Divide and Conquer

[brassed]

Hello All,

Before I start I would like to say that I am a senior Music Education student in college and have been playing bass for 5 years as a hobby. I took lessons for about a year when I started playing and haven't taken many since. I by no means suck at the bass, most people say I am very good, but I am not so happy with where I am. I am adept at many instruments (as part of my degree program) and am top in class on my main instrument.

My basic theory on practicing is "Divide and Conquer." Meaning, separate the individual points that give you trouble in any line to master. For Example: If I am having a hard time with a rhythm in a line, but can get the notes I need to practice the rhythm on a neutral tone consistently before I add the notes back in. Its not an astounding revelation by any means, but it gets me to my point.

What are the specific technical issues that face bass players? What sorts of things need to mastered individually in daily practice?

Example: When I practice Euphonium (my main instrument) I cover a range of technical aspects before I get to the music.

Low Range Studies
Finger Dexterity
Single, Double, then Triple tounging
Clef Studies
Rhythmic Studies
Etudes and Solo Literature (to tie it all together)

What sort of things are covered in daily practice, similar to my euphonium practice, for bass playing?

~

Brassed