Kai Eckhardt's mentorship program

[capnsandwich]

I'm seriously considering going through this. I really think it will help my playing and take it to another level. It costs $108, which is a lot of money for me right now but would be well worth it if this mentorship really helps.

Does anyone on these boards have any experience with this or suggestions?

[capnsandwich]

[H2ODog]

Interesting, i wish he had a little more detail on what he has you do. If anyone has gone through this i would like to know also.

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by H2ODog

Interesting, i wish he had a little more detail on what he has you do. If anyone has gone through this i would like to know also.

Here's a little info but there's still some stuff I'd like to know before I give him $108.
http://www.kaizone.com/mentorship2.html

The guy's a great bassist and I know I could learn a ton but I want to make sure that what I learn will help me in the real world of bass playing, not just a bunch of chops and tricks. I'm sure it would help me in the long run but I'd like to know EXACTLY what would go down when I started this. That's why I need someone else's opinion who has been through it.

[onlyclave]

Find a local teacher. Spend less money. Get over superhero worship.

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by onlyclave

Find a local teacher. Spend less money. Get over superhero worship.

How much less though? I think the last time I saw someone giving lessons that weren't beginner lessons, they wanted something like $50 for an hour per week. In 2 lessons I would be almost spending as much as 108 days with this mentorship program, but you do give me something to think about. Will I get as much real world training in this mentorship session as I would in private lessons? It's not the superhero thing that attracts me, since I really never knew who he was before this came up. I've only heard his name. He's kind of the opposite of me in a way, since I'm not so much of a pacifist and an environmentalist as he is, but he seems like he'd be a good teacher and would have some insightful tips.

[kesslari]

I just read through it. It's an interesting approach.
If I read it correctly, he's giving you a one time 30 min practice regimen, and incentive (more or less) to practice it diligently for 108 days.
I have no doubt that is valuable, especially for someone who has poor practice discipline.
As far as how much "bang for the buck" it provides - I have no way to quantify it.

[drew_bassmore]

CapnSandwich-

Your “bump” is truly disturbing.

I am two days away from completing my first 108 days with Kai’s program. Out of the 108, I will be ending it with 98 successful days.

In the distant past, I took lessons from Kai in person. I got a great deal out of them, but then hit a bit of a wall in my own personal development where I felt in over my head.

A number of years later after on the job training with various bands and performances, I was ready to work on specific areas in my E. Bass playing and have taken additional lessons to address musical challenges outside of my main area of study as needed.

Main Area of Study: I am mainly consumed with Double Bass and Jazz Studies these days with Glenn Richman (Bobby Hutcherson Quartet). I have two hour lessons approximately every two weeks. My practice regimen can range from 3 to 6 hours almost every day. This is in addition to other units for a Performance Degree.

My thinking in returning to some of Kai’s guidance was that I was looking to re-energize my Electric Bass playing, and see if I can build some exponential growth like I have in the DB studies.

I can’t speak for how tailored the “Mentorship” program is, but Kai thoughtfully responded to my initial e-mail and provided some “Fretboard mapping” and rhythm exercises to be my main area of focus to start with.

I would suspect that each individual may get something different out of it, as it is designed to work on very specific musical techniques for (at least) a minimum amount of time daily.

For me, it was a supplement to an already heavy load of learning music.

If you were planning to pull together the money for the mentorship program, but are unsure, I suppose another alternative would be for you to try his one-hour Skype lessons for a few bucks more. I suspect you could get just as much out of that to work on for 108 days, but have a little more personal interaction.

Otherwise, and not to dissuade you, depending on your goals, maybe you could contact, Peter Dominguez, Professor of Jazz Studies and Double Bass at Oberlin, to locate somebody he would recommend for more direct in person private instruction and guidance on an ongoing basis (not necessarily for DB, but for somebody with similar education and performance credentials as an individual of Kai's caliber [Kai's innovative approach to E. Bass notwithstanding]).

IMO, YMMV.

