A Kick to the Nuts !!
That’s how it felt,,, when my bass instructor told me he is done. He is going back to playing in a faculty Jazz band ,,,,,I really liked this guy, and he was an absolutely outstanding teacher .
Bass playing for me is really nothing more than a stress relief from work, to old now for any aspirations of grandeur but none the less I will miss my teacher and friend. He was at times soo anal ( in a nice way ) with regards to my playing it would drive me nuts, we spent 2,,,, one hour lessons on just muting strings with your left and right hands.
He made me sing the notes of every scale we played so I could hear them in my head before I played them, I at times left lessons thinking “ what the hell was that “ then a month later his theory and lesson would literally explode on the finger board when I was just noodling around
He never cursed me for not being prepared for the lesson or not doing my homework as I lead a very busy life and at times can’t find the time to simply practice, yet he would not move on to new material until I fully understood the concept he was preaching. I left at times embarrassed of my playing and he always found a way to make me pick up the bass and keep practicing.
Damm !! I going to miss him, he had a way of motivating you to play better, we had lessons where I wouldn’t even play my bass or even plug in,, we would simply talk about the great players and what they offered the bass community, or clapped rhythms, did ear training,,,,,,, he was just great at teaching.
He has a Masters Degree in Music specialising in bass, and I know in my small town I will not find that again, I am spoiled for anyone else
So my friend, if you’re reading this, as I know you pass by these boards from time to time, thanks for everything, your unselfish nature, your insights, your friendship and your lessons. I promise to keep singing in my head !!! and try to develop some form of relative pitch ( yes I remember how important it is )
Take Care My friend ,,, I will miss you !!
The Goose
