Hi, I'm Russell G. Hartleb, also known as Sef. I'm a versatile musician and educator based in Portland , Oregon with over two decades of performance and teaching experience. I play electric bass, vocals, guitar, and double bass, and I have collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles across reggae, rock, jazz, folk, and beyond. I thrive on creating music, mentoring students, and helping bands develop their sound and confidence. In addition to performing, I teach through Power Chord Academy and private lessons, translating theory into practical skills for real-world stages and recordings. I'm excited to contribute as a musician, collaborator, and mentor, whether on stage, in the studio, or guiding the next generation of players.

Russell G. Hartleb (aka Sef)

Hi, I'm Russell G. Hartleb, also known as Sef. I'm a versatile musician and educator based in Portland , Oregon with over two decades of performance and teaching experience. I play electric bass, vocals, guitar, and double bass, and I have collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles across reggae, rock, jazz, folk, and beyond. I thrive on creating music, mentoring students, and helping bands develop their sound and confidence. In addition to performing, I teach through Power Chord Academy and private lessons, translating theory into practical skills for real-world stages and recordings. I'm excited to contribute as a musician, collaborator, and mentor, whether on stage, in the studio, or guiding the next generation of players.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Russell G. Hartleb, also known as Sef. I’m a versatile musician and educator based in Portland , Oregon with over two decades of performance and teaching experience. I play electric bass, vocals, guitar, and double bass, and I have collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles across reggae, rock, jazz, folk, and beyond. I thrive on creating music, mentoring students, and helping bands develop their sound and confidence.

In addition to performing, I teach through Power Chord Academy and private lessons, translating theory into practical skills for real-world stages and recordings. I’m excited to contribute as a musician, collaborator, and mentor, whether on stage, in the studio, or guiding the next generation of players.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Counselor, Staff Coordinator, and Program Director at Power Chord Academy
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007
Counselor: produced young bands (ages 11–18); performed original music; provided individual instruction on bass, guitar, and vocals. Staff Coordinator: developed class curriculum, scheduled lessons, and led music workshops, enhancing theory, harmony, and music appreciation. Program Director: ensured programs ran smoothly and on time; delivered seminars on band formation, recording, and touring; assisted troubled students and addressed parental concerns.
Musician / Performer at Various artists and ensembles
January 1, 1998 - November 5, 2025
From 1998 to present, performed with Judy Mowatt, Ellen Chase, Jah Faith, Garth Dennis, Fishbone, Mt. Sac Wind Ensemble, Mt. Sac Chamber Winds, Mt. Sac Big Band, and numerous other acts across reggae, rock, jazz, folk, hip-hop and orchestral settings.

Education

Music Major: Performance at Mt. San Antonio College
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2008
Music Major: Vocal Performance at Santa Monica College
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1997

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment