Thinking of taking "the plunge..."

[fmoore200]

into getting back into double bass!!

I say "back into" because I haven't played upright since high school I played db for ~1 year (taking lessons for some of that time), until my bass fell off the flimsy stand and cracked severely I have kept playing eb on and off during that time, as well as drumset and percussion, but I truly enjoyed the role, feel (both physical and emotional), tone, etc.. of the upright. Now it feels like a good time to get back to playing this beautiful instrument as I feel I am in a more mature place (musically anyway)

Some questions for you experienced players:

what should I look for in a good student level bass?

I plan to take lessons immedietly, but what kind of teacher should I look for? (my goals are mostly jazz & Latin)

I want continuity with my teacher, but how do I *know* if a teacher fits my learning style, etc?

Thanks Guys!!

[Eric Hochberg]

Read THIS

I would get a teacher who knows how to teach the basics. If they also play jazz and latin, that's good, too. You'll know if you like the teacher/lessons after you've taken a few. Since you're in NYC, Ed Fuqua would be a good guy to talk to about this.

[fmoore200]

Thanks Eric! I didn't find that article, it is really informative. What do you mean by basics? Would that be a classical teacher? I studied out of simandle when I was in high school, so I know that is in my near future

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by fmoore200

What do you mean by basics? Would that be a classical teacher? I studied out of simandle when I was in high school, so I know that is in my near future

Simandl is good. Basics means beginning technique. Find someone who knows how to start you from the beginning. It's about playing the instrument, scales, arpeggios, melodies... Then you can adapt your technique to whatever style of music you choose. A classical teacher will teach the bow, a jazz guy will work with your pizz technique and jazz theory/improvisation. There are teachers that do both, too.

[fmoore200]

Well I'm definitely more interested in pizzicato, but I would like to be able to play arco, for the beautiful music that can be made with the technique, but also because I have read (here on TB) that Arco helps with intonation. Is that true?

Sorry to pick your brain, but I'm excited and want to have as much info as possible..

[Eric Hochberg]

If playing with the bow helps you to hear pitch more accurately, then that is a good thing. I wouldn't say you have to learn with the bow to be able to play in tune, but it sure won't hurt.

[fmoore200]

Thanks again Eric! Anybody have any recommendations for a good teacher for someone with my needs in the Westchester, NY area? I am willing to travel to the city if need be, but if I could find a teacher closer to home, that would be great

[Eric Hochberg]

You might get more response if you post this in the pedagogy or jazz technique section.

[fmoore200]

Ok, I'll try... I wasn't sure where to post this...