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Originally Posted by brusinow  Well, what do you know... a bass hang! I thought I'd join in.
First off, It makes me so freaking happy to see how much you all enjoyed the fest. It's such a special event, but it's also so hard these days to tell somebody "well, it really is different from all the other bass camps out there across the country." It seems pretty clear that all of you see how special this little "fest that Jim built" has become. One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how Jim's methods are fundamentally very basic, but at the same time it is one of the most unique teaching methods I have ever seen. For some reason (a variety of them, actually), it has become unpopular/unfashionable to tell people what they need to improve upon. Many of us really can't separate our egos from how well/poorly we play this silly piece of wood/metal (or carbon fiber  ) in front of us.
With a lot of successful players, the ego thing can be a pretty serious topic. A lot of pros don't want any of their "fans" to see them doing anything that they don't do extremely well. This is a totally natural human trait-to hide your faults.
On one of the first days of the fest, I was talking to Todd between classes. We chatted a little about the usual stuff; basketball, Shane's scary big band arrangements, and the slap/tap class Todd was teaching a couple days later. It took me a minute for it to sink in... Todd Johnson... tapping?!?!
At that point, I had an "AHA" moment. Regardless of how incredible guys like Todd, Rufus, and Michael are at what they do, these top notch musicians have chosen to be lifelong students, and are therefore at their core just like us. It should be a reminder to everyone-we're all people first, musicians second. It's crazy how good Jim is at bringing top notch people (in every respect) together.
Keep in touch, everybody-it gets lonely in my practice shed!
Brent |
B-Rent!!
Well said my friend.......
The NH Bass fest is indeed the best/most unique thing out there. If you're serious about really improving, then this is the place to go.
EVERYBODY......and I mean
EVERYBODY.....teachers included were pushed and stretched at the bass fest. This all goes back to Jim Stinnett......He told me that the teachers needed to be stretched, just like the students.
I couldn't agree more!! Learning a tapping piece and working up Shane's Bass Band arrangements had me up early and going to bed late at night!!
It was so refreshing to be around that many
GREAT attitudes....and it starts from the TOP down. Everyone there (especially Jim, Jamie, Grant, Jesse and Sarah Stinnett....plus Sergio D'Ercole and Suzanne Allesio) including
ALL the teachers......were there to
SERVE others and serve the
MUSIC!!! That attitude is infectious......
PLUS.....the results are amazing and the whole process
SNOWBALLS!!
I've said this privately to some of you.....but I'll say it publicly.
Next to marrying my wife.....this was arguably the greatest experience of my life. I can't say it any plainer than that.
SO........Unless you've learned all you need to know and can solo, walk, read, slap, tap and play "good enough"......then this isn't for you.....
BUT....if you're serious about realizing your musical AND human potential then you need to get yourself to the bass workouts AND the New Hampshire Bass Fest.
Go to :
http://www.nhbassfest.com/index.html http://www.bassworkout.com/
....or......
http://www.jimstinnett.com/index_flash.html and do what you need to do to make it happen.
I look forward to seeing you all there. I'm already scheduled to be at the bass workout Jan 29-Feb. 1 and for all 4 days of the bass fest. I can't wait!!!!
Well, there you have it....Let me know if I can be of service.
A religious-type experience? 
