Lesson with Adam (In person, even!)

Scatterblak · #1 01-14-2011, 01:01 PM

Hi guys!
Just thought I’d post my impressions of what a one-on-one lesson with Adam Nitti is like. I’ve gone twice now (I’m local to Nashville, so I’ve met with him in his home studio, instead of Skyping), and *man*, is it illuminating! Adam seems to be able to rapidly zero in on what you need to work on without making you feel like an idiot, and he has exercises for just about everything – in particular, the ear training stuff he does can make a difference in 10 minutes or so of doing it! He’s easy to talk to, as you’d expect, and the room has a nice vibe. So far, we’re focused on fundamentals such as modes and arpeggios and the proper fingerings for same, but he’s taken just enough time to drop in some interesting tricks (his approach to an alternate method of double-thumbing was very interesting and approachable) to keep you interested. Probably most importantly, everything he asks you to work on, he’s prepared to show you how it can benefit you by calling up a groove on his studio rig, and then laying down some lines using what he’s teaching you. The lines are great, of course, but the take-away is the ease of implementation, the economy of motion, the obvious connection between brain and hand and instrument – basically (no pun intended), the overall goal is to pull your conscious mind out of the equation, so whatever you hear inside, whatever you feel, can effortlessly come out through your hands and through your bass. I’ve been playing for about 30 years, did the tour/deal thing in the 90’s, played for some country artists, did the prog rock thing, and I can still get through Permanent Waves and Farewell to Kings without breaking a sweat – but when I was in that room with Adam, it was apparent that I knew about 1% of what there is to know about being a bassist. The primary saving grace is that Adam seems to know how to show you the other 99% - and wayyy faster than you’d have thought. If you’re in the Nashville area, or comfortable with Skype, Man, give this guy a chance; take one lesson, and see if you don’t agree that this is one of the fastest ways to the next level you could find anywhere.
$ very well spent. Thanks Adam!

BiigM · #2 01-14-2011, 01:09 PM

I have to agree with you. I've had some Skype lessons with Adam, and it's been great. He's very good at explaining stuff, and definitely masters the instrument! As soon as time and cashflow permits, I'm gonna have some more.

adamnitti · #3 01-17-2011, 01:20 PM

sean, thanks so much for the kind feedback and lesson recap. it's been a pleasure getting to work with you so far!

chadhargis · #4 01-18-2011, 04:16 PM

I count myself as one of the fortunate ones blessed to study under Adam for a short time. Sadly, life happened, Murphy moved into my house, and I had to cut some things out of the budget (bass lessons being one of them).

I'm amazed at the talent and skill Adam has.

When the weather warms up, I'm gonna make him dust off his Harley and show him some good riding roads.

I miss your pooch too Adam. Love that dog!

Scatterblak · #5 01-18-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadhargis

I count myself as one of the fortunate ones blessed to study under Adam for a short time. Sadly, life happened, Murphy moved into my house, and I had to cut some things out of the budget (bass lessons being one of them).

I'm amazed at the talent and skill Adam has.

When the weather warms up, I'm gonna make him dust off his Harley and show him some good riding roads.

I miss your pooch too Adam. Love that dog!

I didn't know he rode, I don't think? Maybe I did. I don't (anymore), but my wife has a HD Sportster 1200 that she may let me ride sometime...

chadhargis · #6 01-18-2011, 09:28 PM

I'm a die hard motorcyclist. Mostly the go fast kind. Never owned a cruiser. Lost my fast bike in the flood, so I'm currently putzing around on a little 650, but it's better than nothing.

You can see my past bikes at my website:

www.chadhargis.com

adamnitti · #7 01-19-2011, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadhargis

I'm a die hard motorcyclist. Mostly the go fast kind. Never owned a cruiser. Lost my fast bike in the flood, so I'm currently putzing around on a little 650, but it's better than nothing.

You can see my past bikes at my website:

www.chadhargis.com

you rock, chad!!! hope we'll get to work together again soon.

sadly, the harley is now gone. wasn't getting ridden at all as i slipped down an even "slipperier" slope with my racecar. it's taking all of my extra time and money right now. however, i plan to get another bike in the future once the dust settles! i sure miss riding.

chadhargis · #8 01-19-2011, 08:42 PM

You sold your bike. Ouch. That should never happen.

Still wanna go hang with you at the track. Never done a car track day. Plenty on two wheels though.

Warfender · #9 01-19-2011, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamnitti

you rock, chad!!! hope we'll get to work together again soon.

sadly, the harley is now gone. wasn't getting ridden at all as i slipped down an even "slipperier" slope with my racecar. it's taking all of my extra time and money right now. however, i plan to get another bike in the future once the dust settles! i sure miss riding.

What kind of racecar and are you racing?

adamnitti · #10 01-20-2011, 07:41 AM

yeah, chad, you would love it. i'll take you for a ride sometime!

warfender, i club race an older bmw 3 series coupe.

chadhargis · #11 01-20-2011, 07:55 PM

I might try to lean in the corners. LOL!

Will feel awfully strange to be pushed to the outside in a corner versus down into the seat.

lslimcuttah · #12 03-09-2011, 12:38 PM

adam i was wondering wats the going rate to get lesson from you

adamnitti · #13 03-14-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lslimcuttah

adam i was wondering wats the going rate to get lesson from you

hey there-

just sent you an email with my policies and pricing. let me know if you have any questions. i look forward to meeting you in nashville!

The_Jester · #14 06-03-2011, 12:12 AM

When I was looking at music schools I checked out AIM back when Adam taught there. I sat in on one of his classes on chord substitutions (I think). I understood very little but realized I could learn a lot from Adam. I moved to Atlanta and went to AIM for a year. It was a great experience and mostly because of Adam. I had daily classes with Adam and it really improved my playing. It really prepared me for playing professionally. After graduating I played with a wedding band in Atlanta and eventually moved back to my home town of Asheville. I started a wedding band there and have made a fairly good living playing and teaching bass. I still go back to the material he taught me when I practice. If you have a chance to study with Adam I highly recommend it!

Thanks Adam hope you are doing well,
Lief

bottomzone · #15 06-03-2011, 07:00 PM

I'm still waiting on that DVD! What's up?

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

Green1 · #16 06-03-2011, 08:03 PM

me too!

adamnitti · #17 06-06-2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bottomzone

I'm still waiting on that DVD! What's up?

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

sigh... having to wait on folks right now, as the ball is currently out of my court.

Scatterblak · #18 06-06-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamnitti

sigh... having to wait on folks right now, as the ball is currently out of my court.

Bah. Break out Liminal and listen to Renaissance Man -- it'll tide you over for a while.

Adam -- are you playing anywhere at CMA's?

bottomzone · #19 06-06-2011, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamnitti

sigh... having to wait on folks right now, as the ball is currently out of my court.

I'm sure that it will be worth the wait! Let us know when it drops.

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

adamnitti · #20 06-08-2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scatterblak

Bah. Break out Liminal and listen to Renaissance Man -- it'll tide you over for a while.

Adam -- are you playing anywhere at CMA's?

not playing any cma stuff, but i am doing a gig with, of all things, a 70's/80's tribute band on friday night at 3rd & lindsley.

i've been working on background vocal parts all week... come on out!!!