Our Faculty

Mentoring Statement

“The private lesson is sacred ground for this most essential act of an artist’s development: we get to be present when the breakthrough moment comes; we are the ones to say yes.  ‘Yes, that’s it – that is you as an artist. Yes, this process is hard, and you are doing just fine. Yes, that was beautiful to my ears and heart, too.’ The private lesson is the circle of the earth where we plant and care for the future we wish to see. It is also the ancient testing ground of the spirit, where we are challenged to authentically be the artist we would like to bring into the world, even when the situation feels tedious, lonely, pointless, nonmusical, and downright annoying. So listen hard for the future you want to create; some part of it sounds in every student.” – Eric Booth

Biography

Tristen Jarvis is an upright and electric bassist, producer, arranger, composer, and teaching artist.  Having witnessed powerful examples of how music can heal, empower, elevate, and inspire audiences from all walks of life, Jarvis aims to transform the human condition across the myriad spaces he engages with. Present in his artistry are the tenets of joy, adaptability, resilience, versatility, imagination, and service.  These qualities allow him to function as an ambassador for the arts and an advocate for arts education as essential to a healthy society.  As an artist-citizen, Jarvis believes in using music as a cultural bridge to extend our humanity, trust, and understanding. 

Projects and Performances

• Featured on the soundtrack of Netflix’s GRAMMY-winning film Maestro
• Feature act at the 2025 Hudson Jazz Festival (Deep Tones for Peace)
• Prizewinner and semifinalist at International Society of Bassists solo-division competitions
• Appearances with The Orchestra Now, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble X, and Snow Pond Chamber Players
• Presenter at the 2024 NYSSMA Winter Conference (Atomic Technique: the Elements of Bowing)

Education

• Advanced Certificate in Orchestral Studies, Bard College (2022)
• Master of Music Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music (2020)
• Bachelor of Music Performance, Ithaca College (2018)

Honors and Awards

• Semi-finalist in the 2025 ISB Solo Division Competition
• Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame (class of 2025)
•  Finalist (Honorable Mention) in the 2021 International Society of Bassists (ISB) Solo Division Competition
• First Prize at the 2014 Anthony R. Stefan Concerto Competition

Research Profile

• Atomic Technique: The Elements of Bowing