Another band practice question- 'tutoring' other members at practices...

Fassa Albrecht · #1 08-09-2008, 04:56 PM

This is something which is really hacking me off with the CU band.

Basically at band practices the main aim is to introduce the band to the songs for the service, play them and iron out any issues with them we have.

However I'm being put in an increasingly difficult situation in that I often find myself tutoring other members on what are, at least for me, very basic skills such as breakdowns (where we usually drop out so that bass and drums only are playing for a verse and then come back in at the climax of the song) and trills.

I've come to believe that because the bandleader recognises my want to gig and be a recording musician and not some bedroom player and so is putting more responsibilty/pressure on me as a player as a result.

Should I really be having to explain trills and hammer-ons to supposedly more 'experienced' musicians, and should I really be having to tutor them as well?

fretlessman71 · #2 08-09-2008, 05:02 PM

I believe so. I believe that learning to be a musician isn't a one-dimensional "continuum", and that supposedly advanced players can often be at a disadvantage in some situations. Also, if you've been given the freedom to shape the songs how you see fit (which may include some very basic concepts to you and I), you've also been given the responsibility to make sure the people in your band understand what to do when you ask them for it.

This is a vote of confidence and a compliment by the bandleader to you, if you ask me. You'll be glad you got to do this now. If I had a dollar for every time I've had to babysit a drummer or guitarist through a gig, I could buy myself a decent bass with the proceeds.

DeRoy · #3 08-09-2008, 05:14 PM

I'm finding myself in similar shoes right now, too. My consolation is that I remind myself that teaching something to someone is among the higher levels of demonstrating your own understanding. Simply the process of trying to present something to someone who may learn differently from you or have a different angle on it will force you to broaden your own understanding and also possibility discover new things in the process. In other words, by teachers others, you're also helping yourself.

Fassa Albrecht · #4 08-09-2008, 05:17 PM

I wouldn't mind if I was teaching another bassist, but in some cases I'm teaching GUITARISTS.....and I don't even PLAY guitar!

fretlessman71 · #5 08-09-2008, 05:21 PM

That just speaks to the level of understanding you have regarding the instrument. This is your opportunity to mold a guitarist into what you WANT them to be instead of what they end up being (which is usually "really annoying"). Consider it a challenge. IIRC you're rather young, right? This is GOOD for you and your musicianship. Go ahead and vent here - we get it, we understand - but go back and give those musicians a run for their money and earn their respect for it.

Mr. Lovejoy · #6 08-09-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I wouldn't mind if I was teaching another bassist, but in some cases I'm teaching GUITARISTS.....and I don't even PLAY guitar!

Same theory, same notes.

The instruments are not all that different.

Lucas G · #7 08-09-2008, 05:29 PM

don't throw up on them!

Fassa Albrecht · #8 08-09-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

That just speaks to the level of understanding you have regarding the instrument. This is your opportunity to mold a guitarist into what you WANT them to be instead of what they end up being (which is usually "really annoying"). Consider it a challenge. IIRC you're rather young, right? This is GOOD for you and your musicianship. Go ahead and vent here - we get it, we understand - but go back and give those musicians a run for their money and earn their respect for it.

Thank you for making me feel so much better. You're probably right, I'm probably helping them more than I would care to think by giving them some input.

Jason Gale · #9 08-09-2008, 05:54 PM

It can be very frusting, I remember the first band I was in a band when I was 11 and the rest of the guys were in their 20's and I'd have to teach them the chords and structures.

Although it is annoying, you learn a lot out of it yourself, I believe I did anyway. Also, it teaches you to be patient with musicians that aren't at the standard you are at maybe?

But then I think there's a difference between teaching people stuff because they don't know 'how' to do it and teaching people stuff because they having been pulling their weight.

Jase

fretlessman71 · #10 08-09-2008, 06:03 PM

And the satisfaction you get from all of this will be the frusting on the cake.

Fassa Albrecht · #11 08-09-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Gale

It can be very frusting, I remember the first band I was in a band when I was 11 and the rest of the guys were in their 20's and I'd have to teach them the chords and structures.

Although it is annoying, you learn a lot out of it yourself, I believe I did anyway. Also, it teaches you to be patient with musicians that aren't at the standard you are at maybe?

But then I think there's a difference between teaching people stuff because they don't know 'how' to do it and teaching people stuff because they having been pulling their weight.

Jase

The thing that 'annoys' me somewhat is this- I am in two bands which play worship music. In one I am expected to be as professional as any professional band- we are supposed to be proficient in our instruments, improve constantly and contribute fully to the band. In this band there is no control about who is in band and most volunteers are little more than bedroom players using the band as an excuse to get some public playing time.

It's this massive difference in attitude which really gets to me.

Fassa Albrecht · #12 08-09-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

And the satisfaction you get from all of this will be the frusting on the cake.

Plus, I've seen these musicians go away and teach other musicians in the team- my teaching has a ripple effect on the whole group. Even when I'm just watching it makes the music more interesting and I am proud to know that the music became like that because I taught them something.

fretlessman71 · #13 08-09-2008, 07:02 PM

Hmmm... you ever heard the saying:

"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig."

You may well be in this situation. A talk with your church music director might be in order if they just don't WANT to do well.

Fassa Albrecht · #14 08-09-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

Hmmm... you ever heard the saying:

"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig."

You may well be in this situation. A talk with your church music director might be in order if they just don't WANT to do well.

With this CU band I'm unlikely to remain in a performing role anyway- the band atmosphere is too loose and unprofessional for my liking.

Arrogant as it sounds, I prefer the discipline of my church band to this one.

OtterOnBass · #15 08-09-2008, 07:05 PM

Alas, knowledge is power, and with great power comes great responsibility.

*smb · #16 08-09-2008, 07:42 PM

If I'm playing with people better than me then I'm very happy to get tips on how to improve myself. If I'm playing with people who want certain skills or techniques I can show them then I'm happy to show them. Isn't this how music has always worked?

Fassa Albrecht · #17 08-09-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *smb

If I'm playing with people better than me then I'm very happy to get tips on how to improve myself. If I'm playing with people who want certain skills or techniques I can show them then I'm happy to show them. Isn't this how music has always worked?

Yeah, but when you're teaching supposedly proficient musicians simple theory and techniques then it becomes annoying.
If you're going to form a band, then you should know these sorts of things.