Instructor Turnover

[Bruce Sproston]

I've been taking lessons for almost 1 year and have had 4 teachers so far. Teacher # 1 spent part of time drinking his coffee, looking at his watch just eagerly looking forward to the end of the 30 minute lesson. Instructor # 2 (really big on theory)taught me for 2 months then quit to go back to university. Instructor # 3 was really great but decided to give up teaching to pursue his professional playing career. I have decided to leave # 4 after 4 lessons as he doesn't believe in teaching any theory (is big on tabs) and won't allow me to tape our lessons as he doesn't want anyone to hear his foul language. It has been quite frustrating as each instructor stresses his own preferences on hand positioning, plucking, etc. It's like going back to square one with each new instructor.

Anyway, just a release for my frustration and wondering if anyone else has experienced similiar problems.

[sedgdog]

Sorry your having such bad luck with teachers. It's saddening to see someone who is very willing to learn and can't get the support he needs. I don't know if this helps you at all, but I have had very good luck studying with a couple of guys by correspondance. I can highly recommend both in teaching methods, material, and program quality.

George Urbaszek is a guy in Australia. You can check him out at - http://www.creativebass.com

I have also studied with Cliff Engel from Kansas. He is at www.cliffengel.com

If you have any questions about my personal experience with either let me know. As I said before I can highly recommend either George or Cliff. They are the real deal IMO.

All the best,
Tim

[62bass]

Originally Posted by Bruce Sproston

I've been taking lessons for almost 1 year and have had 4 teachers so far. Teacher # 1 spent part of time drinking his coffee, looking at his watch just eagerly looking forward to the end of the 30 minute lesson. Instructor # 2 (really big on theory)taught me for 2 months then quit to go back to university. Instructor # 3 was really great but decided to give up teaching to pursue his professional playing career. I have decided to leave # 4 after 4 lessons as he doesn't believe in teaching any theory (is big on tabs) and won't allow me to tape our lessons as he doesn't want anyone to hear his foul language. It has been quite frustrating as each instructor stresses his own preferences on hand positioning, plucking, etc. It's like going back to square one with each new instructor.

Anyway, just a release for my frustration and wondering if anyone else has experienced similiar problems.

I teach and have had students come to me with similar stories from previous "teachers" You're better off without any like that.

In Quallicum Beach (what a pretty place-I'd love to live near there) I can understand it'd be tougher to find a good teacher. I'd look for a really good teacher in the Vancouver area and arrange to go in every 6 weeks or so for an afternoon long lesson. It would be worth it for the right teacher. I know 2 guys out there, both long time pro players who also teach, who might be suitable for you.

[BuffaloBass]

I learned on my own as a kid in the early 70's. Done OK too as can you. I didn't need the discipline of an intrusctor to keep me going, I had HUGFE passion, and the time that a 10+ year old has. Now adays we have superior access, for example..

www.musicdojo.com

And like 62bass indicates, make the lessons far apart, far apart... meaning travel a bit and do it once a month. I'[m traveling down to Maryland for a 2-3 hour lessons form the guy I took on line lessons from. Anthony said he'd give me 5 months worth of stuff to work on. ( this is for advanced slap technique, which no one around here can teach).

After 5 months, I may make the 6 hour trip again. It works. I do like coaches. And as a professional "adult" my head is crammed with so much crap, an instructor does help me focus. Gotta be the right one. My first local one was a dud, I guess my proficiency intimidated him ( not my personality mind you ). The second one had plans to start a rock fusion band, wanted me to get a guitar, play bass for the fusion band " Your band won't wnat you whe I'm done with you"... sorry, again, I'm adult, 45, ex airborne/sf , nobody screws with my independence anymore..I just wanted to learn to improv and solo, which I really don't do well or even practice. So my luck sucked until I found Ant Wellington on line. And I'll travel for the right instructor.

You have, btw, immersed yourself in the local music scene and found how the best players are in your area? THese cats usually don;t teach in music stores.