I thought this could be an interesting topic to discuss. The question is rather general, but I think very important for a beginner. What advice would you give for a beginner, when looking retrospectively to your own music college years? What were the biggest insights you've made, or biggest lessons you've learned? If you had a chance to go back, what would you do differently? For instance, trying to play with as many musicians as you can in order to build connections for the future, or focusing more on your own projects/compositions? Trying to familiarize yourself with many styles of music, or going more deeply into your preferred ones? How to divide limited time between ear training and technique? More gigs, or more focused practice? Developing your 'name'? This is just some example questions, you can tell whatever comes to your mind :)

The first thing that comes to my mind is that all you have to do is to be perfect. and then you start making music. Playing the notes is only about 10% of the battle.

I would say that playing more gigs superceeds practice (though obviously they have to go hand in hand) the pressure of a gig is something everyone has to get used to so why not start ASAP.

What were the biggest insights you've madeI should have just saved my money and moved to NYC


or biggest lessons you've learned? All you can sound like is what you sound like. The only thing that changes what you sound like is a LOT of work.

If you had a chance to go back, what would you do differently? For instance, trying to play with as many musicians as you can in order to build connections for the future
Well, play with as many musicians as I could, especially with as many that were much deeper into the music than I was. Not with an eye to connections, but to get that depth and breadth of experience. I would DEFINITELY put more time and effort into ear training.

focusing more on your own projects/compositions? Probably not, that can happen at any time, you won't always have the resource of that many musicians around all at once.

Trying to familiarize yourself with many styles of music, or going more deeply into your preferred ones?Don't get caught up in styles, get as deep a background in the fundamentals of music as you can. If there is something that speaks to you strongly, pursue that.

How to divide limited time between ear training and technique? Simple, spend more time on ear training. Music is an AURAL experience, not a tactile one. Technique will not give you ideas, but your ear will help define where your physical approach is an impediment to getting those ideas out.


More gigs, or more focused practice? It's a balance; the gigs point out what you need to shed.


Developing your 'name'? This is barely worthy of a response.

Dexter3D - an excellent question. Been playing for over 40 years, and it seems to me that in my formative early days, before my wide mind and narrow waist traded places, I played with many different musicians/styles/venues. It was the 60's/70's and there were a ton more places with live music. Following in the footsteps of the other (older) players, I would go from my gig to a friends, to a friend of a friends, always carrying my axe into the bowling alley, restaurant, club.

If someone knew you, or you were a friend of a friend you could sit in for a song or set. It was the best education around as you heard and played different interpretations of the same songs you were playing with your 'home' band. Everyone did it. Apparently it was a holdover from the blues days when players went to where the joint was jumping.

The ear training versus reading is easy: you will need both. Just play often and watch your (hands) technique so that it doesn't get sloppy. Do you exercises and remember to sing the parts (even to yourself when walking or whatever but you have to hear it before you can play it). The rest will take care of itself.

-richard

Yeah, good question indeed.

From my OPE, I would say your best practice time is now and don't count
it. Just do it! Try to play with better musicians then you and don't fight any thoughts or comments from your teachers (instrument,theory,ear treaning,band playing...etc) before giving it a deep thought, seriously,


Sly

IMHO, this thread is worth reading:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173311

Check out the link in my sig. for some info that may answer most of your questions.

I'd say listen to the whole group, and not just yourself. I hate seeing a bassist who may be outstanding, but is killing the groove by outdoing everybody else. I'm not saying don't do cool licks, but keep the groove first, and listen.