Ms. Sherry J. Luchette
Bass Teacher
A native of Cleveland, Ohio- Sherry earned her BM from Youngstown State University, where she played with the Downbeat Award-winning Jazz Ensemble I and many jazz greats on stage including Trombonist Bill Watrous, Bari Saxophonist Nick Brignola, Tenor Saxophonist James Moody, Drummer Terry Clark, Tenor Saxophonist Bob Mintzer, Trumpeter Marvin Stamm, and Trombonist Jiggs Wigham. Sherry’s classical bass training led her to a three-year position with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Effron. In Cleveland, Sherry performed and recorded extensively with Tenor saxophonist Ernie Krivda, whose bands performed with renowned musical artists Vocalist Oleta Adams, Ernie Andrews, Saxophonist David Sanborn, Drummer Louie Bellson, and Vibraphonist Terry Gibbs
In Los Angeles, Sherry has established herself as an in-demand, strong, swinging bassist. She has performed with many wonderful musicians including the late TV/Film Composer Joe Harnell, Pianist Tamir Hendelman, Pianist David Arnay, and renown Vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Diane Shurr. Sherry has recently played with the Frank Vardaros Big Band’s tribute to Maynard Ferguson, Tony Bennett’s daughter, vocalist Antonia Bennett, several shows with LA Vocalist sensation Lisa Donahey, the Pop String Orchestra at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, led by Trumpeter/Arranger Dave Perrico, and the Frank Sinatra Alumni Band, led by Trumpeter Walt Johnson. Sherry also has an all-female trio that plays around Los Angeles performing Jazz standards and 70’s Rock called The Divine Jazz Trio, which just released their first Cd titled “Serendipity.”
Sherry’s teaching experience includes K-8 General music, AP MusicTheory, Private piano and bass lessons, and Jazz combo coaching. Currently she teaches Upright and electric bass, Jazz Combo for Adults, and Jazz classes for kids called “Jazz Kittens” at The Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Sherry is an author and clinician of three Book/Cd sets called “The Flying Jazz Kittens” that helps music teachers introduce the joy of jazz, singing, playing jazz rhythms and phrases, scatting, body movement, and improvisation to children in addition to using percussion and pitched instruments.
She has recently been inspired by her life-changing Suzuki training for the bass and has begun building a program in Los Angeles for bass players. Sherry is excited to continue her Suzuki journey of teaching bass players of all ages, and encouraging them to explore not only the fundamentals of the instrument, but to embrace and enjoy jazz playing and improvisation.