[capnsandwich]

Originally Posted by drew_bassmore

CapnSandwich-

Your “bump” is truly disturbing.

I am two days away from completing my first 108 days with Kai’s program. Out of the 108, I will be ending it with 98 successful days.

In the distant past, I took lessons from Kai in person. I got a great deal out of them, but then hit a bit of a wall in my own personal development where I felt in over my head.

A number of years later after on the job training with various bands and performances, I was ready to work on specific areas in my E. Bass playing and have taken additional lessons to address musical challenges outside of my main area of study as needed.

Main Area of Study: I am mainly consumed with Double Bass and Jazz Studies these days with Glenn Richman (Bobby Hutcherson Quartet). I have two hour lessons approximately every two weeks. My practice regimen can range from 3 to 6 hours almost every day. This is in addition to other units for a Performance Degree.

My thinking in returning to some of Kai’s guidance was that I was looking to re-energize my Electric Bass playing, and see if I can build some exponential growth like I have in the DB studies.

I can’t speak for how tailored the “Mentorship” program is, but Kai thoughtfully responded to my initial e-mail and provided some “Fretboard mapping” and rhythm exercises to be my main area of focus to start with.

I would suspect that each individual may get something different out of it, as it is designed to work on very specific musical techniques for (at least) a minimum amount of time daily.

For me, it was a supplement to an already heavy load of learning music.

If you were planning to pull together the money for the mentorship program, but are unsure, I suppose another alternative would be for you to try his one-hour Skype lessons for a few bucks more. I suspect you could get just as much out of that to work on for 108 days, but have a little more personal interaction.

Otherwise, and not to dissuade you, depending on your goals, maybe you could contact, Peter Dominguez, Professor of Jazz Studies and Double Bass at Oberlin, to locate somebody he would recommend for more direct in person private instruction and guidance on an ongoing basis (not necessarily for DB, but for somebody with similar education and performance credentials as an individual of Kai's caliber [Kai's innovative approach to E. Bass notwithstanding]).

IMO, YMMV.

Thanks for that. That gives me a little more insight on the program now. I'm still up in the air about it, though.

[bottomzone]

Originally Posted by drew_bassmore

CapnSandwich-

Your “bump” is truly disturbing.

I am two days away from completing my first 108 days with Kai’s program. Out of the 108, I will be ending it with 98 successful days.

In the distant past, I took lessons from Kai in person. I got a great deal out of them, but then hit a bit of a wall in my own personal development where I felt in over my head.

A number of years later after on the job training with various bands and performances, I was ready to work on specific areas in my E. Bass playing and have taken additional lessons to address musical challenges outside of my main area of study as needed.

Main Area of Study: I am mainly consumed with Double Bass and Jazz Studies these days with Glenn Richman (Bobby Hutcherson Quartet). I have two hour lessons approximately every two weeks. My practice regimen can range from 3 to 6 hours almost every day. This is in addition to other units for a Performance Degree.

My thinking in returning to some of Kai’s guidance was that I was looking to re-energize my Electric Bass playing, and see if I can build some exponential growth like I have in the DB studies.

I can’t speak for how tailored the “Mentorship” program is, but Kai thoughtfully responded to my initial e-mail and provided some “Fretboard mapping” and rhythm exercises to be my main area of focus to start with.

I would suspect that each individual may get something different out of it, as it is designed to work on very specific musical techniques for (at least) a minimum amount of time daily.

For me, it was a supplement to an already heavy load of learning music.

If you were planning to pull together the money for the mentorship program, but are unsure, I suppose another alternative would be for you to try his one-hour Skype lessons for a few bucks more. I suspect you could get just as much out of that to work on for 108 days, but have a little more personal interaction.

Otherwise, and not to dissuade you, depending on your goals, maybe you could contact, Peter Dominguez, Professor of Jazz Studies and Double Bass at Oberlin, to locate somebody he would recommend for more direct in person private instruction and guidance on an ongoing basis (not necessarily for DB, but for somebody with similar education and performance credentials as an individual of Kai's caliber [Kai's innovative approach to E. Bass notwithstanding]).

