$50 for an hour lesson - worth it?

[Waspinators]

After 4 years, I'm quickly realizing that I truly suck at bass. I can have loads of fun playing in my informal little originals band writing simple songs to groove to, but when it comes to playing anything fast or complex, dealing with theory, leaving my technique comfort zone, or constructing a quality bassline for a song, I'm completely clueless. I've finally found a REAL bass teacher in my area, one that only teaches bass (not one of those "GUITAR/VOICE LESSONS!!! oh and i teach piano and bass too" deals) and has over 30 years experience teaching it. I don't have an interest in making music a career or anything like this, but I want to break out of this frustrated/unmotivated state and maximize my potential on the instrument I love. Thing is the dude charges 50 bucks an hour, and with the part-time job I have, it's a pretty hefty chunk of my little monthly income.

Would you say it's worth it to pay so much for lessons? Could I improve a decent amount taking them biweekly? Any other advice is appreciated.

[Mushroo]

$50/hr is a reasonable rate for a good teacher. Whether it's worth it only you can decide. The pace of lessons (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly/yearly) depends on how much you're going to practice and how quickly you can assimilate the lessons. Weekly lessons are a waste of money if it doesn't match your pace of learning. If the teacher is really incredible then a single lesson can stick with you for a lifetime. Go for it!

[::::BASSIST::::]

+1

[Jeremy Allen]

It depends on who the teacher is, of course; $50 seems pretty standard to me (that's what I charge), and I know of people paying a lot more than that for a one hour lesson. Just make certain to record the lesson (audio or, if you can, video); you can get so much more out of it that way. I know guys with a whole wall full of cassette tapes (whatever those are) that they turn to for inspiration years after the lesson took place.

[fingerbun]

No idea about the price. But if the teacher is good lessons are a worthwhile investment. I take double bass lessons fortnightly with an excellent teacher, and it works well for me. I focus my lessons on improving technique. My practice time is divided between that and prepping pieces for orchestral concerts and weekly lessons would be a waste for me in that context.

[Richard G]

im kinda on the same boat as you waspinator except i pay 40 bucks for almost an hour from the bass player of yngwie malmsteen hes got some history music wise, as to bands hes constructed,joined and his bass education along the way, im actually starting from square one, scales and memorizing all of my notes on the fretboard which i have attempted to from lessons from years ago and high school begining jazz band, the notes, i kinda know but i dont know them enough or quick enough to jump to them freestyle ....the part where u say u want to break out of the frustration are the exact same way/words that i put it to myself and then later on to him so hes understanding me once i start getting out of the basics i plan on using my band and music as an application to apply and learn from ....i was looking into another teacher but he charged a little more but i really like his concept to have me learn from,which was to learn certain cover songs then break them down. in high school i tried a guy named Emil Leach he was a contender down to 10 guys to be picked for metallica but jason got it! sometimes i think finding the right bass player is hit and miss. Even if u look for an instructor look into what hes doing music wise or has done and check it out first.
Also with YOUTUBE there is a lot to explore there in all avenues to help you and u can make your own which i wish i had when i was younger now life gets in the way!

[bassandbeyond]

If you hired a plumber to come to your house, $50/hr. would probably seem quite reasonable, don't you think? A veteran musician has at least as much expertise and specialized skill as any plumber....but I do understand that if you can't afford it, you just can't afford it.

As for the "solution" of taking bi-weekly lessons, I've tried that with some students and they usually fizzle out pretty quickly. If there are any cancellations, the gap between lessons can easily turn into a month or more. Most people seem to need to be held accountable to weekly progress checkups, IMO and IME. But if you are a natural autodidact, and very self-disciplined about following through with practice, then occasional lessons can be very helpful. Kudos to you for seeking help, and good luck!

[phatbass]

The price is ok, but make sure you'll be able to benefit from an hour. When I was teaching, a half hour lesson gave *most* students more than enough to work on for the week.

I'd happily do a one hour intensive lesson with someone like Jeff Berlin, though...

[Spaldo]

Originally Posted by phatbass

I'd happily do a one hour intensive lesson with someone like Jeff Berlin, though...

+1.

I visited his school when I was in Florida a few years back.

But it was Sunday

[baileyboy]

I pay $60 hourly just north of NYC... totally worth it!

[Michael Campbel]

I'm paying $25/half hour in a suburb of Atlanta.