Giving lessons for the first time

[IdealWay]

I think this is the appropriate place for this thread, if not please let me know. On Sunday I'll be giving my first bass lesson to my first official student. I have played and studied a lot, but never taught, so I'm looking for some input about teaching bass. I plan on forming my lessons around each student's unique abilities and interests, and want to make learning the bass fun for them. During this first lesson I want to focus on getting to know the student, his style and interests, and give him some general exercises to practice. I have tons of literature, recordings, bass books, sheet music, and other resources that will be incorporated throughout the sessions. I also want to introduce him to some players he may have never heard of and dissect the role of the bass, things of that nature. Anyways, any advice from you teachers/veterans would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, I'm all ears!

[BigOldHarry]

When I taught, I had to learn (the hard way) that many students are happy to waste time chatting - and in the case of younger students, that might be okay - - Some of these kids don't have a strong father figure to chat with, so if they want you to play poor-man's therapist, you can.

What I ended up doing, is that on the first day with a new student, set goals. Then see what they can do. Ask them direct question - "Show me a major scale", "Show me C lydian", "tell me how many notes are in the chromatic scale" -- get a feel for what they know. I also make it really clear that the time is THEIRS, and if they don't want to practice, don't want to listen, don't want to learn, that's OK. You get paid either way. I found that explaining that actually motivated students to listen, practice and focus. So, for me, that first lesson is more of a get to know you thing than anything else. THEN start teaching.

The tools you'll need are a decent cassette deck that has an MP3 hookup/CD (for tunes students want to learn); Select a good beginners book on bass and, if you're all kinda ambitious, get a good theory book. Give them the titles and recommend them. If you want to make an extra $, get a few and sell them for a small markup.

Lastly, be patient and be prepared to endure some AWFUL music that students LOVE. I taught a whole lot in the late 80's early '90's, and if I have to hear another GNR or Metallica song I *may* implode...

good luck!
IF, after you try to p

[Cameronj]

Find out a list of songs that they want to learn and pick from that some songs that will help them develop different skills. Start with one of these immediately if possible. Learning songs you like is definitely a motivating factor IMHO.

[Cameronj]

Oh yeah and be nice to your students.

[firmlybassed]

I have taught for 6 years out of my home and a local music store. I teach 3 parts at each lesson. 1) Theory with a usable exercies. 2) Bass Fitness (developing good left and right hand technique and economy of motion and speed). 3) Song they want to learn and apply it to 1 & 2. For more info go to my website www.firmlybassed.com "Firmly Bass'ed.

[IdealWay]

firmlybassed: love the organization. Your site gives me some good direction as far as format goes. Thanks for the input

[Slackerprince]

As a student, I would recommend some sort of jam session, whether you can turn on a drum machine and help out with bassline suggestions, or play guitar chords and let the student play roots and small scale riffs. There's nothing like putting the theory, lesson, techniques, etc. into real practice MAKING MUSIC. I guarantee that a student making music and working a groove in a real situation will keep them inspired and motivated more than just a lot of information, no matter how useful.
Good luck and keep it fun.

S

[Bocete]

Or, you can teach him all wrong, and have a good laugh on his first gig.

[IdealWay]

Originally Posted by Bocete

Or, you can teach him all wrong, and have a good laugh on his first gig.

haha. If he shows up late I'll show him!

[IdealWay]

any more advice? I could use it