So I've been playing the double bass for about three years now. I have been studying with this one teacher on and off for three years. I have learned a lot from her and my playing has really come a long way, but we really dont vibe well. I always feel uncomfortable in lessons and I am starting to realize that I don't like the way she approaches teaching. I almost never feel as if she is satisfied with my playing, which is dissapointing after shedding for 3-4 hours every day. I know my playing is improving, but sometimes I wonder if it would improve faster with a teacher that understands me. How important is a positive vibe when it comes to private lessons? What would you suggest doing in this situation?
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Double Bass Choosing the right teacher
- Thread starter x18karatharmony
- Start date
Encouragement and positive attitude is crucial to sucess. I see it in myself and my students. A lesson should be a thing to look forward to. If your negative about your lesson you'll be less motivated to play.
Find a new teacher.
Find a new teacher.
- Dec 13, 1999
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- Disclosures
- Chuck Sher publishes my book, WALKING BASSICS:The Fundamentals of Jazz Bass Playing.
You seen Branford's response to an interview question about "today's students"?
You say you have "learned a lot" and your "playing has come a long way" and you want to STOP studying with her? The time to stop studying with somebody is when you are unable to make EITHER of those statements. I'm not sure what you want this teacher to "understand" about you. If you're doing the work and progressing so that there's deeper work that you have to do, I don't think I would get so concerned with getting a pat on the head.
You say you have "learned a lot" and your "playing has come a long way" and you want to STOP studying with her? The time to stop studying with somebody is when you are unable to make EITHER of those statements. I'm not sure what you want this teacher to "understand" about you. If you're doing the work and progressing so that there's deeper work that you have to do, I don't think I would get so concerned with getting a pat on the head.
i agree with ed. at the same time, it all depends on your goals. if you feel like you've achieved what you want to then it doesn't matter who you study with. you should evaluate what you want to get out of playing the bass before you decide to switch teachers.
Perhaps you might consider gently approaching this subject with your teacher. Have a discussion about how much you feel you've accomplished and the new paths that you might be able to explore at this point in your progress. It might be time to set some new goals!
It is important to have at least a decent relationship with your teacher, but if you're improving, I don't see why you should stop. One thing that's really helped me to understand my teachers is: you should record yourself. Just record a take that you feel good about. Set it aside, and come back to it at the end of the day. Listen to it, and think: "Would this be something I would like to listen to?" If that's a 'No', try to think about what your teacher would say about it (or, send it to your teacher and see what he/she says about it) and try to put their words of advice to use. Practice it that way for about a week, and compare the first and last recordings. Does it sound a lot better? Does it match how YOU hear the music? But most importantly: does it make sense? Does the recording have everything that's written on the music in it? If not, it could be one of two problems: you or your teacher's guidance. Ultimately it's up to you, but if anything, I've found that the final person responsible for his/her playing is yourself. Teachers are really just there to make sure you're making progress, and the right progress at that.
Just my 2 cents.
Thanks matt that seems like some really solid advice. I recently started recording my practice sessions and I sound so much different than I thought I did. I will definantly try everything you reccomended!
If you're serious about playing, which you obviously seem to be, I wouldn't leave a teacher who has helped you come a long way. Some teachers are warm and fuzzy and some are not. The proof is in the playing and in your progress. Good luck.
I agree with basschick - talk to your teacher, and tell her the things that you like and don't like, and I'm sure you can settle on something. My old teacher always told me that If he would always praise my playing, I would not get anywhere. He taught me a lot of things, but he rarely ever gave me compliments, and was generally displeased with what I put out over 2 years from scratch. I'm studying with another good teacher, and he has a smile on his face no matter how bad I play. He is very encouraging and his vibe is very positive unlike my last teacher. Even though he does not push me as much as my last teacher, I see myself improving, and actually having fun playing the bass. And if you're not having fun, what's the point?
