Bass Lessons in West Houston?

silvertripper · #1 04-07-2011, 06:31 PM

I've been playing for 15 years... mainly Rock, and I consider myself pretty darn good... BUT...I want to take this to the next level and learn Theory, and Jazz.

Can anyone recommend a teacher in West Houston/Spring Branch/Memorial City area? Thanks!

Mark

silvertripper · #2 04-23-2011, 01:54 PM

Well?

MalcolmAmos · #3 04-25-2011, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvertripper

I've been playing for 15 years... mainly Rock, and I consider myself pretty darn good... BUT...I want to take this to the next level and learn Theory, and Jazz.

Can anyone recommend a teacher in West Houston/Spring Branch/Memorial City area? Thanks!

Mark

I grew up in the Houston area, however, have been gone too long to know anything about who could teach bass.

IMHO - there is little time for theory in a 30 minute music lesson, if you get any it's going to relate to today's home work assignment - which is a good way to get your theory - however, will take forever. The Internet is full of "stuff", but, picking up bits and pieces off the Internet leaves gaps that lead to stone walls. The site I'm suggesting below takes you through 6 steps, step 1. starts with the major scale and why certain notes are used and step 6. ends with melody and what are the good notes to use in your melody. The logical order of those steps is what I'm recommending.

Look over post # 2 at this site; http://www.ibreathemusic.com/forums/...ad.php?t=11975. for the basic, dirt simple, foundation you will need. Then try the articles - button on the upper left hand side of the screen. They are well written and contain a wealth of information. http://www.ibreathemusic.com/browse/index.php?ltr=A

I found Bass Guitar for Dummies to be a well written instructional book. That and www.studybass.com are a good starting place for your theory journey. Somewhere along your theory journey dig into how to harmonize a melody. That one bit of information explains how music thinks and opens wide the door to everything else. I found this interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrDh0OFDCAk

Have fun.

skidrawk · #4 04-25-2011, 06:10 AM

If you are serious about getting to the next level have you thought about extending your search beyond the West Houston area?

silvertripper · #5 04-25-2011, 06:25 AM

Here's the deal, I play alot at home but I have an 8 week old baby now so its hard to be away for more than an hour. This is why I need lessons close to my house. I want lessons but I'll do most of the work ar home since I practice at least 1 hour a day.

I can lead, play chords, play most any song I hear.... but I have no clue what Im playing. I know my way around the fret board very well, been playing for many years, but like you said there are "Stone Walls" between the stuff I know since I dont know the right way to do things nor why I do them. God blessed me with a great ear, and Im thankful, but I need someone to sit with me and actually teach me. I learn so much better this way.

Thanks for the links!

skidrawk · #6 04-25-2011, 06:33 AM

hit up the local music shops

Arnold · #7 04-25-2011, 06:34 AM

Phillip Gold at gold violins might be able to recommend someone. His son seems to be pretty good

and I'm sure he knows who's in town. I can't remember if there are lessons in his shop or not.

funkybass · #8 04-25-2011, 10:05 AM

Have you considered Skype lessons? No travel required and you will have a lot of options.

silvertripper · #9 04-25-2011, 10:13 AM

Skype Lessons? I'll have to google it!

robwren · #10 04-25-2011, 10:52 AM

Check out TBs own Todd Johnson in the "Ask a Pro" section. World-class teacher and player, and offers "live" Skype lessons as well as tons of video lessons.

Texan · #11 04-25-2011, 11:29 AM

Give this guy a call, I took lessons from him in the early 90's. He's a phenominal player and a great guy. If he is not doing lessons, he can surely refer you to someone.

Keith Vivens - Basses

silvertripper · #12 04-26-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texan

Give this guy a call, I took lessons from him in the early 90's. He's a phenominal player and a great guy. If he is not doing lessons, he can surely refer you to someone.

Keith Vivens - Basses

I got in touch with Keith. Supposed to talk this evening. Thanks for the recommendation!

A.Diva · #13 04-26-2011, 10:09 PM

I didn't want to respond before because I don't know what is considered West Houston. I came across this information about 2 years ago when I was first looking.

The gentleman behind StudyBass.com, Andrew Pouska, teaches in Houston.

Mark White (Spin Doctors) also was giving lessons at Rockin' Robin on Shepherd. Hit him up on the 'Book or you could try PM'ing him here.

A.Diva · #14 04-29-2011, 11:03 AM

Mark White just posted this up from "the job", so it looks likes he is still at Rockin Robin.

Mark White bass

skidrawk · #15 04-29-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.Diva

Mark White just posted this up from "the job", so it looks likes he is still at Rockin Robin.

Mark White bass

Mark is cool. Everytime I see him he is offering help and advice.