Tyson Ailshie teaches Applied Bass at Regis University and instructs Jazz History, Jazz Improvisation, Music Fundamentals, Music Appreciation and Applied Bass at both Front Range and Arapahoe Community Colleges. He holds a Bachelors degree in music from Washburn University where he studied with grammy nominated artist and composer Frank Mantooth and a Master's degree in jazz performance and pedagogy from the University of Colorado where he was the bassist for Jazz Combo I and recorded live for KUVO Denver. 

Tyson is a classically trained double bassist having studied string pedagogy and technique with respected cellist Steven Elisha and performed with both the Topeka and Longmont Symphony Orchestras. As a professional jazz bassist, he has performed with national and international jazz artists Frank Mantooth, Ira Sullivan, Irvin Mayfield, Andrew D’Angelo, Matt Wilson and Pat Bianchi as well as with local musicians Dave Corbus, Brad Goode, and John Gunther among others. Tyson has recently released his much anticipated debut as a leader entitled, “The Send Off” which was released at Dazzle restaurant in May of 2011. He has also appeared on local artists’ recordings such as Blue Avenue’s EP release “The Other Side of the Tracks,” the bonus track “Dream a Little Dream” with award-winning local songwriter John Common and “February Meet,” a jazz release by Gabe Beach. He currently composes and plays double bass in his own jazz trios and duos.

Tyson has lectured in undergraduate jazz techniques at the University of Colorado, mentored for string orchestra workshops, directed various instrumental master classes and guest conducted jazz ensembles at local area schools. He has mentored the double bass section for both Skyview and Lakewood High School Orchestras as well as conducted high school orchestral auditions and judged for Jefferson County Solo and Ensemble festival. He currently directs the jazz combo for the Mountain Strings and Jazz Workshop in Evergreen, Colorado which he co-founded in 2009 and maintains a private studio of double bass and bass guitar students in Arvada.