I have lurked on this board for years; I rarely contribute because I only post if I really have something to add to the discussion. I don't know if I actually have something to add, but after following this thread for the last couple of weeks I feel compelled to weigh in with my thoughts.
I am completely blown away by the quality of this thread; without exaggeration I can say that this is the single most civil and, more importantly, most
useful conversation I have ever seen on the internet. Even with some strong opinions and disagreements, the level of discourse has been top-notch, and everyone involved should be proud of themselves. I'd like to thank everyone for that, and especially thank Goldsby, Friedland, and Vogt (and all the established players/teachers) for contributing and raising the quality even higher.
I have followed the controversies surrounding Jeff Berlin's opinions and statements over the years, going way back to the early BP mag columns and the debates with Steve Bailey. As many other have, I took exception to his tone and attitude at first, but as I took the effort to actually hear and understand what he was saying and why he was saying it, it became clear to me that his reasoning was flawless and born out of decades of experience, and that he genuinely cared about music education and about the welfare of those who wanted to study and learn music. While some may still disagree with his opinions and reasoning (although I can't see where there is much room for disagreement), the one undeniable truth that comes out of this thread is that Jeff is truly committed to the student and to spreading the best methods of musical education. Consider this: Jeff is an internationally-known, respected, legendary musician and educator, he presents clinics and performs around the world, and he runs a successful school, yet he is willing to take part in a
25+ page thread on music education and contribute
over 100 posts, many of which address specific questions about learning and studying music. That is an incredible investment in time and mental effort, with the only real payoff being the opportunity to help others. Arrogant blowhards with giant egos and attitudes don't do things like that; only an individual who truly cares would put in that sort of effort, and all of those over the years who have taken personal offense to his opinions are clearly misinformed.
Jeff, I'd like to personally thank you for putting out that sort of effort, and I'd like to let you know that it has helped and inspired at least one person on this board (I know it's inspired a lot more than that, but I can only speak for myself). I have played for over 20 years now. I'm completely self-taught and I learned primarily by ear and by playing with others. About ten years ago I started making an effort to really learn music, and I purchased a chord chart and a book on reading the bass clef (
http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=95297). I found myself frustrated because I had the impression that it wasn't acceptable to play the lessons slowly, and because I didn't see the immediate value in those lessons, so I didn't go very far with my studies. I have been stuck in a rut musically for years, and I hardly ever pick up my bass anymore, but after reading this thread and hearing your approach, I found and dusted off my note reading book and chord chart, and I started putting in about an hour a night working on the lessons and playing the chord tones up and down the neck as you suggested. I find that I'm more excited about playing than I've been in over a decade. I hope to one day attend at least a 1-week intensive at the Player's School, but even if I don't, I feel like a whole new world has opened up for me.
Sorry for the long post, but I had to get that out. I'll end with a couple of simple requests:
- Mods - please firmly pin this thread to the top of the board.
- Talkbass community - continue to keep the standard of discussion civil, reasonable, and at a high level, as we all benefit when this happens.
- And Jeff - have a great time in Italy, and keep up the fight.
-Yools
Really, If I hadn't have been checking up on this thread, I wouldn't have read your colume, and wouldn't have tested my tuning skills which are pretty bad.
