Stuart Mason Gurley is a bassist, educator, multi-instrumentalist and composer from Falmouth Maine. He carried out undergraduate studies at both Berklee and UMA, and received a Master’s Degree in jazz studies and double bass from USM.  Stuart has performed live hundreds of times in a wide variety of styles (such as jazz, rock, pop and classical); playing everything from large political fundraisers, weddings and small clubs to supporting Christian Howes (renowned jazz violinist), dueling synthesizers with Dr. Fink (former keyboardist for Prince and the Revolution), and sharing the stage with popular modern acts such as Michael Franti, Panic! at the Disco and many more.

Stuart has had extensive studies in musical pedagogy and has been putting those methods into practice in southern and central Maine for over a decade; he believes music to be a unique study of both the exoteric and esoteric. He has taught music classes, private instruction and directed ensembles (his ensemble Beware of Pedestrians, 2013, and The Extension Chords, 2019, won the MAMM Slam band competition in Portland).

Stuart attempts to unify both his personal and educational philosophy with a single Tom Waits quote: “the way you do anything is the way you do everything.” Stuart still lives in Falmouth with his two children.