Are lessons right for me?

Sahjin · #1 11-01-2008, 02:05 PM

Hey guys I was hoping to get some of your opinions on something I've been thinking over.

I have been playing bass since '96 and I would like to eventually start teaching lessons. Others consider me to be a very good bassist, however, I feel like there is a lot I missed out on as far as music theory and I don't know my scales as well as I should. I know I slacked on that but I'm trying to make up for it.

My question is, would me going back and taking lessons again get to me to point I need to be to actually teach, because going to a professional school is not in my budget or time availability. I really don't plan on trying to teach in the next few months or so, this is more of something I would like to do when I'm completely ready. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

chrisrusty99 · #2 11-01-2008, 02:09 PM

I definately think that it is important for a teacher to have a lot of knowledge regarding music theory. The teachers that I have been taking lessons with all had this knowledge and I feel that it has really been helping me with everything.

capnsandwich · #3 11-01-2008, 02:12 PM

I'd definitely take some lessons. Not only will you learn theory but maybe some other styles or techniques that you may not know already. You're never too good to not learn from someone.

lomo · #4 11-01-2008, 02:13 PM

Teaching and playing don't have much to do with one another. You need to be able to clearly communicate theory and evaluate what the student needs. I had a crappy teacher who could play impressively, but couldn't explain things clearly or in logical order, even though he WAS musically educated . I recently found a teacher who I believe is a great fit for me, and it's all about our communication. He's a pro who can play, but more importantly, he listened to my needs, sized me up and has already (after 2 lessons) propelled me forward by getting me out of my comfort zone (=rut). I suggest you try going through one of the comprehensive (as far as that is possible) method books by yourself and see if you could use it as a framework to teach. See if you could explain its' contents. Then offer lessons very cheaply at first and see how it goes.

dave64o · #5 11-01-2008, 02:24 PM

Another way to approach taking lessons yourself is to not only improve your skills and knowledge but to also learn good and bad approaches to teaching. Even if your instructor sucks, you can learn some "what not to do's". Do that for a while, and then maybe try an instructor who uses a different approach or has a different philosophy of playing and teaching. IOW, kill two birds with one stone.

You also might want to make sure your are well versed in multiple musical styles and multiple playing techniques, otherwise you'll only be able to teach students who want to learn what you play.

Sahjin · #6 11-01-2008, 02:25 PM

I think I could do a good job at understanding what a student needs. What I'm really concerned about is how hard it will be to find a job in a music shop without a proffesional looking school on my resume.

**DeanT** · #7 11-01-2008, 02:48 PM

Everyone can benefit from lessons, no matter what stage they are at. Maybe you need some help on technique, or maybe music theory, or maybe reading, whatever. No matter how long you've ben playing, lessons can't hurt.

**BullHorn** · #8 11-01-2008, 03:07 PM

Lessons are always good, no matter what.

I would definitely go get some lessons when I'm free of this accursed army. You should too.

TrevorOfDoom · #9 11-01-2008, 03:09 PM

YES!!

/thread

Dmanlamius · #10 11-03-2008, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrevorOfDoom

YES!!

/thread

I'll second that...