Every musical journey starts somewhere… Sometimes with a childhood memory, sometimes with a choir rehearsal, and sometimes with a neighbor who plays rhythm guitar. In this edition of Student Spotlight, we’re excited to share the story of Ade Stevens, a lifelong music lover from March, Cambridgeshire, who shows us that it’s never too late to start something new and truly enjoy the ride.
Ade has steadily followed the sounds that move him — and these days, that means weekly jam sessions with his bandmate across the road, a growing comfort on the fretboard, and even picking up the saxophone for some extra musical fun. His story is as humble and heartfelt as it is inspiring.
From choir rehearsals, our Ade here has always had music in his life — it just took a few instruments to find the one that truly stuck. After singing in choirs from childhood to adulthood (with a brief one-finger detour on the keyboard), it was the bass guitar that finally struck the right chord. Always drawn to its rich tone and supportive role in music, Ade dove in and hasn’t looked back. When he picked up the bass a few years ago, he also picked up a whole new level of confidence.
These days, he’s grooving relentlessly. Working with Coach Sian most of the time, Ade’s fretboard skills are steadily growing. He’s jamming weekly with his rhythm guitarist neighbor in their duo project 33 (soon possibly 33⅓ if a vocalist joins!) all for the sheer joy of making music.
May the BASS be with you - Ade Stevens
Outside of bass, Ade keeps life creative and full — whether he’s learning saxophone, snapping photos for his local U3A group, or soaking up great music on “the wireless.” Music isn’t just a hobby anymore — it’s a central part of how he connects, expresses, and has a blast doing it.
Always Remember Us This Way - Lady Gaga (Cover by Ade Stevens)
How do you stay motivated to practice and improve?
Mainly because I enjoy it - '33' meet once a week for 'band practice', plus I had an expert asessment with Sian and am trying to stick to her 12 week plan.
Favorite bassist of all time?
To be honest, I've never been one for 'going deep' into musicians, so it's difficult to say. I'm beginning to find out more now, obviously, so ask me again in a couple of years!
Favorite band of all time?
Dire Straits and Santana.
First song you ever learned?
Brown Eyed Girl on bass guitar
What’s your next goal with bass guitar?
I need to get myself around the fretboard more fluently to be able to create my own lines. Getting there slowly, thanks to Sian's invaluable help.
Do you have a band?
Well, sort of! Just me and my mate, who plays rhythm guitar, and is in the same choir as me, from across the road. We've called ourselves '33', and we're playing various songs from the eBass course plus some others, really for our own fun.
We will be 'performing' at a party he's going to have some time later this year. Why 33? I live at 16 and he lives at 17! We may end up as 33 1/3 if his sister-in-law joins us on vocals!!
"I was just dipping in and out of various other online courses, but the structure of the BLP courses, and James' teaching style, has brought me a long way."
-Ade Stevens
Why did you choose the bass guitar?
I've always liked bass, and would love to be able to play upright.
How has being a part of Bass Lab PLUS helped shape your bass playing?
Massively. I was just dipping in and out of various other online courses, but the structure of the BLP courses, and James' teaching style, has brought me a long way. I even overcame the 'Red Button Syndrome' and posted a video on the site!
Any message for the Bass Lab PLUS community?
Just keep enjoying it and have fun!
Where can others connect with you online?
I'm in the eBassGuitar - The Bass Labs Facebook group.
Stay in touch
A massive shout out to Ade for sharing his story in this edition of Student Spotlight! Ade’s journey is a reminder that musical joy lives in every note especially when you’re having fun along the way.
We’re thrilled to highlight members to bring us together inside the Bass Lab PLUS community. See you next time… who’s up next in the Student Spotlight? Could be you!
Keep Groovin’!