Jazz Lessons & Live Music in Melrose, MA & Worldwide

I’m Bruce Gertz, a jazz bassist, composer, educator, author, and bandleader based in Melrose, MA. I offer jazz instruction, live performances, recordings, and educational resources for musicians, audiences, and clients in Melrose, throughout the surrounding area, and worldwide.

More Than 50 Years of Professional Jazz

Jazz has been at the center of my professional life for decades. I’ve been building Bruce Gertz Music around performance, education, and original jazz for more than 50 years, with a teaching career at Berklee College of Music dating to 1976.

My approach remains personal and creative. Most mornings, I sit at the piano in my Melrose home and compose. Sometimes an idea develops into a complete piece. Other times, a short phrase becomes the seed for something larger.

That commitment to listening, creating, and improving influences everything I do as a jazz music instructor and performer. I believe jazz remains alive when musicians continue to explore, listen, and develop their individual voices.

An Original Jazz Recording by Bruce Gertz Quintet

Running in the Background

Released in 2020, Running in the Background brings together nine original compositions by Bruce Gertz, performed with an exceptional quintet featuring tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, pianist Lawrence Fields, drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith, and guitarist Vic Juris.

Blending modern harmonies, inventive improvisation, and expressive ensemble interplay, this recording captures the creative spirit of Gertz as a bassist, composer, and bandleader.

The album was recognized by jazz journalist and historian Scott Yanow as one of Gertz’s finest recordings. It remains a meaningful part of his discography and a reflection of his continuing contribution to contemporary jazz.

Discover the Music Behind the Album

Explore Running in the Background and experience the compositions, collaborations, and musical conversations that bring this recording to life.

Catalog & Formats

Explore My Books, CDs & Vinyl Records

My shop brings together the educational and recorded work I have created throughout my career. You can purchase books, CDs, and vinyl records directly through Bruce Gertz Music.

Jazz Lessons in Melrose, MA & Worldwide

If you are searching for jazz lessons or an experienced bass instructor in Melrose, MA, or from anywhere in the world, I offer instruction grounded in decades of professional teaching and performance.

I work with both upright and electric bass. I began playing electric bass at age 14 and later developed an extensive professional career on upright bass. That experience allows me to approach jazz bass instruction from both technical and musical perspectives.

My goal is to help you become a stronger listener and a more expressive musician. Depending on your background and goals, our work can explore technique, interpretation, musicianship, improvisational development, and the role of the bass in jazz.

Live Jazz Performances

Live jazz depends on listening, interaction, and the energy created between musicians and an audience. Those qualities have kept me performing throughout my career.

My performance and recording experience includes work with artists such as Gary Burton, Jerry Bergonzi, John Abercrombie, Bill Frisell, Dave Brubeck, Joe Lovano, Mike Stern, and many others.

As a bassist, composer, recording artist, and bandleader, I bring decades of experience to the stage. If you are looking for live jazz or jazz entertainment, contact me to discuss your event and my availability.

Photo By: Frances Scanlon

Common Inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions

Get In Touch

Listen, Learn & Explore the Music

Jazz continues to challenge and inspire me after decades of performing, composing, and teaching. Bruce Gertz Music gives you several ways to experience that work.



Explore my books and recordings, learn more about jazz bass instruction, or contact me about bringing live jazz to your event. I’m available from 10:00 AM–8:00 PM throughout the week for inquiries.