
Joe Gaskins
Adjunct Faculty
- Mathes Hall 13
Dr. Joe Gaskins has enjoyed an active and versatile career as a double bass performer and teacher. Growing up just outside of Charleston in South Carolina, he began his education on the electric bass guitar and regularly sat in with local jazz bands. Dr. Gaskins has since performed with various Symphony Orchestras in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. He also was a finalist and received an Honorable Mention for his performance in the International Society of Bassists Orchestral Competition in 2019.
Dr. Gaskins is very passionate about teaching. In addition to maintaining a private studio, he worked as a student instructor at Carnegie Mellon University from 2016-2018. He then served as an adjunct professor at Frostburg State University, teaching Double Bass and directing the FSU String Ensemble. Dr. Gaskins has also been a guest clinician for the annual South Carolina ASTA Double Bass Workshop, the 2024 South Carolina Philharmonic Advanced String Camp, and the 2023 International Society of Bassists' Young Bassists Program.
Dr. Gaskins received a B.M. in Music Performance from the University of South Carolina, studying with Dr. Craig Butterfield. He went on to receive a M.M. in Music Performance, as well as an Advanced Studies Certificate, from Carnegie Mellon University under the tutelage of Micah Howard and Peter Guild. He completed his D.M.A. in Double Bass Performance with a Minor in Jazz Studies in 2025 at the University of South Carolina while serving as Dr. Butterfield’s teaching assistant to the double bass studio.