Meet Mr Kyle Ramsay-Daniel, Radford College’s dedicated double bass teacher and tutor, whose passion for his instrument is only matched by his enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation of musicians. Since 2007, Mr Ramsay-Daniel has played an integral role in Radford’s music program, introducing students to the world of double bass and sharing the joy he’s found in playing. In addition to his teaching role at Radford, Mr Ramsay-Daniel is also a proud member of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, where he has had the privilege of performing with some of the finest musicians in the country.

How long have you been part of the Radford community, and what initially brought you to Radford?

I have been teaching double bass at Radford on and off since 2007. Since 2021, I have also been involved in Radford’s Year 3 Strings program. I first took over teaching the double bass students in 2007 when a fellow ANU student left Canberra and needed someone to continue his teaching. At the time, it was my first real experience teaching double bass, but Radford gave me an incredible opportunity to learn and grow as a player and teacher.

What do you find most rewarding about your role at Radford?

The most rewarding aspect of my role at Radford is introducing the double bass to a new cohort of students each year. It’s inspiring to see how excited students get about the instrument I love and have dedicated a large portion of my life to.

At what age did you begin playing the double bass, and why did you choose it as your instrument?

I started playing the double bass just before I turned 17, which is considerably older than most students at Radford. I come from a somewhat musical family and began playing bass guitar in Year 9. At the time, the double bass seemed like a larger, cooler version of the bass guitar. However, it wasn’t until I played in an orchestra that I truly fell in love with the instrument.

What is it like to play with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra?

Playing with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra is a fantastic experience. I passed my audition for the orchestra in 2007, right around the time I began teaching at Radford. Since then, I have played consistently with the orchestra, first as a section or ‘tutti’ player, and as Acting Principal from 2013. It has provided countless amazing experiences, and there’s truly nothing like performing in the midst of a full symphony orchestra.

Are there any particular performances or experiences in your career that have had a significant impact on you, either as a musician or as a teacher?

Leading the double bass section of the Canberra Youth Orchestra in Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (The Organ Symphony) at the Opera House, with my teacher Max McBride conducting, was indescribable. I also had the incredible opportunity to perform Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony with Simone Young and the Australian Youth Orchestra in Brisbane in 2012. Additionally, every time I see my students perform and share their love of the double bass, it’s incredibly inspiring, and I’m always proud of what they achieve.

Do you have any tricks or tips for staying calm and focused on stage during high-profile performances?

For me, staying calm and focused during performances comes down to preparation. Putting in the practise time to thoroughly know my part and understand how it fits with the other sections of the orchestra allows me to stay engaged and listen actively to the group.

What’s your favourite piece of music to perform?

My favourite orchestral pieces to perform include Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony (there seems to be a pattern here!). I also love performing Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and Brahms’s First Symphony. Frankly, I don’t think I could ever choose just one.

People would be surprised to know …

I used to work as a route setter at a bouldering (rock climbing) gym!