I'm breaking out of the beginner stages of bass playing, and am wondering where to go from here - hire a one on one tutor or take an online course? Right now, an online course seems the best bang for my buck, but it isn't going to pull me up on bad technique and may sometimes veer into areas that are not much interest to the player. A good example is the Scott Devine course, a laid back humorous delivery and what seems an excellent window into theory and technique, but maybe leans too hard on jazz fusion (perhaps the only genre I've little interest in).
I'm a big believer in face-to-face, in-person teaching for any subject or endeavor. Online courses can be good, but it's not the same as being in the same room with the teacher.
Agreed... Plus, nowadays you can have online personal instruction via Skype. There is no reason why can't take both approaches, but if you are still in the earlier phases of learning, one on one is preferable.
Personally, I tried the on-line route... I found my lack of discipline (& need for critique) led me to a number (4) of "teachers"... I finally located a wonderful man to teach me some skills, some tunes, much understanding... so: one on one is the only way it works for me... YMMV.
I didn't do well with online instruction either. An instructor 'knee to knee' has greatly imoroved my technique... Last week we didn't even open the book... just worked on technique, and it was more helpful than I could imagine. Great stuff. Worth every penny.
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