media, and more
-Freelance mindset workshops for university students and recent grads
PRIVATE TEACHER
Building technique, musicianship, and self-leadership from day one.
My teaching studio, Low End String Academy, serves cello and bass students online and in-person. I specialize in Suzuki and Vance approaches — but more than that, I teach students how to think musically, practice intentionally, and grow independently.
What Makes My Studio Different:
-Clear structure, goals, and communication with students and families
-Emphasis on tone, posture, and musical phrasing
-Real-world skills: how to perform, prepare and lead
-Online-friendly
SCHOOL CLINICIAN
Low-string specialist support for schools that need more.
Many orchestra programs are under-resourced when it comes to low strings — and I know how critical this section is to a group’s overall sound. I work with schools to empower young bassists and cellists, improve fundamentals, and elevate ensemble confidence.
Clinician Services Include:
-On-site or virtual bass and cello sectionals
-Full ensemble rehearsals focused on string tone, technique, and stage presence
-One-day intensives and multi-day residencies
-Festival prep, audition workshops, and leadership coaching for student section leaders
Directors love my clinics because:
-I’m a specialist (for two instruments!) - not a generalist
-I connect well with students and make fundamentals feel fresh
-I help directors get more out of their string sections without extra work on their end.
If you see yourself in this — you’re in the right place
Musicians, Students, teachers, and schools ready to build something better
I work with:
Freelance musicians ready to trade chaos for clarity
Private teachers wanting better systems, payments, and parent comms
Multi-passionate creatives trying to juggle it all and scale up
School orchestra directors who need effective, trustrworthy low-string support
Young professionals and students asking: “What does a career actually look like?”
Families with low strings students ready to take their playing to the next level with structure and efficiency
If you’re trying to align your talents with your time, income, and energy — you’re in the right place.
Hi, I’m Jarrett and I’m in this with you
I’m a bassist, freelance music coach, private teacher, and clinician — and every part of my career exists because I stopped waiting for permission and started building.
I’ve performed across multiple states, coached freelancers, taught hundreds of students, and worked with school programs of all sizes. But more importantly: I know what it’s like to build a career from the ground up from zero to 100.
I created Opus Freelance Music Coaching to help others do the same - faster, smarter, and without sacrificing their mental health, time, or joy.
I don’t sell magic. I teach systems.
I don’t coach from theory. I coach from experience.
If you’re serious about building a career on your terms, I’d be honored to help.
Ready to take the first step?
Join a Free Monthly Webinar (Every Third Friday of the Month at 5 PM CST)