Which path to follow

[progmanjum]

A local instructor has an introductory offer of 5 lessons for $75...a great deal. But how much can I learn in 2.5 hours? Would it be better putting that many towards a DVD instruction (like Roy Voght), something that I can reference days, weeks, months later?

[MalcolmAmos]

I bet you will get many and varied answers to that question. Going rate here is $75 for four lessons so you pick up one extra lesson. What can you expect with 2.5 hours, well that comes over a five week period so the amount of structured homework received does enter into that.

Knee to knee is much better than any DVD - IMO. I assume your instructor will be giving you printed material during those five weeks. Mine would load me down with stuff. In fact I would take lessons for a couple of months - drop out - work on what he had given me and when I had that all down - then go back for more. Could not cover the material given before it was time for another lesson.

251 from this forum once said; "If you teach yourself, your instructor does not know what he is doing". Lot of truth in that.

I think you could teach yourself the basics - then go to an instructor once you get into technique. I never have worried about picking up bad habits, so I discount that concern. You will need a live instructor at some point. Now or later I leave to you.

Good luck on which ever way you go.

[OtterOnBass]

The DVD will have no answer for "What's this for?" or "Why do I keep getting this clicking noise?" or even, "What's the difference between that and this?"

[fearceol]

I'd take the lessons. As for learning in 2.5 hours, it's the work you put in between the lessons, i.e. practicing what you have been taught, that helps you progress.

[Big B.]

I would err on the side of the teacher. After a month if the teacher doesnt really do it for you then maybe try someone else.
IMO videos are more useful for learning a particular technique from an artist. A Victor Wooten video about the double thumb or a Micheal Manring video about alternate tunings would be useful resources that a teacher may not be able to provide. A video on "How to play the bass" does'nt offer the interaction that I feel is neccesary to help a beginning student find their voice.

[Skitch it!]

Try and find out what this teachers Rep for teaching is like first, IME I know a good few whom 'think' they can teach.....find out what he's like first, try and get a short introductory to see if you'll gel/dig it IMO

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by progmanjum

A local instructor has an introductory offer of 5 lessons for $75...a great deal. But how much can I learn in 2.5 hours? Would it be better putting that many towards a DVD instruction (like Roy Voght), something that I can reference days, weeks, months later?

i think i'd go for the vogt stuff at this point.....it could take the entire 2.5 hours to find out if the teacher is up to snuff.....roy probably has some kind of on line q+a and from what i've read there are many months worth of great stuff to do on the vids

[M0ses]

Lessons from a good teacher are invaluable. Infinitely more useful than a DVD.

[Mark Wilson]

A teacher directs his or her lesson directly at YOU. Something an instructional DVD can't do.

IMO, go with the teacher. it's 75 bucks, you've made a contact for the future, and you have one-on-one lessons.

DVDs will be around for whenever you want.