Hi from Jeff Berlin - Page 12

LowBSix · #**221** 01-10-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffBerlin

A good teacher will help. Most players really shouldn't be teaching themselves in a subject that is new or unfamiliar to them. Go to an expert and get some info. If you are a working musician, you can even tax deduct the lesons.

Agreed! Did you see my post about meeting you at the Antique Mirror/Stage West and being Kingery's ex-roomy???
Thanks for sharing some bass wisdome!!!
Rich

JeffBerlin · #**222** 01-10-2009, 01:48 PM

I should add something to consider. Many players don't know enough about music to teach themselves well. Their hearts are in the right place, but if they don't know the subject matter, they can't really know if they are learning correctly. Today, I have been discussing things, not really solving anything for you. You aren't really going to get better until you work on 100% proven materials, guaranteed to help you to acquire better and better playing skills.

When guys finally arrive at The Players School of Music and sit in a lesson with me, the truth of their musical capability becomes clear to them. I have learned how to spot bad playing skills in a minute and I know exactly what is needed to fix them in a minute as well.

If you can't come to Florida to learn how to play better, go SOMEPLACE where the focus of improvement is out of your hands and in the hands of someone more qualified than you are to help you correct your playing.

bass12 · #**223** 01-10-2009, 01:49 PM

A lot of people take exception to some of the things you've said and some, as you've pointed out, don't appreciate the ways in which you make certain statements. I personally don't agree with some of your notions, but I've come to greatly appreciate your willingness to commit yourself to music. A lot of great players seemingly have little to say to their fellow bassists and it is clear to me that you are concerned with expanding the "world of bass" (and music in general), not simply by inserting yourself, but by engaging with other musicians (bassists in particular). Thanks for having the guts to involve yourself to the degree with which you have - many of us out here are grateful for your dedication to music.

**john turner** · #**224** 01-10-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffBerlin

I should add something to consider. Many players don't know enough about music to teach themselves well. Their hearts are in the right place, but if they don't know the subject matter, they can't really know if they are learning correctly. Questions here are discussions, not really solutions. You aren't really going to get better until you work on 100% proven materials, guaranteed to help you to acquire better and better playing skills. Many people go to the wrong places to get this, and even say that they are better having studied these things and going to these schools. When these guys finally arrive at The Players School of Music and sit in a lesson with me, the inconsistencies and unlearned principles become painfully clear. Fortunately they have come to a place to fix these problems. If you can't come to Florida to learn how to play better, go SOMEPLACE where the focus of improvement is out of your hands and in the hands of someone more qualified than you are.

quoted for emphasis.

twangchief · #**225** 01-10-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffBerlin

I'm a Pepper! You're a Pepper! I'm a wanker,too!

Wanker!

It's good to be a wanker at times. Let's your voice be heard. One of my favorite bassist/wanker is Andy West. I love reading his views at times on the current state of professional music these days. Most of his wankness has evolved by observing how musical performance leans heavily on the entertainment value rather than the artistic value.

Just remember, when your 'wankness' (...that is understood) starts surfacing, count to ten, take a break from TB, and revisit!

Great to have you here!

-Bill-

dreadheadbass · #**226** 01-10-2009, 01:55 PM

hello jeff welcome to talkbass

i suffer from dyslexia which means learning the notes on the fretboard is quite tricky to grasp and almost impossible to maintain not to mention how confusing music theory is (i'm trying to learn some basic stuff for my new years resolution)

do you have any advice on different aproaches to learning muso theory? or should i give up and just go back to doing things by ear and feel??

also the cover of big bottom you did with stu hamm and billy sheehan was fantastic

JeffBerlin · #**227** 01-10-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dancing_chris

man im so glad i came onto talkbass today:-) thanks Jeff for doing this and being so honest with us!!

so here is another:

ear training: whats your view on this? would you say its a good move to sing everything along that you play? what you do special exercises for developing a good ear? or does it come naturally by doing transcription and playing with a full consciousness?

Singing is one way to establish a connection with ear training exercises. Transcriptions are another. Playing what you've just heard on your instrument is still another. If you traing with valid good music, you simply cannot lose in the "developing-your-ear" department.

JeffBerlin · #**228** 01-10-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassman7PM

Hi Jeff

Welcome to TB. I to am a great fan of yours and look forward to the wisdom and experience you bring. At this present time I'm a bit economically challenged so working with a teacher is not an option for me right now and my playing seems to me at least to be in a bit of a rut. I play mostly Gospel/Contemporary Christian and Jazz Fusion and I seem to be stuck doing the same runs and fills. To top it off I've started developing tendonitis in my right arm (I'm right handed). What do you recommend as both a course of study as well as playing exercises?

Immediately buy lighter strings. It puts less tension on you when you play. Next, go and buy trombone music because trombone music is in our clef and is far,far more musical and melodic than books written by electric bass players. Practice slowly, practice lightly. Remember that trombone music is only a part of what you will need to improve, so consider this even while you are reading your music.

