Jack Hill

Jack Hill serves as Performance Faculty in the Music Department at Princeton University, specializing in double bass instruction. He concurrently maintains an active orchestral career as principal bass for the Edison Symphony Orchestra and the American Repertory Ballet's Nutcracker productions, while performing with the Delaware Valley Philharmonic, Bay Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, and recently joined the New Jersey Capital Philharmonic.

Education:

• Bachelor of Music, New England Conservatory, studying under Gary Karr and Henry Portnoi

Hill's professional expertise bridges double bass performance and string instrument craftsmanship. His performance career spans principal roles in major orchestras including the Boston Philharmonic (1979-2000) and international engagements with I Virtuosi di Roma. Complementing this, he operates JD Hill Music as a luthier and bow maker specializing in vintage and contemporary double basses, offering repair services and custom bow construction in Vigneron and Deluccia styles.

At Princeton, Hill mentors double bass students through private instruction while maintaining an external teaching studio. His instrument business extends his educational impact through instrument sales, repairs, and collaborations with makers like McIntosh Basses and Arvi Basses.

Key performance appointments:

• Principal Bass, Edison Symphony Orchestra
• Assistant Principal/Principal Bass, Boston Philharmonic (1979-2000)
• Artist in Residence, American Academy in Rome (2000) with solo recitals
• Solo Bass, I Virtuosi di Roma (2001)
• Section Bass, Springfield Symphony Orchestra (1979-1981)