What to look for in a Bass instructor?

[atkinsr]

Sorry if this is a little long, but I feel it will help in getting the right answers/questions.

Here's the deal - I have a good amount of music background (12+ years on sax), this is my first multi-note type instrument where chords and such matter. I've only been playing 3-4 months,

I play hard. By that, I mean, I am very disciplined and practice a lot. I have the fretboard notes memorized, can write out major and minor scales, understand (but can't yet write out nor know the patterns for diminished 7ths, flat 6's, pentatonic, mixolodian, blues, ad nauseum). I sight read, though extremely slowly at this point.

I practice about 4 hours a day with a syllabus/regimen of finger/fretboard exercises, music theory, sight reading, study of historically significant artists, learning new songs, and just screwing around/jamming.

I am dedicated to this, but in the past week or so have lost my focus - I am finding it difficult to set any clear-cut goals to work towards; not for lack of things to learn, but just the opposite - I know enough to be a danger to myself... I don't know what I should do NEXT.

I am seeking out an instructor to help provide this focus and am willing to drive an hour in each direction for the right one... but what should I ask in the initial lesson/interview order to assure that it's time and money well spent?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

[Toronto Bassist]

A good bass teacher should be ideally someone who is specifically a bassist, and not someone who subs between guitar and bass. Someone who's an actual working musician is also good, and they should give you something to work on every lesson. Ask what kind of curriculum or program they have in mind, and what their philosophy of teaching is.

Also, it's good if they don't try to lure you into a van with candy.

[atkinsr]

But I LOVE candy. I want Candy.

[TortillaChip520]

Skin that sparkles in the daylight.
That's how you know you've got a keeper.

It helps if they watch you when you sleep.
Your bass instructor just wants to make sure you're safe.

[bass_snake]

Originally Posted by Toronto Bassist

not someone who subs between guitar and bass.

Keep this in mind! My first bass teacher was like this. He sucked!! He even asked me to switch to playing guitar. I said no thanks. I only had 4 lessons with this doooche.

Fred

[reverendrally]

There are a few things;

a. what do you expect?
bootcamp/inspiration/advisor/technician/buddy. be clear about that. I suspect that you probably need an advisor/technician. Not every teacher can do that so get one who can or you will end up disappointed.
b. what does he expect?
some teachers are very flexible about content and allow you to guide them, others have specific ideas about what they will teach you. Both can be ok, but you need to be clear about that otherwise they will end up frustrated.
c. what style does he play primarily?
Now this is not true for everyone, but a guy who plays hardrock mostly, will probably lack jazz sensitivities and vice versa. This is not always true, there are some people are able to play all different styles very effectively, but most people have a prefered strong spot and it's better to play to their strengths.
d. how long do you plan to have lessons?
this will help tell you what him what you want to learn depending on the period you spend with him.
e. what are his credentials?
This can be degrees as well as past experience. All of the things he lists will tell you what he thinks he is best at.
f. what have other people said about him as a teacher?
I say this because some players are freaks but are totally unable to communicate what they are doing to others. It's for this reason that its important to know whether they can actually teach you something rather than just spend each lesson wowing you with their tricks.
How many students do they teach and at what level?
Some people are great at getting you started, others are excellent at fine tuning your Jaco solos. You don't ask a dentist to make you some glasses, same goes for bass teachers. Different guys are good at teaching different levels.

Some other things;
As a teacher, I tried to spend as much lesson time as possible having my students play with minimum playing done on my part, or if I am playing to be playing with the student. The other thing is, I want every one of my students to become their own unique style of player.

Sorry for the essay, hope it helps.

Pete

[Toronto Bassist]

Originally Posted by atkinsr

But I LOVE candy. I want Candy.

Try grabbing the candy then run away.

[Ray man]

Originally Posted by atkinsr

Sorry if this is a little long, but I feel it will help in getting the right answers/questions.

Here's the deal - I have a good amount of music background (12+ years on sax), this is my first multi-note type instrument where chords and such matter. I've only been playing 3-4 months,

I play hard. By that, I mean, I am very disciplined and practice a lot. I have the fretboard notes memorized, can write out major and minor scales, understand (but can't yet write out nor know the patterns for diminished 7ths, flat 6's, pentatonic, mixolodian, blues, ad nauseum). I sight read, though extremely slowly at this point.

I practice about 4 hours a day with a syllabus/regimen of finger/fretboard exercises, music theory, sight reading, study of historically significant artists, learning new songs, and just screwing around/jamming.

I am dedicated to this, but in the past week or so have lost my focus - I am finding it difficult to set any clear-cut goals to work towards; not for lack of things to learn, but just the opposite - I know enough to be a danger to myself... I don't know what I should do NEXT.

I am seeking out an instructor to help provide this focus and am willing to drive an hour in each direction for the right one... but what should I ask in the initial lesson/interview order to assure that it's time and money well spent?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Sounds like you are doing a good job all on your own.
Just because you lost focus this past few weeks dosn't mean you lost it for good. My guess is youl find something that will get you going again.

If you find a teacher, make sure they know more than you do. You don't want to end up teaching them. I guarantee you won't get the credit.
Sometimes teachers get the job through somebody they know and frankly are not qualified to teach.
Just because they know the blues does not suddenly make them a teacher.

You mentioned the diminished patterns, if thats something you want to learn, see if they can help accomplish that goal rather than convince you to avoid that 'crap'.

[Buslady7803]

Not all instructors who play more than just bass are a bad thing. Mine plays quite a few things, guitar, bass, percussion also is in a Christian band. He is patient, enthusiastic, focused and a damn good teacher. He's been at it in music since he was a kid. He repairs, sets up, does it all.

I think finding a well rounded older teacher is a good idea.

I like the essay up top, makes sense. Go shopping, you'll find one who suits you.

[BD Bass]

Originally Posted by bass_snake

Keep this in mind! My first bass teacher was like this. He sucked!! He even asked me to switch to playing guitar. I said no thanks. I only had 4 lessons with this doooche.

Fred

OK..what if the teacher is a bassist first, but is fairly good on guitar ?? should he be counted out ?.as he will be my first teacher. he has been playing for 30 years, but yet,I dont really know what to watch out for