Biography
Barak Arbel is a composer, teacher and electric/double basist. Having experimented and trained in many musical styles over the years, including classical, jazz, funk and more, Barak’s compositions are a delicate reflection of the above.
Barak has apprenticed under a diverse range of teachers in various fields of expertise, both within university walls and beyond. Having studied at Bath Spa University for his M.A in composition and The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance for his B.A, he was a composition student of Professor James Saunders (M.A) and Professor Michael Wolpe (B.A). Furthermore, having discovered classical improvisation, Barak began to study the art of Partimento with musicologist and pianist Professor Peter Van Tour. Outside university walls, he has studied counterpoint and harmony with many teachers including Eyal Mazig and Ram Reuven. In addition, he has participated in workshops and masterclasses with composers such as Anthony De Ritis, Gilad Cohen and Sarah Freestone and in "Skills Lab" workshop in London.
As a performer and multi-instrumentalist in both the classical and jazz disciplines, Barak has studied bass and double bass with Eyal Mazig, Yorai Oron, Professor Michael Klinghoffer and Ben Groenevelt and piano with Amit Dolberg, Rami Levin and Gil Assayas.
Barak's portfolio includes pieces for diverse ensembles such as orchestras, choirs, string trios and solo piano. His pieces were performed by the Jerusalem Academy orchestra, "Born&Raised" gospel ensemble, CoMA Bristol and the Plus Minus Ensemble.
As a performer, he has been a member of several active ensembles such as “Tandu” – Israeli Folk Music, “Gonenim Big Band” and Bath Spa University Orchestra and has participated in studio recordings and concerts as a bassist.
Barak strives to be active within the teaching and pedagogy field.
"My goal is for students to internalize the principles of voice leading, harmony and counterpoint and utilize it practically on the keyboard, thus understanding how these principles can benefit them in their own musical vocabulary and style".
Short biography
Barak Arbel is a composer, teacher and bassist. Having experimented and trained in many musical styles over the years, including classical, jazz, funk and more, Barak’s compositions are a delicate reflection of the above. Barak has apprenticed under a diverse range of teachers in various fields of expertise, both within university walls and beyond. Barak has an M.A in composition from the Bath Spa University, UK. Barak's portfolio includes pieces written for and performed by diverse ensembles such as orchestras, choirs, string trios and solo piano. As a performing bassist, he has been a member of several active ensembles and has participated in many studio recordings and concerts. Barak strives to investigate the discipline of classical improvisation through a practical aspect.
