Looking to get a teacher soon... Advice?

[SirCanealot]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to get a teacher fairly soon, and I wanted to ask a few questions.

I've been playing almost 3 years now, and I mostly want a teacher as I feel it's getting harder to learn new things, and because I'm working more these days it's harder to sit down with something for 3-4 hours a day and just practice something till you get better at it.

For instance, there's some things in my left hand technique I don't have the time to figure out on my own and I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with music theory.

I feel like the most logical thing to do after getting some numbers/emails is arrange a first lesson.

But I'm a bit sketchy after that. I've seen some ads for teachers offering a free first lesson. Should I ask for one if I don't see it advertised? I think this would make sense as I would be planning to ask the teacher his experience, explain my experience, show him some examples of things I need help with, ask him what he can teach me, etc, etc -- more so that we can see if we can do buisness and both get something out of it. But should I ask for this if it's not advertised?

And I'm a little unsure of what sort of teacher to go for. I am an amateur, but for lack of a better term, I'm not a noob and I'm not an idiot, and I don't have much time. I'd be looking for someone to give me advice and show me technique.

Can anyone in a similar posision or some people who teach offer some advice? I'm really looking to get some lessons, but I've never had any before, and I live in London, so there's plenty of dodgy characters, I'm sure

Thanks!

[skeptikal]

Find a teacher that will teach you what you want to learn. Or just call a couple places up and ask for the teacher and explain what you are looking for and what you are wanting to accomplish from lessons.

I had to call 4 places before I found my teacher. Sure glad I did to.

[MarkTAW]

Find a musician you like & respect and ask them to show you the ropes.

[Dbassmon]

I would seek out the very best teacher you can find. Living in or near London, I am sure that there is a University/Music Conservatory. Call the professor of bass studies and ask for the name of a top student or facility member that would take on a private student. If not, find out who the top session guys are in London and get their number from the Musicians Union. Call them up. Ask, if they are not accepting students, ask for a recommendation.

Find the best teacher you can! It's your musical career, demand the best!