Take Five With Anne Mette Iverse

Meet Anne Mette Iversen: A former student in classical piano at The Royal Danish Academy of Music, Iversen went on to study bass for four years at the Rhythmic Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen, Denmark, and graduated in 2001 from The New School University with a BFA degree in Jazz Performance.

Iversen has resided in New York City for eight years. During this time, in addition to leading her own groups, she has performed with many prominent artists. Iversen also freelances in many diverse settings, including classical orchestras. To say that she is thoroughly trained and experienced in many musical languages is an understatement.

As a composer Iversen has developed her own unique and personal style that has come out of a talent for unifying jazz music with European classical music. She has had work commissioned in the classical realm as well as jazz, folk, rock and hip hop. Iversen has received several grants from the Danish Art Foundation, among others, to reward and encourage her work.

Instrument: acoustic bass.

Teachers and/or influences? With a background as classical pianist my teachers and influences are many and varied. From J.S. Bach to Dvorak and Stravinsky to Ron Carter, Ornette Coleman and Bob Dylan.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when... I was 12.

Your sound and approach to music: I prefer acoustic music to most electrified instruments.

I like a warm and dark sound, but also a clear and expressive sound. Dynamics are very important too.

To me music is like a great dialog. There must be mutual respect and understanding between musicians in a group, but not necessarily mutual agreement.

Your teaching approach: It is of equal importance to teach technique, creativity, general musicality, expression and personality.

Your dream band: Currently my quartet is my dream band.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically? A talent for form and personality in my music.

Did you know... That I intend to have a second career as a tennis player on the senior pro tournament circuit!

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