I have THE greatest teacher.

[somegeezer]

http://www.facebook.com/#!/davekanebass
This man, not long before posting this, has made me feel like a musician. Just by saying one sentence. He said "you're gonna be good."... Now, I have never had anyone say anything like this to me before. It's one of those lines that you probably only really heard in a movie once or something. But, this man actually said this to me. I feel honoured. I don't know whether to jump for joy or buy this man a beer! Now, my playing may be terrible to some of you [so I won't bother you with any sound clips!], but he really gave me a good kick for my confidence you know? I feel like I owe it to him as well as myself to get where I want to be. I'm thinking maybe any of you guys could chip in with an amazing experience you've had from someone saying something or doing something that made you get where you are today. Please no smart-guy's though. Yes, you could argue that everything that happens and anything that is said will in some way push you in a slightly different direction. But I'm talking about just a single great thing that in a way, made your life do a 180 turn.

[somegeezer]

Bump.

[Stradavus]

Well, this didn't turn my life around, but it sure as hell made me a better player...

Way back when I was still green I forgot to bring a cable to my lesson. My teacher gave me a very, very nice (Spectraflex) 10ft. cable with a woven jacket. On another occasion he gave me a metronome, too. I've had both since then. Now that I'm a bit older and teaching my own students I'm thinking it's my turn to pay it forward, y'know?

In terms of life in general I've always felt that those teachers who were willing to take me down a peg had the most positive impact. I was a little bastard.

[Mike M.]

I would LOVE to have the time for lessons. But working 12 hours a night leaves no quality time Monday thru Friday to practice for any real length. Just this week for example, I had no time Wednesday, Thrusday and today to even look at my bass, let alone play it.

[JimmyM]

dude, i would have told you that you were going to be good if you'd have just asked. didn't need to hire a teacher for that!

good for you taking lessons, bro.

[VinKreepo]

I would have too. When you are determined, you will become good. And you seemed determined. But then again I know what you mean about the whole "turning around" thing. I guess the first time for me was when reading a chord chart and having no idea what i was or how to make a bass line from chords... I learned a crap load after that. I've never had a bass teacher at all... it just takes determination and... YOUTUBE! jkjk. However I will be getting a teacher this fall haha

[somegeezer]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

dude, i would have told you that you were going to be good if you'd have just asked. didn't need to hire a teacher for that!

good for you taking lessons, bro.

Haha! Anyone can say you'll be good, I think it was the way he said it. Also I didn't hire him as my tutor. I have lessons for my college course. Before I started college, I was only really teaching myself. I've never really thought I'd make it anywhere with music, but I guess if you really want to be somewhere, you'll find determination.

[solutionbassist]

when i had my first teacher on upright, he was nice enough to put up with me
he'd ask me what was wrong with what i just played and id tell him i wasnt counting and hed yell at me
i wasnt smart enough to figure out that meant i should start counting

[Beginner Bass]

After 2 years, my teacher still mistakes me for someone a year older occasionally. Does that count?

[somegeezer]

Keep them coming. =] I think there are many people still hiding with some amazing experiences to share!

[St Drogo]

My teacher told me to "Wax on, wax off", but all I seem to be doing is washing his car. Meanwhile, the guys from Cobra Kai are getting better and better.

Screw this, I'm quitting him.