Due to my RSI issues, and also some other health issues as well, I am strongly considering an extended break from band activity.

So, I have a few questions....!

1. How should I go about notifying my bandleader? Is it better to talk face-to-face or put something in writing?

2. How can I still keep up with new songs and new technique? Shoud I still practice the new material sans band?

3. Is taking an entire year out a smart idea or is this too long.

4. In light of the above question, should I just quit completely and start from scratch when I return?

Any help appreciated!

I'm not entirely sure what RSI is, but I'm assuming it involves the wrist. Anyway...

1) Definitely talk to the bandleader in person, especially if you know him/her pretty good and you want to keep on good terms with him/her.

2) If you want to rejoin the band later on, then yes, try to practice as much as your physically possible. Even if you dont re-join, you might want to practice every now and then anyway you keep your skills on bass sharp.

3) It depends on the bandleader, and your role in the band. If you're in an good position with everyone and they're cool with you taking leave, then it shouldn't be too unreasonable. But, if you do take that much time off, you might want to make sure you return as soon as that time is done, because if you wait and longer than that year, your bandmates might get PO'ed.

4) Read the above three.

Due to my RSI issues, and also some other health issues as well, I am strongly considering an extended break from band activity.

So, I have a few questions....!

1. How should I go about notifying my bandleader? Is it better to talk face-to-face or put something in writing?

Talk to the bandleader face to face, especialy if you want to try to keep the gig on your return

2. How can I still keep up with new songs and new technique? Shoud I still practice the new material sans band?
If it bothers you when playing in the band, won't it still bother you when practicing on your own?

3. Is taking an entire year out a smart idea or is this too long.
Yes anymore than a month and I'd say quite the band. It's not fair to them to hold things, olr to the bass player putting in the work while your on sabbatical

4. In light of the above question, should I just quit completely and start from scratch when I return?
Any help appreciated!
Yes quit. Maybe in a year they might be looking for a new bass player, or be signed and on the road. The whole band shouldn't be placed on hold.

Andy

Thanks guys!

1) Definately in person. Anything else is disrespectfull and will reflect poorly on you

2) Keep practicing, but with less intensity. No point agravating your medical condition.
Practice to keep you chops up, not to keep up with the band (see part 3)

3) Take off whatever time you feel you need to recuperate. If it's longer than a month, then it's time to officialy quit the band. Don't attach a timeline or tell them that you will return. They will appreciate the honesty, and you will not feel the pressure of having to return faster than you recover.

4) Yes, quit completely. However, if you are practicing (moderately of course) you won't be starting from scratch when you go back to playing out and looking for a new band, you will probably be returning to the music scene refreshed and rejuvinated. As have been said, your old band may be looking for a bass playe in a year or -more likely IMHO- you will be ready to jump into a whole new musical experience.

All the best whatever happens.

1. How should I go about notifying my bandleader? Is it better to talk face-to-face or put something in writing?

Face to face is best. If it needs something in writing to be official, your bandleader should tell you after telling him.


2. a)How can I still keep up with new songs and new technique? b)Shoud I still practice the new material sans band?

a) By learning and maintaining them.
b) If I was considering a year off, I wouldn't.


3. Is taking an entire year out a smart idea or is this too long.

If your body needs it yes.


4. In light of the above question, should I just quit completely and start from scratch when I return?

Yes. If you are going on a hiatus you can either quit or offer to return when healed, just prepare to be turned down or put on rotation upon your return.

1. How should I go about notifying my bandleader? Is it better to talk face-to-face or put something in writing?

A steaming deuce on the front porch ought to do it.

2. How can I still keep up with new songs and new technique? Shoud I still practice the new material sans band?

I hear guitar hero has a bass feature now. It might work.

3. Is taking an entire year out a smart idea or is this too long.

Will you take the time out from TB as well? I'd say it would be a smart idea and maybe not long enough! :D

4. In light of the above question, should I just quit completely and start from scratch when I return?

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, we need some hope...."if I return!" :D

:hiding:
;)

A steaming deuce on the front porch ought to do it.



I hear guitar hero has a bass feature now. It might work.



Will you take the time out from TB as well? I'd say it would be a smart idea and maybe not long enough! :D



Let's not get ahead of ourselves, we need some hope...."if I return!" :D

:hiding:
;)
:D
Noice.

Don't be surprised if your band replaces you or at least starts looking for a replacement. Our drummer decided to go on a tour with a signed band for 3 months and got all pissy when he found out we were auditioning new drummers the next night.

Sorry for your health situation, but don't expect your band to sit on their hands while you figure stuff out on your own. Especially if they're an active band looking for gigs and practicing a lot.

Just my $.02

Take time for you. You can always play in your basement when the urge strikes. I took a few years off a few years back, and I was amazed at how good a regular sleep schedule felt. You're young, you have plenty of time for gigging when the gigging is good.

A steaming deuce on the front porch ought to do it.

Always worked for me :D