New Teacher in NY

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by giallo

I am a 35-year old double bassist (french bow, exclusively classical). I played throughout high-school, took an extended break from the instrument, and in the last three years have been working my chops back up. I am largely self-taught, though I have been working for the last two years on Simandl (Book I) with a prominent teacher in the New York area in order to focus on fundamentals (both left- and right-hand technique, bow distribution, proper fingering, etc.). My self-assessment is that I am talented---or at least I think I have the raw materials---I work extremely hard at it, but I need a lot of work on the basics. Further - as crazy as this may sound for a 35-year old to say, I have hopes of auditioning for a prominent conservatory in the coming year. I really would like to make a go at it.

My teacher is excellent (and an all around terrific guy), but I have recently become concerned that we may be focusing on areas that, while incredibly pedagogically worthwhile, not exactly what I am looking for. Firstly, he plays German bow, so we barely focus on proper grip. Secondly, we predominantly focus on interpretation (phrasing, articulation, approach), and very little on technique (fingerings, proper bow hold). I'm incredibly grateful for what I have learned from this teacher---he is an excellent player and extremely passionate---but I feel that I may be better served by someone with a slightly different focus, or possibly a combination of a new teacher focused on fundamentals, and continuing with my current teacher on interpretation.

I'm sure this is evident, but I am conflicted by my impression that he is the wrong teacher. I have learned a great deal, but I am lacking confidence about the basics, and I just don't have the sense (after two years of working with him) that this is ever going to be this particular teacher's focus. What he is teaching me eventually works around to the basics, but it's been a very alinear approach.

So... If the consensus is that I should in fact look elsewhere, I am wondering if someone can make recommendations for a teacher in New York with a strong classical background who excels in the areas I describe above, and who has a good reputation and, given my aspirations, a track-record of conservatory placement for students. Let's say that money is not the primary concern. I am on a budget, but I don't want that factor to limit responses.

Also, I would love some opinions on "the right time" to work with a really heavy teacher.... For example, if I'm not through Simandl I, and I don't sound very "clean", and were to take a lesson with Tim Cobb, would I make a poor impression and hurt my chances of attending a conservatory at which he teaches ? I'm not sure if this is a factor about which I should be concerned.

Finally---to the moderators and those interested---I have not filled out my profile as I know that my current teacher from time to time reads these boards and I do not want to offend.

Thanks very much in advance.

There is a thread discussing the new teacher issue that you may find useful. There are gobs of good teachers in NY. Kurt Muroki used to post here and is affiliated with a few schools. I think he plays French bow. I would look him up.

[Paul Warburton]

Judging from what you're looking for and if I were in your shoes I would seek out Eugene Levinson or any of his top students that work with him. His sound is totally in there, IMO, and he knows how to "teach" it.
+1 on Kurt. He's in there with Eugene.

[MR PC]

giallo deleted his post?

[DC Bass]

Giallo, I doubt that your teacher would be offended or take it personally if you decided to seek tuition from another...dissapointed, maybe...but he or she is a pro!

That said, remember that this person is (presumably) looking out for your best interests. That's why anyone goes to a teacher in the first place: To teach them what they DON'T KNOW, or what they NEED to know. I don't know you, your teacher, or the situation other than described, but there is at least a chance that they are giving you what you really need, whether you recognize it or not.

If you feel that lessons could or should take a different course or tone, you really should be up front about it with your instructor. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't recall seeing in your post that you have been up front about what you expect from the lessons. If you have been vocal about it and nothing changed, perhaps a written letter would be a good approach. I may be off base with my assumption, if so I apologize, but remember that teachers aren't mind readers!

Try to be as clear as you can about where you think you are, where you want to be (short term and long term).

Is this teacher using a course of study? Do you know what you will be working on in two weeks, or two months from now?

Ultimately, you may find a better fit with another teacher. It never hurts to look around, you may even have to go through several before you find exactly what you feel you need...you may even choose to study from more than one teacher at a time. A while back I was studying with two bassists and a pianist at the same time! It's great to get different perspectives.

Best of luck in what ever you decide, and in all of your pursuits!

Joe