IMO, YMMV.

Can you elaborate on the Fretboard Mapping?

Kai is an amazing player and seems to be a very insightful person.


A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

[Kirk Bryant]

PAGING ::: Dennis Kong:::

common' Dennis !


peace Kirk

[H2ODog]

Originally Posted by capnsandwich

Here's a little info but there's still some stuff I'd like to know before I give him $108.
http://www.kaizone.com/mentorship2.html

The guy's a great bassist and I know I could learn a ton but I want to make sure that what I learn will help me in the real world of bass playing, not just a bunch of chops and tricks. I'm sure it would help me in the long run but I'd like to know EXACTLY what would go down when I started this. That's why I need someone else's opinion who has been through it.

That is my thought also. I would prefer a teacher but finding a truly qualified teacher is not easy, you can easily spend $108 trying out some person that after one or two lessons you discover it's not the right teacher. The rates here in the Bay Area can easily cost that much or more in two lessons.

I read what was on the site and it's a bit vague on what it actually covers so like you i stand on the sidelines until i see more. Ideally a teacher would be better but finding the right one is the trick.

[N.F.A.]

Check your PM.

[Johnius]

I've been taking lessons for the last 3 years and my practice routine still bites. I do it, but it lacks specific focus. Maybe I'm one of those guys who does better with ultra-structure and this sounds like it may give me that - and only for a limited time period. I might give this a try myself. Glad you brought this up, Cap.

[N.F.A.]

Try it you'll like it...

[Calebmundy]

Capn' the $50/per lessons with a local guy who is worth can go a long way. They are also pretty valuable at once or twice a month. You go in, get loaded up, work for a month, and then go back in, which can be more cost effective, and be a more efficient way to absorb the lesson. Something to think about.

[H2ODog]

Originally Posted by Calebmundy

Capn' the $50/per lessons with a local guy who is worth can go a long way. They are also pretty valuable at once or twice a month. You go in, get loaded up, work for a month, and then go back in, which can be more cost effective, and be a more efficient way to absorb the lesson. Something to think about.

Yes, this is a good option, just has to be with the right teacher.

[capnsandwich]

Awesome guys. Thanks for the information and thanks for the PM N.F.A. The problem for me, however, is that my job really requires A LOT out of me and by the time I make it home I can hardly walk, let alone practice for a half hour. I get up at 3 a.m. and work until 3-4 p.m. Also, we're working every Saturday this month, incluiding the Mon-Fri usual, and even one Sunday. Practice time is pretty scarce here lately. The energy it takes to concentrate on a structured plan isn't there right now. I may have to wait a few months until work slows down, or just get another job. I really want to become a better bassist and overall musician.

[H2ODog]

Originally Posted by capnsandwich

Awesome guys. Thanks for the information and thanks for the PM N.F.A. The problem for me, however, is that my job really requires A LOT out of me and by the time I make it home I can hardly walk, let alone practice for a half hour. I get up at 3 a.m. and work until 3-4 p.m. Also, we're working every Saturday this month, incluiding the Mon-Fri usual, and even one Sunday. Practice time is pretty scarce here lately. The energy it takes to concentrate on a structured plan isn't there right now. I may have to wait a few months until work slows down, or just get another job. I really want to become a better bassist and overall musician.

He he, i hear you Cap, i get up at 4:15 am and don't get back home until 7:30PM...i'm burned out by then so i only get about an hour to practice after dinner and such before i have to go to bed to get ready for the next day. Average about 6 hrs sleep, gets to you after a few days of that. But i guess an hour is better then nothing.

[varunkapahi]

really thinking about taking it up but am wondering if i have to pay 108$ in one go before startig with the lessons or i have to pay 1$ every day? it doesnt make sense to pay 108$ for something you have no idea about and to commit for 108 days too, does he provide with any trial period or something?