NTD - at last!

[Yonni]

I started playing about 3 years ago with a teacher. We got on, had similar musical tastes and she knew her stuff. Problem was that she mainly taught kids. When she saw me pick something up quickly she'd jump ahead. For example, I "got" triplets quite quickly. I dunno, maybe she thought I was a super fast learner but within a few months she had me trying to play "Hit Me WithYour Rhythm Stick), a song I know know is considered a grade 8 piece, for a beginner! I really struggled and lost motivation. I gave up lessons as I was studying for a postgrad part time, working full time and have 2 young kids. I kept up the bass via YouTube and courses (SBL, Talking bass, Learn to play bass.com and bass guitar.com) and the Hal Leonard book etc. They have their merits and an undeniable resource of experience and materials but they can lack a clear path or structure. I got frustrated because I kept latching onto new material before I'd really internalised the learning from the last thing I'd done. This is a big problem with the internet - too much info, no structure I wasn't getting feedback in technique etc and had no clear direction. I progressed but very slowly. Yesterday was NTD (New Teacher Day). I was moaning in the kitchen at work about how hard it was to find a teacher and someone recommended a guy. I went to see him last night and he seems really clued up. Not just about theory etc. But a very experienced teacher. I was sceptical because he primarily advertises as a guitar teacher and his primary instrument is classical guitar. When I got there I was happy to see an EB Musicman in his guitar rack. When he plays bass, he plays like a bass player. I now have a plan, a direction, feedback and, perhaps most importantly, a motivator ( I need to practice for the next lesson). None of the big online academies seem to give you all of that. They have their place but for me at least, nothing beats that 1:1 experience. I'm so excited and motivated again!

 

[Drucifer]

One of the best teachers I ever had was primarily a guitar player, but I didn't figure that out for months because he was such a good bass teacher and player.

 

[JRA]

congrats on your "NTD!"