Why take lessons?

[ilovethesechord]

To the op:

If you're on the fence, I'd say no. You don't need lessons; especially if you're having fun already. a self taught musician Is different than a traditionally "schooled" one.

Stick to what works for you. And if you do look into lessons, make sure you meet the instructor.

BUT,, imo, fwiw, ymmv, jargon very much applies.

[dmusic148]

Besides everything already stated, a really good instructor will fix your technique and posture so you don't INJURE YOURSELF. Bad right-hand technique cost me carpal-tunnel syndrome. I was very lucky-surgery corrected it 100% but this is a rare result. No joke, it can end your career.

[artistanbul]

I need to get some lessons one day.
I think clinics and workshops help immensely.

I'm an artist and I don't believe in teaching long lessons from scratch. Some good advices and knowledge of what not to do at first is very helpful. Then it's practice practice, evalutaion, practice practice. After a level long lessons become helpful. Then after a while it's watching people, working with people, and philosophy that becomes important.

This may not overlap perfectly with bass but that's my .02

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by artistanbul

I need to get some lessons one day.
I think clinics and workshops help immensely.

I'm an artist and I don't believe in teaching long lessons from scratch. Some good advices and knowledge of what not to do at first is very helpful. Then it's practice practice, evalutaion, practice practice. After a level long lessons become helpful. Then after a while it's watching people, working with people, and philosophy that becomes important.

This may not overlap perfectly with bass but that's my .02

Clinics and works shops are great if you want to see a certain musician share some of their technical approaches and philosophies. They do not, on the other hand, give you one on one attention and help you in areas that you specifically might need help. They don't move at your pace so that if you don't understand something at first, you can have it re-explained to you. They don't give you the basic building blocks of theory either from which you can build up your musical language. A good tutor will do those things.

Consider how much more of a position a person is to be creative once they understand how the technical side works. Technique is never a hindrance to those who are creative. Those who have technique and lack creativity, would lack creativity either way. On the other hand there are those whose creativity is most certainly limited by their lack of technique.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by buddyro57

If you have to ask why.....you aren't ready. Life's too short to explain it to you, sorry.
JS

+1

[artistanbul]

mutedeity, as an artist I meant drawing/painting kind of artist. And I did give lessons. That's why I said "This may not overlap perfectly with bass but that's my .02"

Sorry for the confusion.

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by artistanbul

mutedeity, as an artist I meant drawing/painting kind of artist. And I did give lessons. That's why I said "This may not overlap perfectly with bass but that's my .02"

Sorry for the confusion.

Right, got you now.

[The Ethanator]

ive been playing for only a little over a year, and have been told by 10-year players that i sound great. it just comes naturally to me. however, i would like to take lessons sometime. youtube videos and instruction from a pothead can only go so far...

[Blah114]

Stanley Clarke.. that alone is why.

[spade2you]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

7 months, huh? I think you've learned everything you'll ever need to know. 7 months is actually too much time to spend. 2-3 months tops and you should know everything there is to know about music by then. But I guess not everyone learns everything at the same speed.

Sorry, I can't answer ridiculous questions seriously.

....yup.

Why take lessons? Because what YOU hear isn't what WE hear. A good teacher will kindly tell where you need work and give you real feedback. I can't tell you how many musicians I've worked with who thought they were perfect, but sounded like the musical equivalent of the American Idol gag reel.

[steverosati]

Originally Posted by spade2you

....yup.

Why take lessons? Because what YOU hear isn't what WE hear. A good teacher will kindly tell where you need work and give you real feedback. I can't tell you how many musicians I've worked with who thought they were perfect, but sounded like the musical equivalent of the American Idol gag reel.

+1
I always feel lessons separate the skill-full players from the hobbyists. Have you ever tried to play with a guy who has no clue what is going on, This can turn into a real train-wreck. Sure music is a language and sure you can learn to speak it from your peers and youtube but until you get the formal training from a good teacher it will be much harder to convey your thoughts to others. I teach 35+ students have a BM and still study with good teachers to this day, every chance I get. just my .02