Teaching a child bass recommended methods and books

[Medford Bassman]

So our singer purchased her 10 year old a bass for christmas and she asked if I was interested in teaching the boy. Anyone know of a good method book for kids? I want to teach him the basics first so he has a good foundation. When he's older if he wants to just play by ear or use tabs so be it but I'd like for him to have a good foundation first.

Thanks for the help.

[chee666]

Mel Bay books.

[fearceol]

One of the most simplified and basic books on bass that I know of is "Bass Guitar for Dummies".


http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Guitar-Du.../dp/0470539615

[bander68]

Most band and orchestra method books also have a bass version of their books, and they're generally written on about a 3rd or 4th grade reading level. The most popular band book right now is called Essential Elements 2000. I just looked, and they do have a bass book. Surprise, surprise- it's from Hal Leonard.

[Phinn]

The most important component of teaching a beginner, especially one as young as 10, is motivation -- fun and enthusiasm.

That is the only thing that will lead him to love music (and the bass in particular), which is the only thing that can motivate him to put in the 10,000 hours of practice time that will allow him to master the skill.

He may or may not ever fall in love with it, but having fun is the only way to even give it a chance to happen.

As far as books go, I like the Mel Bay and the Dummies guide mentioned earlier.

[Medford Bassman]

Thanks. I agree it's got to be made fun or they won't stick with it. I remember coaching my daughters soccer about 5 years ago. I got a hold of a couple books about coaching kids soccer. They were designed for the kids to have fun thru different games that even if they didn't know it, they were learning the fundamentals. That's what I'm looking for in bass instruction with kids.

I appreciate all the suggestions.