What to ask re Theory??!

Pantsman · #1 05-22-2006, 11:31 PM

I cam across an ad in my local newspaper and apparently some guy is interested in starting up a studio in my area. He is asking for expressions of interest but he doesn't list bass as an instrument. However 'music theory and composition' is on the list. I really do want to learn as much theory as possible, so can anyone give me some questions to ask this guy?

As a bassist what do I need to learn?

Correlli · #2 05-23-2006, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pantsman

However 'music theory and composition' is on the list.

As a bassist what do I need to learn?

In what context does he mean? A singer/songwriter perhaps?

I would say that you would have to provide some evidence of your composition skills i.e. lyrics, music score, etc

Also, check out the sticky's at the top. Loads of info on what to learn as a bass player.

BassChuck · #3 05-23-2006, 04:47 AM

Check out what kind of training and experience they have in theory/compostition. Saying they teach this is a comment that is really open to interpretation. It could be anything from an advanced degree in theory/comp or just someone who has done a little writing and reading on their own.

For instance, I'm sure we've all encountered the guitarist who claimed they could teach bass. And they can, sort of. But any student with serious and long reaching goals would do well to find a teacher with some years of real bass playing.

So think out your own goals for why you want to study theory/comp and then talk to the teacher and see what they have to say. It just might be exactly what you want and need.

Pantsman · #4 05-23-2006, 10:20 PM

Well, i pretty much no nothing about theory, just whatever i coud figure out myself, like structure of major and minor in regards to whole and half steps. Thats about it. My goal from this is just to be able to understand why things 'work' also i want to be able to improvise and write my own material. I have alot of the physical side to playing down, i can play solid 8th notes, gallop, slap, tap and pop to a degree, i just feel stuck in playing covers from TAB, ohh i want to learn to read music too.

I think thats about it, i'll read the stickies and prolly edit this ... btw GO QUEENSLAND IN THE ORIGIN (most people wont get this, just agree with me and say Canetoads rule

)

BassChuck · #5 05-24-2006, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pantsman

My goal from this is just to be able to understand why things 'work' also i want to be able to improvise and write my own material.

In a lot of ways, you answered your own question. When you hear music that "works" you're listening to music that 1.) you like, or 2.) you've heard before. There's no mystery here. If you want to know what makes music work, simply listen to things that you like, play music you like and take note of all things that are common to your choices. That way you'll have a list (one that hopefully grows over the years) of musical ideas that you can use to create your own music.

No matter what your talent level is, this takes a lot of work, and time (well, mostly time... if listening to music is work, you'd better find something else to do).

One key point to all this is... listen to music that you don't know. You don't have to like it, but explore. The more you listen to, the more you'll know what 'works' for you... and the more tools you'll have for composing.

Studying theory is not a bad idea. It can be considered a shortcut, and it will expose you to music that you might not have heard. But the downfall is that you'll be having someone tell you what 'works'. In the end, its your ears that will do best for you.

Correlli · #6 05-24-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pantsman

I think thats about it, i'll read the stickies and prolly edit this ... btw GO QUEENSLAND IN THE ORIGIN (most people wont get this, just agree with me and say Canetoads rule

)

Because Sydney is my second home, I'll back the Blues for State of Origin

Pantsman · #7 06-06-2006, 07:08 PM

OK, time to revive this old thread, while reading through a local streetzine i found an ad for music lessons that actually includes bass

Sent off a quick email and i got this reply

Greetings

I can take you through enough theory to get you going and some exams if need be.
For the bass, I program most of my students to learn the fretboard and scales that cover the fretboard etc.. I work from there into Jazz theory and rhythm studies from transcriptions (James Jamerson/Bootsy Collins and others). My fees are $220.00 for a term of 10 lessons or $28.00 per lesson (if less than 10).

My question to you learned bass people is, is that all the basic theory i need? i really want some indepth information from this guy, like specific scales and the modes. I'm very much into weird flavoured metal, such as Opeth, Necrophagist and Nuclear Rabbit, considering this is there anything i should concentrate on? sorry if i'm not making sense. .... i do that alot.

P.S we may have lost Origin one, but its looking better for number two, Tony Carrol will dish some punishment, hopefully cause a few concussions!!

Correlli · #8 06-07-2006, 08:54 PM

Sounds pretty good to me. From what I gathered from the email reply, is that they're offering programed instruction (meaning that the course is planned out), and they teach music theory to a set standard so you can sit exams - The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. http://www.abrsm.org.

Also, what Garry Jack said