What does anyone know about the Gerald Veasley Bass Boot Camp???

[suitlandkid2005]

I looked up the site and everything sure does seem good. I am beginning bassist that has been playing for a while. I feel that the Bass Boot Camp would help me A LOT. The price it steep but it seems worth it. Has anyone gone there before? If so, did you like it? Would it be a good investment? I am trying to go far with my bass playing and want to know would my money be well spent. Like would it get me up to speed? I had a bass teacher but they had to go away to school and I can't afford anything else on a consistent basis so I am back to teaching myself which I am doing ok at. I am trying to get into the Los Angeles Music Academy and I feel something like that would boost my progress. If anyone, could give me any details, I would appreciate it. Even if you think otherwise...

[jambassist]

I know people that attended and they liked it. With the faculty he's got, how can you not get something out of it? The question you have to ask yourself: "Is it a good deal", lol. Seriously it costs $499 and you need a place to stay. A basic room at the hotel is $149/night There's likely a better deal to be had in conjunction with the Boot Camp, but it's not listed on the hotel's site. On top of that you have food and travel expenses. You don't say how old you are of if you have a car. If you have wheels, you might find a less expensive hotel nearby, but the savings won't be that great.

You're looking at around $800 for the weekend give or take. For that money, you could take a whole lot of private lessons with a teacher in your area. The one you had went back to college so go find another. I'm sure there's some excellent bass teachers in the whole of the DC area. Quality private lessons are a much better utilization of your limited financial resources at this time.

Far as secondary school goes, have you investigated any of the music programs at the colleges in your area? The reason I say that is that LA Music school is a professional program and whatever credits you earn there won't be transferable to a traditional degree granting institution. All I'm saying is take the time to investigate all the available resources before you commit to any one of them. I wish you well with all future endeavors.

[Baryonyx]

It looks like a great program but given the huge expense of it I would definitely say you'd be much better off just getting private lessons locally.

[suitlandkid2005]

Originally Posted by jambassist

I know people that attended and they liked it. With the faculty he's got, how can you not get something out of it? The question you have to ask yourself: "Is it a good deal", lol. Seriously it costs $499 and you need a place to stay. A basic room at the hotel is $149/night There's likely a better deal to be had in conjunction with the Boot Camp, but it's not listed on the hotel's site. On top of that you have food and travel expenses. You don't say how old you are of if you have a car. If you have wheels, you might find a less expensive hotel nearby, but the savings won't be that great.

You're looking at around $800 for the weekend give or take. For that money, you could take a whole lot of private lessons with a teacher in your area. The one you had went back to college so go find another. I'm sure there's some excellent bass teachers in the whole of the DC area. Quality private lessons are a much better utilization of your limited financial resources at this time.

Far as secondary school goes, have you investigated any of the music programs at the colleges in your area? The reason I say that is that LA Music school is a professional program and whatever credits you earn there won't be transferable to a traditional degree granting institution. All I'm saying is take the time to investigate all the available resources before you commit to any one of them. I wish you well with all future endeavors.

I totally understand what you and baryonyx are saying. It is just that I like the rigorous thing of the Bass Boot Camp and being taught by really professional bassist. There is a deal. I can stay at the whole hotel and get all lessons everyday for $549. I don't think that is bad. That is only like 10 lessons with a bassist because most of them charge $50 an hour. That is too much money to be switching back and forth between teachers just in case I have one that isn't worth the money. I am 21 and have no problem getting there and back. It seems like $549 like 30 hours covering a lot of things about the bass seems great to me. About the degree, it sounds good and all about going to school here; but I need to get away from the same surroundings. I am sure you can understand that. I need to grow and go to a new area. It seems that I would have a fighting chance with a program like the LA Music Academy. It would be culture shock, learning experience, and I just might make it as a bassist. If you still think that is a bad idea then let me know. I have been looking up the camp and the school for a while. I am really set on pursuing on it. I just wanted to know what have other people been through.

[jambassist]

No, I don't think it's a bad idea at all now that you've elaborated on your circumstances. One thing though. Are you sure about that price? The cost of the class is $499 so you're saying you can stay at the hotel for 2 nights/3 days for a total of $50. Please double check that as that price sounds like what it would be for a multiple occupancy room. Nothing wrong with a 4 person room for something like this if you're cool with that.

Far as post-secondary school goes, ask the teachers when you get to the Boot Camp. You can even send Veasley an email after you register. I understand you wanting a change of scenery and I'm all about it. Just keep in mind that California is a VERY expensive state to live in and is in big financial trouble right now. You're going to have to come up with tuition money, living expenses, etc but without the support of a traditional degree granting institution. I don't know if there's any financial aid available, but the last thing you want to do is take out loans to pay for this. Please do more research on this topic.

[suitlandkid2005]

Originally Posted by jambassist

No, I don't think it's a bad idea at all now that you've elaborated on your circumstances. One thing though. Are you sure about that price? The cost of the class is $499 so you're saying you can stay at the hotel for 2 nights/3 days for a total of $50. Please double check that as that price sounds like what it would be for a multiple occupancy room. Nothing wrong with a 4 person room for something like this if you're cool with that.

Far as post-secondary school goes, ask the teachers when you get to the Boot Camp. You can even send Veasley an email after you register. I understand you wanting a change of scenery and I'm all about it. Just keep in mind that California is a VERY expensive state to live in and is in big financial trouble right now. You're going to have to come up with tuition money, living expenses, etc but without the support of a traditional degree granting institution. I don't know if there's any financial aid available, but the last thing you want to do is take out loans to pay for this. Please do more research on this topic.

I totally understand everything you are saying. I was talking about places in financial trouble with my uncle last night and California was definitely one of them. lol The FAQ section of the boot camp section says $549 and I don't mind the occupancy thing. It is just a weekend. The school does have financial aid. It just doesn't have housing. They have a roommate hook up type thing and plenty of listings for places. I found some that are cheap too rent. I am definitely doing my research. I would also make sure to save up a whole lot before I left. I wouldn't plan to go anywhere until like next summer so I can take this year to get a jump on things.

[suitlandkid2005]

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