Inspire, Educate, Connect
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Call for 2027 ISB Award Nominations
The International Society of Bassists is seeking nominations for the 2027 ISB Awards to be presented during the ISB 2027 Convention week. We invite your nominations.
Every two years the International Society of Bassists gives Special Recognition Awards to those who have contributed their special skills, knowledge, projects and other positive works in furthering the ISB's mission to Inspire, Educate, and Connect.
Make your nominations now for Alternative Styles Performance, Composition, Electric Bass Performance, Historically Informed Performance, Jazz Performance, Lutherie, Orchestra Performance, Scholarship, Solo Performance, Teaching, and Young Bassist Ambassador.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Coming Soon!
Celebrating 40 Years of Recital Music
Saturday, September 5, 2026 — Next up on the ISB Center Stage, join us for a conversation exploring the publishing career of David Heyes and the story behind Recital Music. Now celebrating 40 years, Recital Music has built an extensive catalogue of double bass repertoire and played an important role in expanding the music available to bassists worldwide. David has commissioned over 700 works, and we'll discuss the company's history, the publishing process, and the stories behind its catalogue. This is a free event open to all. Register now, space is limited!
ISB 2027 Convention
ISB is headed to University of New Mexico Department of Music in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the ISB 2027 Convention, taking place June 7-12, 2027. Make plans now to join us for all the performances, lectures, masterclasses, exhibits, and a week-long program for bassists 18 and under.
Convention proposals now being accepted!.
Competitions & Awards
The ISB holds biennial competitions for Performers, Composers, Makers, and Researchers.
Bass World
Members receive Bass World magazine three times a year in the mail, as a digital flipbook, or both!
Read the latest issue of Bass World, Volume 48 Number 3, featuring A Conversation with Chris Johnson.
President's Corner
In my last President's Column, I wrote about an upcoming brainstorming retreat to be held in January 2026, focused on a guiding question for our organization: What's next for the ISB? I am happy to report that the retreat was an extraordinary and deeply productive weekend.
Call for Site Proposals
Have you attended ISB conventions in the past and wondered how the ISB selects its convention sites?
We are seeking invitations from potential host colleges and universities for our convention, usually held in June of odd-numbered years.
Store / Rental Library
The ISB Online Store has relaunched on the Shopify platform, with a sharp new look and improved mobile functionality. Browse through hundreds of products offered by ISB members - music scores, methods, books, recordings and of course, The Gary Karr Store.
Membership
As an ISB member, you are helping to build a worldwide bass community that connects people, music and ideas every day, in new and often unexpected ways. Member benefits include . . .
Make a Donation
If you love the bass and benefit from the many ways the ISB brings the worldwide bass community together, then we need your support!
Directories
Members can be listed in our Teacher, Luthier, or Rent-a-Bass directories. Looking for an instructor? Looking for a studio or shop that does repairs or sells instruments and accessories? Traveling and need to rent a bass? Search for teachers, luthiers, or basses to rent by name or location.
Bass Insurance
ISB members in good standing are eligible for a group rate on instrument insurance from Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions, LLC.
Resource Library
ISB Members may browse through 40+ years of publications and learn more about the bass's history and future in the George Vance Online Resource Library.