Hello,

i am a 22 year old bass player from Montreal. I studied 6 semesters at the University of Montreal, and have only have 2 more to go to obtain my bachelor.

I am a bit confused about what i should be doing this summer. The two previous years, i did cruise ship gigs, and restaurant and hotel cocktail jazz gigs. They were fun, i gained experience, earned money but i've been there, done that. I wonder if diffent experiences wouldn't be better in the long run.

I am serious about music, and have been told so many times «practice now, you wont have time later» that i was thinking about studying this summer. I feel like its now or never, i am totally free (no big gigs, no girlfriend, etc) and love to travel.

What do you think?

Studying again? where? with who? has to be worth the Money!

Gigs? is it a better school? what type? any hints??

Thank you!

Jérôme

Hello Jerome,
I would sugggest the following for your summer:
gig as much as you can at home, jam tunes with others as much as possible,
consider attending a summer workshop or two (of course I have to plug my Jazz Double Bass Workshop at UNT - June 11-15 in Denton, TX) Go to: www.jazz.unt.edu and click on workshops then jazz bass),
Go to the International Society of Bassists' convention the first week in June in Oklahoma City the week before my camp (it is about a 3 hour drive from OKC to Denton) ISB website: www.isbworldoffice.com ,
UNT also has a combo camp ( www.jazz.unt.edu click on workshops then combo),
Aebersold has a good workshop -( www.jazzbooks.com ), Study privately with a good bassist at home,
Learn as many tunes as possible.
Everyone should join the ISB!!!!!! [/B] They have cheaper student rates.
Have a good summer!

Thanks a lot!!

Cool links, and great ideas. :)