Bass/Music Lessons

s.m.80808 · #1 07-22-2006, 12:14 PM

Question:

Barring financial reasons, what do you think is the chief reason people don't start learning bass/music by taking lessons?

It seems like there are lots of folks who don't see the value of learning from someone else.

tplyons · #2 07-22-2006, 12:42 PM

They're lazy and/or think they're smart enough to do it themselves.

steve21 · #3 07-22-2006, 01:07 PM

I'm currently looking for a bass teacher in Glendale, California.

No luck so far

s.m.80808 · #4 07-22-2006, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve21

I'm currently looking for a bass teacher in Glendale, California.

No luck so far

Where is the nearest university?

Incognitus · #5 07-22-2006, 10:53 PM

I taught myself for about 8 months, then decided to try a teacher.
It's not exactly my cup of tea as I prefer to figure things out myself. Although a teacher is really good for answering those difficult questions that you can't really find the answers for.

As of right now I will stick with teaching myself as I find it much more satisfying.

SOA_bassist · #6 07-22-2006, 10:58 PM

I want to learn music theory and take bass lessons, but i cant afford them and cant find any teachers

and most guitar/bass players i know dont want to even learn the notes of the fretboard or scales or intervals etc. they just want to learn fast and complicated songs from tabs

lateralus423 · #7 07-22-2006, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitus

I taught myself for about 8 months, then decided to try a teacher.
It's not exactly my cup of tea as I prefer to figure things out myself. Although a teacher is really good for answering those difficult questions that you can't really find the answers for.

As of right now I will stick with teaching myself as I find it much more satisfying.

I agree with you 100%. I've never tryed a teacher and i think it would be a waste as i can learn theory on my own.

steve21 · #8 07-23-2006, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s.m.80808

Where is the nearest university?

UCLA in Los Angeles

jumbosilverette · #9 07-23-2006, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s.m.80808

Question:

Barring financial reasons, what do you think is the chief reason people don't start learning bass/music by taking lessons?

It seems like there are lots of folks who don't see the value of learning from someone else.

Fear that it will be too hard (more work and less fun).

Cubeface · #10 07-23-2006, 08:40 AM

I started with a teacher. I think if I had started by myself, I would have been too frustrated to continue.

s.m.80808 · #11 07-23-2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitus

I taught myself for about 8 months, then decided to try a teacher.
It's not exactly my cup of tea as I prefer to figure things out myself. Although a teacher is really good for answering those difficult questions that you can't really find the answers for.

As of right now I will stick with teaching myself as I find it much more satisfying.

What is your goal with music?

I mean how far are you looking to go with your music?(i.e. just gigging every once in a while, just playing for fun, etc.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumbosilverette

Fear that it will be too hard (more work and less fun).

That is understandable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve21

UCLA in Los Angeles

I have had good luck finding teachers at the universities - if not someone on faculty themselves, someone that they recommended highly.

For those guys who tried taking lessons, what was it about the teacher that you didn't like?

Thanks for the answers

Aaron Saunders · #12 07-23-2006, 11:06 AM

A lot of the time, arrogance. "No point, I can do everything myself," or "I can't learn music theory, it'll ruin my muse," etc, crap like that.

Then again, some people just don't see the need because it's just a hobby and it's not that serious for them. If that's the case...makes sense to me. Don't bother.

That said, IMO, anyone who wants to take music seriously should take lessons. Those who don't and succeed are the exception, not tthe rule.

s.m.80808 · #13 07-23-2006, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron Saunders

A lot of the time, arrogance. "No point, I can do everything myself," or "I can't learn music theory, it'll ruin my muse," etc, crap like that.

Then again, some people just don't see the need because it's just a hobby and it's not that serious for them. If that's the case...makes sense to me. Don't bother.

That said, IMO, anyone who wants to take music seriously should take lessons. Those who don't and succeed are the exception, not tthe rule.

I would have to agree.

