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Ariane Cap's Music Theory course?

#42
Today, I'm starting week 8 of her course, and still love it as much as I first started. And yeah, I agree that trusting the process is key, as it's easy to assume that "I already know all this" during some of the beginning exercises, only to find yourself quickly overwhelmed if you haven't mentally committed to her process.

Additionally, though I have yet to use it, I like the idea that I could always come back and revisit the course if I'm unable to give it the 20 weeks (or more) that it requires, rather than paying a monthly subscription.
 
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#44
I'm only about halfway through the course. With that said:

A) I know it says the book is required, but I've found that to be only partly true. There are some concepts and bass lines she plays from the book, but it's fairly minimal, and the bulk of my time has been spent either doing finger exercises or free-form playing over provided backing tracks.
B) No real "songs" as of yet. See "A" above. The course seems less about songs for you to play and more about the theoretical relationships between notes. Lots of memorization tasks with committing the fretboard to memory in many different theoretical contexts.
 
#45
BeRad said:
A. Is it possible to take the course without the book?

B. Are there songs/bass lines worked into the learning?
Click to expand...
It's certainly possible to go through the course without the book but you'd be missing out on exactly what the course has to offer and defeating the purpose. Remember this is a course teaching music theory from the perspective of the bass player although the theory is the same no matter what instrument you play. In reality the book came before the course so if you only chose one it would be the book and you'd be money ahead. The actual course reinforces the concepts in the book from both a practical theoretic approach and a technical applied approach. The reason why I highly recommend the course is because it addresses problems that the typical student doesn't even realize that they have. After you have a good grasp of the material then you would be free to apply it to songs or backing tracks with your expanded vocabulary.
 
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#46
Here in Canada we are on yet another lockdown due to Covid and as a result many non-essential stores are closed other than for curtsied pickup. I haven't picked up a bass in 45 years and as a retirement gift to myself I will be purchasing one as soon as the current stay at home order is lifted. I am an engineer and as such methodical and logically oriented. I never learned to play the instrument formally and as such intend to learn the "proper" way this time around. I have searched out various "courses" and on the surface, it seems that this course will provide the best opportunity for the proper start in learning the instrument the right way. My nature is to jump in to the deep end with everything I've ever done which means that dedicating time to learn and practice will be the norm vs the exception. My concern is that of physical limitations at my ripe old age of 68. Not having an instrument to my avail myself with to know if practice alone will overcome physical limitations. My definition of physical limitations is lack of coordination and finger independence of the left fretting hand. I have just now purchased the book online through Amazon which is minimal investment at the outset. Will the methods and exercises outlined in Arianes book, practiced diligently with extreme dedication and perseverance alone develop the coordination and finger independence, with proper technique, to at least learn to play respectfully. My goal is to play on my own and eventually jam in private with friends to a respectable level at some point? Any comments or advice appreciated.

Thanks

Dave
Niagara Region - Canada
 
#47
After about one and a half years, I am finishing up the Music Theory book. Be aware that the music theory book is not really a method book. The new Pattern System book seems more like a method book, I guess well see when it comes out. The music theory book sort of seems like a prerequisite for the pattern book.

I think if you were to diligently work through the music theory book it would be time well spent. You could then move on to the pattern book. On the other hand, it seems like the Hal Leonard method book is a popular choice to get up and running fast.

A word of caution, you might want to ease slowly into practice. For me, if I go from zero minutes to 45 minutes daily practice, my tendinitis acts up.
 

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