Jazz lessons from a classiscal teacher?

Quap · #1 12-11-2008, 11:00 AM

Let me preface this by saying I currently do not have a DB in my possesion, Mid 90's plywood at my parent's house but that is about 600 miles away.

I would like to get a bass again, and begin taking lessons. Here's the catch. I live close to Texas Tech University, where a monster of classical bass is the professor (Dr. Mark Morton) though I don't believe he plays a lot of jazz, I may be seriously mistaken here.

I studied a little bit with Paul Sharpe when I was in school, but was not a music major, and only had about 4 semesters of lessons. Again, his main concentration was classical.

I want to get to the point where I could form a small group and gig, I'm tired of going to a "martini bar" and having a DJ play unce unce music all night long.

Becuase I am not a registered student, and becuase his main concentration is classical, would it be appropriate to approach Dr. Morton regarding private jazz lessons?

Eric Hochberg · #2 12-11-2008, 11:11 AM

Of course, you should talk with him. If he feels he can help you, he'll let you know, if not, maybe he knows someone that can.

Marcus Johnson · #3 12-11-2008, 11:46 AM

I'd be happy to study with Mark Morton no matter what the musical discipline. He's not the first guy that jumps into my head when I think of learning jazz bass, but the technique you could develop from studying with him could serve you well in any musical arena. Whether he'll accept you as a nonstudent; you'll just have to ask him.

DJs are here for good. They're cheap and ubiquitous, and they play what a lot of people want to hear. I don't care for them either.

Ed Fuqua · #4 12-11-2008, 11:53 AM

Legit teachers tend to have a pretty well thought out physical approach to the instrument, they have a pretty well thought out approach to arco playing. Both of those are Good Things To Have. They aren't going to change where on the instrument the notes are when you start playing jazz; the only thing a legit teacher won't really be able to help you with (unless they have this in their background as well) is a good solid jazz pizz approach.

TroyK · #5 12-11-2008, 12:26 PM

Agree with everyone, approach him with humility and tell him it is important to you to study bass. It's very unlikely that he will blow you off. If he isn't taking students outside of Tech, then ask him if he knows someone for you to study with if he doesn't offer, which he likely will.

If nothing else, he may have a really good student who could use the job and would be happy to teach you.

damonsmith · #6 12-11-2008, 01:11 PM

I agree with Ed on this, the only other consideration is some of that 4 finger stuff Dr. Morton and others are into doesn't seem to be a good idea with a big acoustic pizz sound, but it wouldn't be bad to learn it regardless since you are studying with him.
You can also get the pizz stuff in a one off with any great jazz player. Once you get the basics from Dr. Morton, just get a hold of a pro jazz player like Lynn Seaton who is at least in Texas and that should get you started.

brake · #7 12-11-2008, 01:57 PM

I don't see why he wouldn't teach outside of the University. It's a gig.

Good luck! I am studying music at University now (though currently on Xmas break) and love it. So much work..it's been great for my playing. Not the same place you're talking about, of course.

Ed Fuqua · #8 12-12-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brake

I don't see why he wouldn't teach outside of the University. It's a gig.

Full time faculty position, full time performance schedule, traveling to clinics/workshops/conventions, writing books/articles/DVD text and having a personal life. I can absolutely see why he might not teach privately outside of the University...

Quap · #9 12-12-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Full time faculty position, full time performance schedule, traveling to clinics/workshops/conventions, writing books/articles/DVD text and having a personal life. I can absolutely see why he might not teach privately outside of the University...

Right, and apparently he is quite busy. All I can do is ask, but I should probably get a new bass before I start looking for a teacher again.

Eric Hochberg · #10 12-12-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quap

Right, and apparently he is quite busy. All I can do is ask, but I should probably get a new bass before I start looking for a teacher again.

So, visit your parents for the holidays and pickup your bass!

TroyK · #11 12-12-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damonsmith

...just get a hold of a pro jazz player like Lynn Seaton who is at least in Texas...

Good advice, but speaking as someone who has driven from Denton to Lubbock...the fact that they happen do be in the same state is almost irrelevant. Then again, nothing is really near Lubbock, so you do what you can.

There are some good musicians in and around Tech, someone will be happy to teach you.

Don Higdon · #12 12-12-2008, 05:35 PM

I studied with Linda McKnight (faculty at Manhattan School of Music). I've said it before: every so-called classical lesson I had made me a better jazz player. It's about knowing how to play the bass, so you can transform the music that's in your head into sound coming out of your bass.

Quap · #13 12-13-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehochberg

So, visit your parents for the holidays and pickup your bass!

Unfortunately it's a Jim Laabs Vienna Strings something or other that's laminate except for the back which is carved err solid. Plus it's seen some rough days from when I was in concert band in high school.

And they use it as decoration . . .

Marcus Johnson · #14 12-13-2008, 12:08 PM

Only the back is solid? That's kinda unusual....

Quap · #15 12-13-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

Only the back is solid? That's kinda unusual....

http://www.jimlaabsmusic.com/string-...prod_1857.html

It's a reverse Hybrid

I bought it in high school with my own money because about two weeks before contest season started by band director told me my EUB would not be allowed by the governing body UIL.

I'll play it while I am there in a couple of weeks, but I am thinking I will need something a little less road traveled. . .

Quap · #16 12-13-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Good advice, but speaking as someone who has driven from Denton to Lubbock...the fact that they happen do be in the same state is almost irrelevant. Then again, nothing is really near Lubbock, so you do what you can.

There are some good musicians in and around Tech, someone will be happy to teach you.

I think the last time I did that drive it was about 4 and half to 5 hours. It is a pretty long haul, someday I will leave Lubbock for the Metroplex though. Of course that brings up questions about basses and humidity for another forum.

Marcus Johnson · #17 12-15-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quap

http://www.jimlaabsmusic.com/string-...prod_1857.html

It's a reverse Hybrid

Hmmm.... maybe "solid" in this case means solid plywood..... which is pretty damn solid, after all.

The terminology in online bass literature is sometimes sketchy.

But you have the bass in hand, so I guess you would know better than I would.