There is always the aspect of self-teaching though too. Just going to your lesson won't make you good or even make you understand something. I think the learning actually happens when you are alone and putting in the time on your own. Having a good teacher is a huge help though as they can intoduce you to things you didn't know that you didn't know.

I can't think of any good musician that got to where they were completely on their own.

Incognitus · #14 07-23-2006, 04:55 PM

One thing that determines whether to get lessons or not is the prospective teacher. Some truelly want to help you become a better player of your instrument, others couldn't give a flying flip.
My friend had a teacher that would stay for about 10 minutes then leave. Other teachers will stay and do their darndest to help you understand.

Some teachers are way too technical, my teacher was good at guitar and bass, but when he explained things he would just fly right over my head. I asked him once about suspended chords and other types of chords and what made them different...I went home with two pieces of paper filled with writing. Didn't understand anything on those pieces of paper either.

s.m.80808 · #15 07-23-2006, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitus

One thing that determines whether to get lessons or not is the prospective teacher. Some truelly want to help you become a better player of your instrument, others couldn't give a flying flip.
My friend had a teacher that would stay for about 10 minutes then leave. Other teachers will stay and do their darndest to help you understand.

Some teachers are way too technical, my teacher was good at guitar and bass, but when he explained things he would just fly right over my head. I asked him once about suspended chords and other types of chords and what made them different...I went home with two pieces of paper filled with writing. Didn't understand anything on those pieces of paper either.

That is good to know. I can see how that would be frustrating.

What was tht teacher's backround in music?

Aaron Saunders · #16 07-23-2006, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s.m.80808

That is good to know. I can see how that would be frustrating.

What was tht teacher's backround in music?

Strongly academic, I would imagine.

A great teacher is a special and very rare thing. From another OT topic, dig some Lao Tzu -- "A great man's words are simple and clear as water, a small man's as sweet as nectar" (roughly.)

ge9375 · #17 07-23-2006, 11:25 PM

Right or wrong (probably wrong), I bought a book and I plowed through that. I figured I would get a few things down and then take lessons. I had already played piano for 25 years by the time I picked up a bass, so I was familiar with music and music theory. Once I was "up-and-running", I went to the local music store to get some lessons. My first teacher was excellent (by luck). He and I clicked. He was quick to latch on to what level I was and how fast he could push me. My first teach moved to a different city and I started with another teacher. That did not work out so well. We just did not click.

So, the reason I am not taking lessons now is that I have not spent the time to find a good teacher. It takes time, which I just haven't spent. I really value lessons and I wish the right teacher would just show up, but that probably won't happen.

In lieu of finding a teacher, I went to Gerald Veasley's Bass Boot camp. I respond well to immersion situations. I do fine in the group atmosphere at well. If you're short on time in your weekly schedule, but can plan a weekend in advance, I'd recommend a bass camp or seminar.

In short, I could benefit from lessons, but have not put the effort into finding the right teacher. I practice a lot, but I need somebody to open up new avenues for me.

Poop-Loops · #18 07-23-2006, 11:40 PM

It's cooler to be able to say "I'm self-taught" than to be that dorky kid/guy who has music lessons every week.

Formal things are not cool, informal stuff is awesome.

I don't know what I'd do without a teacher. I just learn so much faster when someone passes on their years of wisdom onto me.

thebassclef · #19 07-23-2006, 11:53 PM

Guess I am Barred from this discusion, because financial reasons is the only reason I am self taught. Picked up quite a few bad habits this way, though.

s.m.80808 · #20 07-24-2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron Saunders

Strongly academic, I would imagine.

A great teacher is a special and very rare thing. From another OT topic, dig some Lao Tzu -- "A great man's words are simple and clear as water, a small man's as sweet as nectar" (roughly.)

Nice.

I agree about teachers being special. One of my best teachers was a pianist. He genuinely cared that I was learning and was really patient and gave me a lot of insight into musicianship as a whole. . . not just piano.