The School of Agility: A Technical Method of the Scale System for String Bass
The Essential Scale System for Upright Bassists
Every serious bassist eventually looks for that one method book that brings structure to their technique — something that organizes not just what to practice, but how to approach the instrument.
For me, that book is Eugene Levinson’s The School of Agility: A Technical Method of the Scale System for String Bass.
Levinson’s method is a masterclass in clarity and organization. Each section builds on the last with remarkable logic, guiding players through a progressive system of shifting, intonation, and tone development. There’s no filler — every exercise connects directly to musical purpose.
It’s one of the few books that feels as relevant for advanced performers as it does for students just starting their technical journey.
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Why I Use It
I use The School of Agility with nearly all my upright bass students, no matter their level.
For beginners, it sets up posture, left-hand coordination, and consistency. For advanced players, it becomes a diagnostic tool — exposing small details that can elevate technique to artistry.
And even in my own shed time, I keep returning to it. There’s always something new to uncover. That’s the beauty of Levinson’s system: it continues to teach you long after you’ve “learned” the material.
Why It Belongs in Your Shed
Levinson’s book bridges the gap between discipline and music-making. Each exercise is more than a scale — it’s a phrasing study, a tone study, and a meditation on control.
It’s not flashy, but it’s transformative.
“It’s a book that grows with you. The more you return to it, the more it reveals about your playing.”