Best way to teach kids

[EllieM]

lol . . . being a teacher I know there is no particular ONE best way BUT I am just hoping for a little help

OK, little background . . . I'm a muso (vocals, sax, flute, piano) my other half is an awesome bass player (playing for about 30 yrs but self taught).

We have 3 daughters. My rule is piano first then their choice of instrument. OUr oldest daughter (7) has always been drawn to the drum kit and started at lessons when she was 3 (no pressure just familiarisation and basic rhythms - not sitting behind a kit) she is now 7 and has an AWESOME teacher and occasionally catches up with my mate John Morrison Her teacher before the one she is with at the moment just used a book that I had picked up at the local music shop, you know the usual "Learn to play drums". She really didn't flourish BUT now her current teacher is using this unreal program (i have no idea what it is calle dand who it is by) but it is really aimed at kids - nice little pics - basic rhythms building up to really quite intricate stuff. She is now really flourishing to a point where she is at her kit EACH day !!! lol . . . keeps mum and dad happy

So, daughter 2 is about to turn 6. She desparately wants to be a bass player like Dad But my question is . . . . does anyone know a REALLY GOOD book/program for kids to learn bass. I am not looking for your usual adult "how to learn bass" books (especially after daughter no. 1's experience on drums). I want something kids oriented, understandable and taking baby steps.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated !!!!

Cheers, Ellie

[Asher S]

I suggest starting with Victor Wooten's groove workshop DVD. Vic has a great philosophy that is tuned in to how kids learn languages (such as music). He is also an outstanding and inspiring bassist.

That, along with a good teacher should do the job.

[fdeck]

I've been quite pleased with the Suzuki method for my kids, but I don't think it's been ported to the electric bass.

[BassChuck]

Originally Posted by fdeck

I've been quite pleased with the Suzuki method for my kids, but I don't think it's been ported to the electric bass.

+1 for Suzuki. All my kids took string lessons and did very well.

Most young kids learning bass with Suzuki will do so on a re-tuned small cello. The bass book is not particularly well suited for electric bass.

I would recommend that you and your husband read the Suzuki's book "Nurtured by Love" (I think that title is correct) and just have your daughter play simple songs and whatever with your husband. One of the great (really great) parts of Suzuki philosophy is that the parents are involved with the childs music.... you have to attend every lesson and take notes and be with your child as they practice and listen to the tapes. Some parents even opt to get an instrument for themselves and learn along with the child. It sounds tedious for some people, but if you are sold on your child learning music, the child will learn. Its really a wonderful thing.