the ones I see being taught always seem to be 75% notation and less than 25% theory. would like to find a book with 75% theory. I know it's important to learn to read but I feel this approach scares off a lot of newbies when they see so much notation.

in fact a piano teacher friend of mine did a course in London recently as she teaches grades and they are now concentrating on testing theory 75% and notation 24%...they want more students to be able to improv and play by ear. if a students doesn't have enough theory he/she gets lots. also students who study almost all from notation end up being "stuck to the sheet music".

so has anyone come across a bass book for beginners that is more theory than learning notation?

We used this book in my fundamentals of music course. Its a 2 book set that covers theory, reading/notation, rhythms, harmony/melody, scales, intervals, etc etc, its a good book. However IIRC all notes you need to sing/play, etc are in standard notation. Which IMO is the way it should be in an academic environment.

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Kit-Fourth-Peter-Hesterman/dp/0393974022

Forget bass books and get theory books.

We used this book in my fundamentals of music course. Its a 2 book set that covers theory, reading/notation, rhythms, harmony/melody, scales, intervals, etc etc, its a good book. However IIRC all notes you need to sing/play, etc are in standard notation. Which IMO is the way it should be in an academic environment.

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Kit-Fourth-Peter-Hesterman/dp/0393974022

Thanks. that looks like a really good reference theory book.:cool:

Actually if you have an Ipod ..there's a great theory podcast.. it's 10 lessons. Maybe the easiest to understand and act on.

Tim

Actually if you have an Ipod ..there's a great theory podcast.. it's 10 lessons. Maybe the easiest to understand and act on.

Tim

What's the name of the podcast?

the ones I see being taught always seem to be 75% notation and less than 25% theory. would like to find a book with 75% theory. I know it's important to learn to read but I feel this approach scares off a lot of newbies when they see so much notation.
Theory = notation. Can't really teach theory without notation.

Thanks. that looks like a really good reference theory book.:cool:

You're welcome. It is a good overall book and not a very hard read for the students, especially if you have a good teacher/professor to answer any and all questions about the material that will inevitably come up. IMO, its also a pretty reasonably priced for it being a 2 book set and for the amount of information it contains.

What's the name of the podcast?

Yes, what's the name of it?

If you can get hold of them, the Rockschool books are always worth a look. They start with the 'Debut' book and then progress up, and there is always theory.

If you've been playing bass for at least a good few months then you could ignore the first two books and go for the Grade 2 or 3 book. There is emphasis on working around what's written, and doing your own thing, and also on memory pieces. There is also the chance to sit grade exams (although this is largely in the UK I think) for which you can earn certification.

If you can get hold of them, the Rockschool books are always worth a look. They start with the 'Debut' book and then progress up, and there is always theory.

If you've been playing bass for at least a good few months then you could ignore the first two books and go for the Grade 2 or 3 book. There is emphasis on working around what's written, and doing your own thing, and also on memory pieces. There is also the chance to sit grade exams (although this is largely in the UK I think) for which you can earn certification.


Thanks.

yes my friend teaches piano grades. her students tend to go through a grade a year on average. I guess they take the summer and holidays off.