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Never too late for lessons

joshmickelson

joshmickelson

Nov 19, 2008
452
64
Denver, CO
www.myspace.com
#1
After 13 years of playing bass, I am getting my first lesson. I have scheduled a lesson with Peter Huffaker here in Denver. We go to church together, and both play bass on the music team. He went to college with John Patitucci and is a well respected bass player here in Denver. He plays for the Lone Tree Symphony, various churches and a lot of jazz gigs. I think he is going to open up a whole new world of playing to me.

I am a little intimidated to unlearn all of my bad habits, it could possibly be fairly frustrating, but I think that is a good thing. I really want to learn how to read music as well, and I think these lessons will really help me with that.

Any suggestions on getting the most from my lessons?
 
#2
Don't be intimitated he's just another musician. I studied the string Bass and electric many years ago ....even got a music degree....big deal !! I have gone back to lessons on the guitar and drums. Just take it slow and set reasonable goals to reach in between each lesson. Everbody learns at a different speed. What I do is try for 15 min to 30 min. max for quality practice time.
 
#6
Another thing...dont just tell your teacher you understand something because you want him to feel youre learning at a good pace. ACTUALLY LEARN things...and be honest with yourself about your pace. Put your pride away...and focus on learning.

In the long (never ending) run...you'll be happier with a stronger foundation in fewer points than a weak knowledge of lots of things.
 
#7
togglehead said:
Another thing...dont just tell your teacher you understand something because you want him to feel youre learning at a good pace. ACTUALLY LEARN things...and be honest with yourself about your pace. Put your pride away...and focus on learning.

In the long (never ending) run...you'll be happier with a stronger foundation in fewer points than a weak knowledge of lots of things.
Click to expand...

that's great advice.


thanks everyone for the input.
 
#8
I've been playing about 12 years and lately i've been wanting to find someone to take lessons from. I have been able to learn a lot from books/online videos and just from playing solo/with the band, but lately I don't seem to be getting as much out of self-study. I'm sure I have a ton of habits that will make a classically trained bassist cringe. As soon as I find a teacher around here that's up my alley I'll probably be in the same boat as you.
 

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