Montreal, QC
Parker Bakkall
Bio
Parker is a versatile musician and music educator born and raised in the rich musical landscape of Tennessee. His immersion in music ignited a practical, ear-driven musicianship that saw him playing professionally by the time he entered high school.
He went on to study Jazz Performance at the University of Tennessee, where he sharpened his technical foundation under the mentorship of celebrated artists and educators, including bassist Jon Hamar, saxophonist Greg Tardy, and pianist Eric Reed. Seeking to expand his artistic network further his compositional and instructional skills, he recently relocated to Montreal, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Music at McGill University.
As a dynamic live performer and session musician, he is known for his remarkable cross-genre adaptability and solid timekeeping on upright and electric bass. He has shared the stage with an array of prominent jazz artists such as pianist Taber Gable, saxophonist Greg Tardy, guitarist Mark Boling, and pianist Keith Brown.. His versatility is further highlighted by his work with country and roots ensembles like Jason Lee Wilson and James County, as well as the independent outfit Stina Nez.
Beyond the stage, he brings a deep technical understanding of sound creation to his work. He spent three years working as a recording engineer and composer at Auralation Studios, a role that heavily informs his holistic approach to arrangement, harmony, and performance dynamics.
A passionate advocate for mentorship, he established his own independent teaching studio in 2022. Balancing his active performance career with a commitment to education, he focuses on equipping the next generation of players with the practical musicianship, critical ear training, and technical fluency necessary to discover their own unique artistic voices.