I didn't want to hijack CDweller's thread, so I'm starting a new one about the Player's School of Music One Week Intensive.
I am the bass player from the US Navy Band that CDweller mentioned in his first post. This week was the best thing I've ever done for myself as a musician. I've been playing for 14 years - I had 3 years of college studying music, I got to spend a little time with Dave LaRue back in 2005, and been practicing a bit, and playing a ton since then. This has been the best period of instruction in my life.
Sure, Jeff's a beast on bass, but the real value in this experience was his ability as a music educator. He had me pinned down almost instantly - exactly where I was at, and exactly what I needed to do to improve. Since we only had a week, he gave me material to work on that will last me months and recommended materials and teachers that will go for much longer than that. But he didn't just hand me a stack of notes and say "Learn this." He gave me an approach to it. I know the why of it, I know to regard the music - I'm learning things as academic exercises and not for art's sake.
The entire staff at the school fostered a very positive environment where learning music was what was most important. We were in a constantly relaxed, yet intensive environment. When CDweller and Jeff mentioned in the other thread that we were exhausted, that was no joke. I was beat after the second day. But I never felt stressed.
It was also incredibly valuable to watch Jeff as an instructor. Any bass players who teach lessons on the side or in any way would absolutely gain priceless lessons from watching him (in addition to setting you on the right track to being a better player
)
There were 5 of us, and I'm pretty bad at self-evaluation, but all of the other guys sounded way better at day 5 than day 1. And I was shocked (not that they did improve, but the amount of improvement). One of the guys started playing during an ensemble (I think on day 4) and my jaw dropped. He sounded like a completely different player. I envy the guys who went there earlier in their learning than I did. I've become set in a few habits that are probably not the best, but these guys are getting gold from the very beginning, and if they keep it up, will be great musicians.
I came away from this experience knowing exactly what I need to do to become a better bass player and a better musician. I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants that too.
