Biography
Praised for her “natural expressiveness” (Montpelier Times Argus), Jessica Powell Eig has crafted a dynamic and varied career performing on double bass, violone, and viola da gamba. In recent seasons she has appeared with Washington Bach Consort, National Philharmonic Orchestra, New Orchestra of Washington, American Bach Soloists, Washington Concert Opera, Cathedral Choral Society, REBEL, ARTEK, North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, and Seraphic Fire, among many others.
In addition to her work as a performer, Jessica is active as an instructor, teaching artist, and clinician. In 2022 she was appointed Adjunct Applied Faculty in Classical Bass at George Mason University, and she regularly serves as a guest lecturer in Double Bass Pedagogy at the University of Maryland. In addition, she has served on the summer faculties of the Chamber Music Conference and Composers’ Forum of the East, the Young Bassists program at the International Society of Bassists Convention, and the Viola da Gamba Society Conclave. From 2013 to 2016, she was the director of the Viola da Gamba Society of America Young Players Workshop, and her writing on classroom outreach has appeared in Early Music America. She maintains an active private studio and has received grants to support her music education projects from Early Music America, the Viola da Gamba Society of America, and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
In 2010, Jessica completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in double bass performance at SUNY-Stony Brook, as a student of Joseph Carver and Kurt Muroki, where her research focused on the music of Sofia Gubaidulina. She received her earlier training at CCM, Eastman, and Juilliard. Following completing her DMA, she pursued further private study in historical bass with Rob Nairn. She studied viola da gamba with Christel Thielmann, James Lambert, and Martha McGaughey.
As a committed advocate for the arts, Jessica shared her expertise as a grant writer and fundraising consultant with many established as well as emerging arts organizations. From 2013 to 2015, she served on the Executive Committee of the Viola da Gamba Society of America as Membership Secretary, and she currently serves on the board of the Viola da Gamba Society of Greater Washington-Baltimore. Jessica is a member of the American Federation of Musicians (Local 161-710), the International Society of Bassists (ISB), and Early Music America.