Base Station 68 – Music & recording studio

What we do

high level musical instruction for beginners to advanced students

Woodwind Instruction

Classical and Jazz for saxophones, clarinet, and flute

Drum Set Instruction

Drum set instruction for beginner to intermediate students with an emphasis on jazz drumming.

Guitar Instruction

Private Jazz lessons

Bass Instruction

Bass instruction for all levels in classical and jazz.

Ensemble Instruction

Build a strong foundation in improvisation and group interaction through Jazz.

Recording Sessions

BaseStation68 is equip with CuBase 8.5 recording software and 16 channels for live recording.

About Us

BaseStation68 aims to provide a strong foundation in improvisation and group interaction through the study of the great American Art Form – Jazz. Focusing particular attention on the small groups of the be-bop, post-bop, and hard bop eras, we study and perform music from such composers as Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Bobby Timmons, Wayne Shorter, Gigi Gryce, Hank Mobley, as well as other seminal jazz composers of the 50s and 60s. Our studio encourages participation of all levels, beginner to advanced. Private classical lessons are offered on saxophone, clarinet, flute, acoustic bass, and cello, with private jazz lessons available on rhythm section and melodic instruments. BaseStation68 is equip with CuBase 8.5 recording software and 16 channels for live recording.

Our faculty

We are professional, practicing muscians and recording artists

Cara Silvernail

Instructor

A multi-saxophonist and woodwind specialist with a degree in applied saxophone from Michigan State University, followed closely by the Jazz and Contemporary music program at the New School for Social Research. Cara is the founder of the local jazz venue Amity Blues, a community service.

Richard Thomson

Instructor

Richard Thomson is a graduate of The New School for Social Research, Jazz and Contemporary music program. He has a progressive and avant garde approach to music and a love of jazz. He continues to enjoy teaching, composition, philosophy, and the cultural diversity in the world in which we live.

Testimonials

The level taught at this studio is very, very high. They’re really imparting the tradition to these kids, teaching them to actually play the changes and the forms of the tunes.

Steve Kent

It has been a real joy to see our son’s musical talents develop under the teaching of Cara Silvernail and Richard Thomson. It has also been a great pleasure to watch our son perform on stage with his peers, as well as seasoned professionals. We highly recommend this group to any families interested in developing their children’s musical abilities and appreciation of some really cool jazz.

The Sasvarys

A fantastic program, getting young musicians into high level performance and the experience of playing live music in ensemble settings . It’s a great program! Bravo!!

Rich Syracuse

Bassist

Our son has been studying with Cara and Richard for the last six years. They are both immensely talented jazz musicians, and their knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm is unmatched. The jazz concerts that they organize for the community each month give their students valuable opportunities to be on stage before an audience, which is essential to improving their performance skills, comfort level, and confidence. This program really is the complete package!

Chris Staubi

Cara Silvernail and her husband, Richard, have been so generous in sharing their musical talents, and professional skills in Jazz with kids in the Red Hook area. Playing in their groups has been such an incredible opportunity for my son Ben, a very young bass player. As a professional musician myself, in the classical area, I am so grateful to have these wonderful performers in our community, guiding and inspiring students of all ages, and various levels of experience, always with patience and joy.

Marka Gustavsson

Bard College and Conservatory, Viola, Chamber Music

Cara inspired in Caspian a love of jazz. In addition to his weekly sax lesson in our home, Cara and her husband, Richard, invited him to weekly group jazz sessions, one of the greatest bargains in education we have ever found. They are both kind, patient, love music and are talented musicians who have played with many renowned artists. They are interested in each individual child and share of themselves generously. Both Cara and Richard know how to share their love of music in such a way that the child forever carries that joy and delight within.

The Packards

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