Every musical journey has its spark — sometimes it’s a song, sometimes it’s a moment, and sometimes it’s the quiet realization that the rhythm’s been waiting all along. For Pete Bromwich, from Pewsey in Wiltshire, that moment came when a friend handed him a bass. Having spent years making and playing hammered dulcimers, Pete saw the bass as a perfect bridge between rhythm, harmony, and the folk tunes he already loved. One year later, it’s become an essential part of his musical and creative life.
Pete’s connection to music runs deep. Back in his 20s, he played in a folk group, and decades later — after taking early retirement — he returned to music by crafting hammered dulcimers and forming a trio that performs folk, ’60s, and ’70s classics at local events and Memory Cafes. When a friend gave him a bass, he realized how naturally it fit with the sounds he already loved — adding warmth, groove, and grounding to the songs they played.
Pete Bromwich performing on the hammered dulcimer alongside fellow musicians during a lively folk session
Outside of performing, Pete’s life is full of creativity and community. He builds dulcimers, sings in a local choir, helps produce backing tracks, and even tends an allotment with his wife, growing fruit and vegetables between gigs and rehearsals. Once a year, he travels to the U.S. for a hammered dulcimer retreat by the ocean — a perfect mix of music, craftsmanship, and friendship.
Pete Bromwich catching up with Coach Freddie Draper over coffee — chatting about bass, hammered dulcimers, and all things groove and craftsmanship.
As part of Bass Lab PLUS, Pete’s been exploring new challenges and discovering just how much there is to learn. Working through the Hear It, Play It program with Coach Freddie Draper has given him structure and motivation — setting goals, learning to “busk” lines, and adding tasteful bass to his trio’s repertoire. “Deadlines focus the mind,” Pete says with a grin. “There’s nothing like an upcoming gig to keep you sharp!”
Pete Bromwich playing the Hammered Dulcimer - great tunes!
Pete on his bass playing Who's That Man as a part of Hear It Play It
His approach to learning is simple but powerful: don’t overthink it, just start. Whether you’re playing folk tunes, Beatles classics like If I Fell, or just chasing that next small breakthrough, Pete’s story reminds us that progress happens when passion meets patience.
Quickfire Q&A with Pete
Where are you based?
Pewsey, Wiltshire, UK
How long have you been playing bass?
Just over a year
Who are your musical influences?
Herbie Flowers — I love his simplicity and effectiveness on Walk on the Wild Side
Favorite band?
Pink Floyd
First song you learned on bass?
If I Fell by The Beatles
Current band/project?
A trio playing folk tunes and ’60s/’70s songs — I’m now adding bass to bring variety.
Next goal with bass?
To busk along more confidently and create solid, “good enough” lines on the fly.
How has Bass Lab PLUS helped?
It’s made me realize how much more there is to learn! The Hear It, Play It course helps me stay focused and motivated with clear goals and feedback.
Message for the community?
Don’t think about it — do it! Don’t wait until next year. Start now.
Stay in touch
A big thanks to Pete for sharing his inspiring journey — from building instruments by hand to building grooves that move hearts. His story proves that music and craftsmanship go hand in hand — and that it’s never too late to discover a new rhythm.
We’re proud to celebrate musicians like Pete who embody creativity, curiosity, and joy in every note.
See you next time — who’s up next in the Student Spotlight? Could it be you?
Keep groovin’!
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