New Student + old player

Rocks · #1 08-30-2009, 08:38 PM

Hi everyone,
I've been playing bass for many years and can play a few hundred songs. However I learned completely by ear and watching others along with a lot of trial and error. The problem is my daughter wants to learn how to play and I'd like her to learn how to read music, scales, patterns, etc. So I would like to learn with her. I used to play trombone and could read music in the bass clef about 25 years ago, so I could relearn bass clef easily. What I am looking for is a series of books or videos that we could both enjoy - in other words something that would keep my interest as well as being a good starting point for her. What do you recommend for this father/daughter project?

Kevinmach · #2 08-30-2009, 10:02 PM

Well, first off, how old is your daughter?

I am sure someone out there will know of some kid books or videos, but something that can keep both of your interests? That could be tough.

My immediate though it kids are gonna wanna play. Books teaching anything remotely involved are probably gonna put a kid with today's attention span right to sleep. Most of them want to start making music ASAP.

I would try to find a book with some of the current music she listens to, like pop tunes she has on her ipod. With a book of current top 40 songs, you could teach her how to read and then play as well and learn a couple of more hundred songs. Or, just learn them by ear and teach her how to play them and the technique that goes with it.

Rocks · #3 08-31-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevinmach

Well, first off, how old is your daughter?

I am sure someone out there will know of some kid books or videos, but something that can keep both of your interests? That could be tough.

My immediate though it kids are gonna wanna play. Books teaching anything remotely involved are probably gonna put a kid with today's attention span right to sleep. Most of them want to start making music ASAP.

I would try to find a book with some of the current music she listens to, like pop tunes she has on her ipod. With a book of current top 40 songs, you could teach her how to read and then play as well and learn a couple of more hundred songs. Or, just learn them by ear and teach her how to play them and the technique that goes with it.

She is 14 and we like a lot of the same music. We would be doing the lessons together.

MalcolmAmos · #4 08-31-2009, 11:33 AM

As far as learning standard notation I found flash cards helpful as they cost $4 a pack and can be taken with you or scattered around so any free time can be put to use. Work with the cards till you can identify the note and verbalize the name in the same amount of time it takes you to say your name. After that start using sheet music and sounding the notes on your instrument.

I presume both on bass, if so you can get her started with correct posture, how to hold the beast, etc. There are many how to books, I suggest a trip to the music store and you both pick out a "how to book" that both of you think you will enjoy. I suspect this is going to be two books one for you and one for her. I don't think you are going to be satisfied with playing Root nothing, but she will.

Good luck.