Private Bass Lessons - All Levels, Styles, Ages – RiverCity Rock Star Academy Music Store

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Jarred Venti’s musical journey began at the age of 7 when he started playing piano. After a two-year break from music at age 12, Jarred picked up the bass at 14 and has never looked back. His early piano experience provided a strong foundation for his understanding of music and set the stage for his growth as a bassist.

Since 2017, Jarred has been a key part of RiverCity Rock Star Academy, where he serves as Music Director and leads advanced programs like the Royals. Under his direction, the Royals have performed at over 30 community and private events in a single year, showcasing the high-level musicianship Jarred helps students achieve. He also teaches the Renegades and Rockers programs, tailoring lessons to meet the needs of students of all ages and skill levels.

As a respected bassist, Jarred has performed with numerous bands and contributed to over 40 studio albums. His versatility spans genres, from psych rock and blues to fusion and tribute acts, making him a sought-after collaborator and educator. Known for his approachable teaching style and insightful guidance, Jarred focuses on helping students build both technical skill and confidence while fostering a lifelong love of music.

• Our goal is to teach you to play the music that you want to learn- teaching all styles and genres of music: rock, pop, metal, jazz, and more!

• All our teachers are working professional musicians who are passionate about teaching music - focused on helping you reach your musical goals

Music Education FAQs

What makes your group classes different than a conventional music lesson program?

When you enroll in a Group Class with us, you will have a weekly 1-on-1 lesson on your instrument of choice- in addition, the weekly group rehearsal involves music exercises, learning group songs, correct band equipment set-up/break-down, and so much more! Our classes culminate in an opportunity to perform with your group for your family and friends. This means students enjoy the best of all learning scenarios- private learning, along with learning is a group.

What does my skill level need to be to join Rivercity Rock Star Academy?

Zero experience is needed! We have different programs suitable for first time beginners to advanced musicians. We get everyone playing a real song right away.

Do I need to know how to read sheet music?

No, it's not required, but always helpful. We will teach you what you will need to know based on your skill level and experience.

Can I play multiple instruments at the school?

You'll have the opportunity to play multiple instruments and/or sing if you're interested. We encourage all of our students to play multiple instruments and sing. Our coveted Five Star Award goes to a student who plays 5 or more different instruments or sings in one show!

Do I need to have my own instrument(s)?

No! We have instruments at the studio for you to use. If you have your own instrument, you are welcome to bring it.

Am I too young/old for the program?

We have music education programs for kids, teens, and adults! Private lessons are open to all ages. Check out our Classes page for group learning options by age range.

How does billing work?

Private Lessons- Monthly

One-on-one private lessons are billed on a monthly cycle. The first monthly payment is due before the start of your first lesson. You can enroll for lessons and make your first payment on our website through an individual teachers private lesson page, filling out the required fields, and going through checkout. Registration for lessons through our website will automatically enroll you in an automatically paid subscription, which is billed every 30 days.

If you run into any issues during the registration process, or need to pay by cash or check, please call or send us an email and we can make other arrangements for you.

We offer family discounts for multiple students registered for lessons. Please call or email us to see what discounts your family is eligible for!

Programs- Monthly or Seasonally

Our program & class billing is based on a 10-week or 12-week season rehearsal schedule for Fall, Winter, and Spring; Our 2025 Summer programs will be 8 weeks. Once you have registered for a class or program, your first payment will be completed. Monthly billing is scheduled every 30 days until the class is paid in full.

If you are unable to pay the full balance before the season begins, a $50.00 deposit is required to hold your spot. Our billing team can send you an invoice for the deposit and this would be deducted from the first payment of your billing. Cash and Check payments can also be accepted. Just give us a call or send an email if you'd like to set this up.

Camps/Workshops

Camps and Workshops will be paid in full upon online registration. If you'd like to hold your spot in a camp or workshop and cannot pay the full balance, we can invoice you for a $50.00 deposit that will be deducted from your balance, which will be due before the camp or workshop begins. For Summer Camps, before and after care is available, which is billed at an hourly rate. This time will be billed separately and we can send you an invoice based on your family's needs. Please send an email or give us a call and we can offer more details about this option.

Do you offer scholarships?

RiverCity participates in the Salem Music Initiative program that provides scholarships and tuition assistance to qualified students for lessons, music classes, camps, and workshops. To find out more, please schedule a visit or contact us.

RiverCity Rock Star Academy offers group music classes for all ages, as well as a comprehensive private lesson program.

Have a different question? contact us!

Jarred & Rivercity Rock

I joined the Rivercity Rockstar Academy in July, 2023, prior to that I was using online courses to learn bass with and I, like many other aspiring musicians had felt like I had hit a plateau and was stuck in a rut at an intermediate level spinning my wheels and not getting anywhere. That is when I decided that it was time to seek in person learning and get myself into jamming in a band situation so I joined the Renegades program and I chose Jarred to be my instructor, he was also the program director for Renegades.

It turned out to be the best decision that I could have made to get me on the right path to get where I want to be with my bass playing. Jarred is an awesome teacher, an awesome musician, and a great guy to boot. He possesses every quality that a great teacher needs, he is insightful, knowledgeable, personable, patient, and gives you space to learn and form your own style of playing. In my time with Jarred and the folks at Rivercity I have learned how to play over 20 songs, learned how to learn, practice. and play live with a band and I am now in my own band making original music with connections I have made at the Academy.

I can’t say enough about the experience I have had with Jarred and the Academy!!! Rock on!!!

Insightful, Talented Teacher

Looking back on all the teachers I've ever had for anything, Jarred is one of the best. He's got the chops and he's doing the thing, so he brings experience and skill I can trust.
His ear is amazing - I can't believe how fast he can chart, analyze, and tab out a song, or walk in a room and fix the mix.
But most importantly, he spots the one little thing you are ready to learn that will help you do better. He can explain and demonstrate it in the way that works for you, all while making you feel like you are playing something worth listening to.
He's kind, humble, insightful, talented, reliable, and hardworking, and has a command of the bass across genres. I'm all over the place in my interests and he hasn't missed a beat yet.
I know this sounds over-the-top, but it's all true and heartfelt. I can't believe my luck in having him as my bass teacher.

5 stars, because 6 ain't an option

I've been Jarred's student for about 1 and a half years now. Playing bass was a childhood dream of mine, and having been able to take it on as an adult has been a joy. I was hesitant to take music classes as an adult, and Jarred has made my experience learning bass wonderful. His teaching style has been approachable, supportive, and genuine. I look forward to every class, and I always walk away having learnt something new, and being able to see progress in my playing. I could not recommend him as a teacher enough.

Jarred does it all

Been working with Jarred in both the Renegades program he runs and adult lessons for 5 years. It is rare indeed to find someone whose brilliance as a musician is matched or possibly even exceeded by his excellent communication skills. Add to that his top-notch professionalism, patience and just the fact he's a nice approachable guy. Whatever your goal is music-wise, Jarred can help you get there!