Students teaching students

[DC Bass]

"Beginner Bass" asks the following: I am in my 3rd year of playing in my junior-high orchestra, and second year in the school jazz band. My teacher has somebody she wants me to teach the basics so he's ready for Level II next year (Switching from viola). Now there's another who wants me to teach her bass! Where is a good place (After basic posture and bowhold) to start with a new student, in your opinion?

Hi BB, sorry to leave you waiting so long, but I've been quite busy lately.

I would advise caution to anyone in your position. While it is quite laudable of you to take the time and initiative to help other players, you must be sure that you are giving your charges information that is complete and correct, preferably rooted in an established method...I like Simandl, but there are others.

In addition to technique, also offer musicianship guidance with ear training and basic harmony.

Another thing you should really ask yourself is: "Am I qualified to teach?"

I shall ruminate on this and add more...but in the mean time, I wish you and your colleagues the best of luck! Hopefully now that this thread is started, others will offer their opinions.

Joe

[DC Bass]

I probably should have chosen a better title...something like "The possible dangers of the inexperienced teaching the less experienced". After all, we're all students...every day of our lives...

That said, some might ask, "Why is that (or could that be) a problem?"
Playing the DB is quite complicated and physical...and believe it or not, potentially "dangerous". You can actually cause injury to yourself...permanent physical injury if you play incorrectly. It's not going to happen after a day or two, or even a few weeks mind you- but Carpal Tunnel syndrome and other muscle and tendon related injuries are born of poor technique, and can render you unable to play for long periods of time.

Improper technique can also stall forward progress. While some gains may seem to be achieved, a "wall" will inevitably be hit where further development is impossible without a complete "overhaul" of the players approach.

There is also the problem of having to "unlearn" poor technique that has been ingrained...arduous and unnecessary!

I'm sure that no one would willingly pass on bad information, but the word "ignorant" means that one quite literally doesn't know...and if one doesn't realize that their approach is not sound, they may continue unwittingly along until they encounter one or more of the issues listed above...and there are more than I have intimated, believe me!

More to come...

Joe

[Ben Mitchell]

I do this with a 6th grader. I'm in high school, I have been playing for four years, and I have a professional teacher who is quite confident in my ability to teach. He says "Your understanding of Simandl's technique is beyond that of the normal player, therefore, I believe it would be a good idea for you to expand even farther through teaching."

I believe it can be a bad idea, it just depends upon the specific person.

Just my 0.02

Ben