Brett Shurtliffe - Double Bass
Double bassist Brett Shurtliffe received his bachelor's in music from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with James VanDemark and his master's in music from Duquesne University, where he studied with Jeffrey Turner. During his time at Eastman, he was awarded the prestigious Performer’s Certificate. In 2003 he was the Top American Prizewinner at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, and two years later took 1st Prize at the ISB Orchestral
Competition, becoming one of only three bassists from around the globe to win ISB prizes in multiple divisions. Other honors include 1st Prize PADEASTA Solo Competition, and Top Honors for Double Bass at the National ASTA Solo Competition. Since being appointed the Associate Principal Double Bass with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007, Brett has appeared numerous times as a soloist with the BPO, as well as with many orchestras around the country.
Brett’s playing has been described as “immaculate” (Bass World 2012), and “Not even Johann Sebastian shredded as hard as this guy” (Buffalo Artvoice) were the accolades from an imaginative recital at a downtown Buffalo night club in 2012. His 2024 debut album Gallery "showcases not only his beauty of tone, virtuosity and musicality, but also his skill as an arranger and composer." (Bass World 2024) His recital engagements have taken him to many unique venues across the U.S. and Canada. Before joining the BPO, he performed with the Chautauqua, Erie, Detroit and Pittsburgh Symphonies. Apart from performing, he has commissioned new works for the double bass, as well as creating numerous transcriptions of his own including Bazzini's Round of the Goblins, Kabalevsky’s 1st Cello Concerto, and Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen, among others. Brett has served as Adjunct Professor of Double Bass at The Eastman School of Music, SUNY Fredonia, Canisius College and Grove City College. Along with his current private studio, he serves as Adjunct Professor of Double Bass at Houghton College and is on faculty at the International Festival Institute in Round Top Texas. He currently resides in Boston NY with his wife Andrea and their two daughters Madelyn and Ashlyn.
Competition, becoming one of only three bassists from around the globe to win ISB prizes in multiple divisions. Other honors include 1st Prize PADEASTA Solo Competition, and Top Honors for Double Bass at the National ASTA Solo Competition. Since being appointed the Associate Principal Double Bass with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007, Brett has appeared numerous times as a soloist with the BPO, as well as with many orchestras around the country.
Brett’s playing has been described as “immaculate” (Bass World 2012), and “Not even Johann Sebastian shredded as hard as this guy” (Buffalo Artvoice) were the accolades from an imaginative recital at a downtown Buffalo night club in 2012. His 2024 debut album Gallery "showcases not only his beauty of tone, virtuosity and musicality, but also his skill as an arranger and composer." (Bass World 2024) His recital engagements have taken him to many unique venues across the U.S. and Canada. Before joining the BPO, he performed with the Chautauqua, Erie, Detroit and Pittsburgh Symphonies. Apart from performing, he has commissioned new works for the double bass, as well as creating numerous transcriptions of his own including Bazzini's Round of the Goblins, Kabalevsky’s 1st Cello Concerto, and Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen, among others. Brett has served as Adjunct Professor of Double Bass at The Eastman School of Music, SUNY Fredonia, Canisius College and Grove City College. Along with his current private studio, he serves as Adjunct Professor of Double Bass at Houghton College and is on faculty at the International Festival Institute in Round Top Texas. He currently resides in Boston NY with his wife Andrea and their two daughters Madelyn and Ashlyn.