JeffBerlin · #**229** 01-10-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreadheadbass

hello jeff welcome to talkbass

i suffer from dyslexia which means learning the notes on the fretboard is quite tricky to grasp and almost impossible to maintain not to mention how confusing music theory is (i'm trying to learn some basic stuff for my new years resolution)

do you have any advice on different aproaches to learning muso theory? or should i give up and just go back to doing things by ear and feel??

also the cover of big bottom you did with stu hamm and billy sheehan was fantastic

Dyslexia is a tough one and I don't know about it to make any recommendations. If looking at music if difficult for you, then maybe you should consider a more stringent approach to playing via ears. I am curious to know how you might solve the dyslexia thing. Good luck. Keep playing. Keep listening and imitating what you hear. A lot of players have become very good players this way.

Thor2 · #**230** 01-10-2009, 02:05 PM

Hey Jeff - this is so fantastic that you are here on TB. I look forward to your insight and oppinions. You can tell the enthusiasm by the fact that this is one of the fastest growing threads I've ever seen!

By the way - what is your favorite metronome?

-Edward

pedro · #**231** 01-10-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffBerlin

A good teacher will help. Most players really shouldn't be teaching themselves in a subject that is new or unfamiliar to them. Go to an expert and get some info. If you are a working musician, you can even tax deduct the lesons.

True if you can establish a few things.

JeffBerlin · #**232** 01-10-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass12

A lot of people take exception to some of the things you've said and some, as you've pointed out, don't appreciate the ways in which you make certain statements. I personally don't agree with some of your notions,

Would you please clarify these to me?

Fnord Explorer · #**233** 01-10-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffBerlin

I should add something to consider. Many players don't know enough about music to teach themselves well. Their hearts are in the right place, but if they don't know the subject matter, they can't really know if they are learning correctly. Today, I have been discussing things, not really solving anything for you. You aren't really going to get better until you work on 100% proven materials, guaranteed to help you to acquire better and better playing skills.

When guys finally arrive at The Players School of Music and sit in a lesson with me, the truth of their musical capability becomes clear to them. I have learned how to spot bad playing skills in a minute and I know exactly what is needed to fix them in a minute as well.

If you can't come to Florida to learn how to play better, go SOMEPLACE where the focus of improvement is out of your hands and in the hands of someone more qualified than you are to help you correct your playing.

That's a pretty good point and one I have avoided all my musical life. I'm completely self-taught and can't help but wonder what would have happened if I had pursued some formal education. Spending the vast majority of that time as a starving artist certainly didn't help matters.

Now I'm full of bad habits. I certainly get by, but it was probably a lot slower of a progression than if I had been pointed in the right direction from the get-go.

JeffBerlin · #**234** 01-10-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor2

Hey Jeff - this is so fantastic that you are here on TB. I look forward to your insight and oppinions. You can tell the enthusiasm by the fact that this is one of the fastest growing threads I've ever seen!

By the way - what is your favorite metronome?

-Edward

Metro gnome??????

bikeplate · #**235** 01-10-2009, 02:08 PM

HI

Welcome. I was just starting to play bass when I bought Bill Brufords "feels good to me" You definately pushed me to be a better player. I discovered alot about bass playing from that record. Kudos

Rob

Formula7 · #**236** 01-10-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffBerlin

Metro gnome??????

Haha! This is totally cheesy and a coincidence. But that's currently my myspace display name. Anyway... moving on... back to relevant bass talk!

JeffBerlin · #**237** 01-10-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fnord Explorer

That's a pretty good point and one I have avoided all my musical life. I'm completely self-taught and can't help but wonder what would have happened if I had pursued some formal education. Spending the vast majority of that time as a starving artist certainly didn't help matters.

Now I'm full of bad habits. I certainly get by, but it was probably a lot slower of a progression than if I had been pointed in the right direction from the get-go.

You are so far from being alone. There are thousands of bass players in your shoes. This is why I have said the things that I have been saying over the years. Art and academia are not related and need to be approached separatelyl.

In your case, two years of decent studies and you will be a new man, complete with what you have learned on your own, plus a basketfull of new approaches and musical ideas. I hope that you will do this for yourself

martyman5000 · #**238** 01-10-2009, 02:13 PM

I spent some time looking at your Dean Jeff Berlin bass today and was wondering if you are obligated to only play that bass? and if you do play other bass's what ones do you prefer? I owned a thin neck bass and did not enjoy it at all or I would consider your bass (which is a steal for all the extras it has).

jonotronic · #**239** 01-10-2009, 02:15 PM

Hi Jeff

Enjoyed reading through your thread. There are a few nice transcriptions (with no tab - of course!!) of your music to be found on the internet, but have you ever considered publishing a book? The stuff that's available at the moment is great, especially for those who don't have the time to do their own. More would be a godsend...

Best Wishes

Jon (Glasgow, Scotland)

Formula7 · #**240** 01-10-2009, 02:16 PM

Jeff,

It's really great to have you on here. I definitely say I look up to you as a player. I just recently got into bass playing... real recent and I am rusty on any music whatsoever. I played recorder in 6th grade and learned to read music but now I'm totally lost. I'm a musician on a budget and I knew that there are a lost of resources out there but I don't know what's good and where to start. I also learned in the treble in 6th grade. I know that the bass clef is different. Any books/resources you recommend looking into and/or buying for the budget player? Thanks!

Sean - Sacramento, CA