Advice on giving lessons, lesson plans etc

ludwig109 · #1 07-14-2010, 11:58 AM

hi, ive been thinking about trying my hand at giving lessons (only begginer stuff really) and was hoping to get some advice/ideas on a lesson plan.
i was asked by someone to teach their son, he has a bit of theory knowlege but im only assuming basics and seems like he wants to just get going at playing etc.

proper technique etc is a given but what else would you focus on.
thanks.

PaulNYC · #2 07-14-2010, 12:01 PM

What about taking the kid through a method book? I taught myself using the Hal Leonard book written by Ed Friedland. Choose something similar. and you are on your way. Also teaching arpegiated chords can only help the kid.

Magnus Scott · #3 07-14-2010, 12:03 PM

Ear training, it's one of the fastest ways to improve your musicality.

JimmyM · #4 07-14-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulNYC

What about taking the kid through a method book? I taught myself using the Hal Leonard book written by Ed Friedland. Choose something similar. and you are on your way. Also teaching arpegiated chords can only help the kid.

agreed. have him buy a good method book of your choosing and work through it.

derekd · #5 07-14-2010, 12:26 PM

I am a big fan of having a method, but letting the student pick tunes. Now they often pick tunes that are above their head at first, but it is not a tough thing to find examples that will work with their level. Good luck with it.

JimmyM · #6 07-14-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derekd

I am a big fan of having a method, but letting the student pick tunes. Now they often pick tunes that are above their head at first, but it is not a tough thing to find examples that will work with their level. Good luck with it.

the student should never dictate the lesson plan. why? for the exact reason you stated.

ludwig109 · #7 07-14-2010, 01:58 PM

ok some good suggestions

so for starters ear training, arpeggios and a method book. any in particular that anyone would recommend teaching a beginner from?

and any other recomendations

PaulNYC · #8 07-14-2010, 03:02 PM

I mentioned this above:
http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Bass-M...9141305&sr=8-1

ludwig109 · #9 07-14-2010, 06:12 PM

ah thanks, i had a quick look but couldnt find it. cheers for the link.

any others just for a few to have a look through reviews etc.

Already In Use · #10 07-14-2010, 07:04 PM

I'm pretty new at bass playing. I'm a student. I originally took lessons. Only 4 because the teacher had no plan..actually asked me what we should do for my lesson. So I went on to teach myself..to a point.

What I did first was study music theory and practice scales and triads. I then went to learn the notes on the fretboard. Figured I couldnt play much if I didnt know the notes. Learned patterns...12 bar blues. It was a couple of months before I even tried to learn a song. Learned chord structure which really helps playing songs..better than bass tabs or notation.

Once the song playing started the real fun began. From there went on to play with others. Now after nearly 8 months I'm back with lessons from a bass player/teacher to get to the next level. He is teaching technique and more theory along with timing and rythmn.

To date I am working on and playing about 44 songs and I'm in a band that plays simple music..but a great experience for me.

From a students point of view I want to progress logically. Be given the tools to progress and most importantly know how and when to use the tools.

IMO the role of the teacher that cant be had on your own is that of evaluation and laying out challenges. Basically I wnat something I cant get on my own for the money and time.

MalcolmAmos · #11 07-14-2010, 07:51 PM

You can wing it and look very unprofessional or you can use one of the how to play bass books, and both of you start on page one then move through the book as quickly as needed. And look professional.

The student should leave the lesson with a clear understanding of what he is to work on at home. Perhaps......

Build a bass line to the piece of fake chord you gave him.
Read pages 16 through 19.
A theory exercise that encompasses what is on page 16 through 19.

That list is given to him at the close of the session in writing and if he is under 15 years old put it in his bass case or gig bag or he will never get home with it.

The book Bass for dummies is good for this approach.

Stumbo · #12 07-14-2010, 07:57 PM

~Teaching Bass
1 Teaching ideas
2
Becoming a teacher

hoffmann · #13 07-15-2010, 06:45 AM

I was "only" tought the very basic theory plus some very popular riffs and to be honest I really feel like I had the broadest start: not borred with theory, only the important stuff (scales, modes) and I learnt various styles of riffs...
Hope this helps!

Thunderthumbs73 · #14 07-15-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

You can wing it and look very unprofessional or you can use one of the how to play bass books, and both of you start on page one then move through the book as quickly as needed. And look professional.

The student should leave the lesson with a clear understanding of what he is to work on at home. Perhaps......

Build a bass line to the piece of fake chord you gave him.
Read pages 16 through 19.
A theory exercise that encompasses what is on page 16 through 19.

That list is given to him at the close of the session in writing and if he is under 15 years old put it in his bass case or gig bag or he will never get home with it.

The book Bass for dummies is good for this approach.

I'm not saying a book is a bad idea, and it's not, but I think there needs to be a wider net cast for inspiration, examples, and learning, and thinking beyond the book, when, if, and as-needed. Some of the best stuff to learn and your ability to "connect the dots" and synthesize the best of your knowledge as a musician and bassist is the sort of thing that is NOT found in a book.

Thunderthumbs73 · #15 07-15-2010, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludwig109

hi, ive been thinking about trying my hand at giving lessons (only begginer stuff really) and was hoping to get some advice/ideas on a lesson plan.
i was asked by someone to teach their son, he has a bit of theory knowlege but im only assuming basics and seems like he wants to just get going at playing etc.

proper technique etc is a given but what else would you focus on.
thanks.

I would also keep in mind those aspects of being a good bassist and musician which are NOT covered in whatever material you're looking at. Sometimes it may be more ear training (!!!), or some further explorations of music theory, and certainly how to apply and use whatever new stuff is learned in a wider context or real-time.