Biography

Hello! I’m Massimo Pinca, and my journey in music reflects my belief that “music is the mirror of what you cannot see, but you cannot deny.” My passion for music ignited at the age of eleven when I started playing TV show tunes by ear on an old electric organ at home. This initial spark led me to classical piano lessons, which I pursued diligently until I was 18.

A pivotal moment came when I discovered the electric bass in a friend’s garage. Captivated by its sound, I joined a high school rock band, where I began to express my musical identity. At 15, I fell in love with jazz and immersed myself in its complexities on both piano and bass.

By the time I was 18, I was performing semi-professional gigs in my hometown of Lecce, in southern Italy. Life took an interesting turn when I received invitations to join bands that needed a double bass player, even though I had no experience. Embracing the challenge, I applied to the local conservatory, aiming to carve out a professional music career while also studying law, culminating in my master’s degree in 2001.

With no jazz bass class available, I ventured into classical double bass, discovering the  power of orchestral music under the mentorship of Roberto Bonati and Leonardo Presicci. In 1999, I joined Opa Cupa, exploring Balkan music, and later Ghetonia, focusing on traditional sounds from southern Puglia. These experiences marked my first steps into intensive touring across Italy and abroad.

In 2003, I met the incredible double bass player Alberto Bocini, which led me to move to Florence to study at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, where I earned my double bass diploma in 2004. During this time, I collaborated with artists like singer Claudia Bombardella and formed a meaningful partnership with Sicilian pianist Antonio Figura.

My exploration of historical performance flourished through courses with gambist Bettina Hoffman in Fiesole. In 2007 and 2008, I received scholarships for the Academia Montis Regalis course in Mondovì, where I developed my baroque performance skills and joined their main orchestra, recording several CDs and touring extensively.

In 2009, a new chapter opened when I moved to Geneva to continue my studies with Alberto Bocini at the Haute école de musique. This transition led to a wealth of opportunities, resulting in two master’s degrees in double bass performance and pedagogy by 2011 and 2013. I also contributed to research on the history of double bass pedagogy, publishing a significant paper in 2014.

Since 2011, I’ve been a classical double bass professor at the Conservatoire populaire de Genève, where I share my passion for music and the principles of self-mastery—both physically and psychologically. I emphasize mindfulness and self-reflection in my teaching. My goal is to inspire my students to set personal goals in their musical journey while fostering emotional awareness and resilience.

In 2012, I joined Fanfareduloup, a vibrant 12-piece band that plays original music, and in 2013, I joined the Geneva Camerata, an innovative orchestra bridging classical repertoire, contemporary creation, jazz, and other disciplines.

In 2013 I also stared teaching introductory courses on baroque playing for modern bassists at the Haute École de Musique. In 2017, I stepped away from the orchestra to focus on my growing family life. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with renowned international ensembles in Geneva, including the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Gli Angeli, and Cappella Mediterranea.

More recently, I joined Avi Avital’s “Between Worlds Ensemble.” My diverse training in jazz, baroque, and classical music has allowed my career to flourish in an eclectic direction. With projects like Fanfareduloup and the Geneva Camerata, I’ve found my voice as a composer and leader. My background in law has also led me to roles in artistic administration, including serving as president of the AMR association from 2011 to 2013 and chairing the string department in my school from 2018 to 2023.

I invite you to explore my music and connect with me! You can listen to my recordings, watch videos of my performances, and stay updated on upcoming concerts by following me on my social media platforms. If you’re interested in lessons or collaboration, feel free to reach out for a trial lesson or consultation.