Qualified bass teachers in the UK

I don't think there is such a thing - there is a large US list under the basslessons website but this only lists Steve Lawson for he UK!

I think the only option you have is to go to gigs and if you like the person's playing then ask them if they give lessons - of course this doesn't give you any idea of whether they are good teacher or not.

It's the same for most instruments though - the trombone player in my group has been looking for a decent Jazz teacher for years without luck. But we went to see a group locally that included Annie Whitehead (very good UK -based player who is on a lot of CDs I own) and he plucked up the courage to ask and she has agreed.

 

Hi David

there's the Registry of Guitar teachers, but from the experience of many many people that I know I'd say PROCEED WITH CAUTION - I know a lot of people who've had lessons from so-called qualified teachers who were rubbish. Personal recommendation is a far better way to go, and after that, trial and error. Sometimes you get a hunch that someone will be good or bad, and that can help, other times there will be good teachers who just aren't right for you - I'm sure there are some people that wouldn't get on with my style of teaching (hopefully not too many! ), and if that was the case, I'd point them to someone else.

Qualifications can be had by ticking the right boxes, they aren't really any real measure of someone's ability to connect with a student (same as any teaching qualification, really...)

So, your best bet is to go and have a read of the quotes from my students on my website!!!!! <biggrin>

cheers

Steve
www.steve-lawson.co.uk

 

I agree with Steve that it is very difficult to judge who is going to be a good teacher. I go along to Jazz workshops in Brighton quite frequently and some tutors are very good and get a lot out of the time and there are some who are just so bad as teachers that I avoid the session when I know they are going to be running it!

 

David,

one more thing - beware of anyone who teaches guitar and bass - I'm sure there are some people who teach both well, but most 'doublers' are much weaker in one area. While I can understand the need to make a living, it really is fleecing the students to offer tuition on an instrument that you're not really in a position to teach. I've got a heck of a lot of students who've had a bad experience with a teacher who had a bad experience with someone who taught both and basically viewed bass as an easy guitar with chunky strings!

I could probably get away with teaching 'beginner' guitar, but would much rather point people to someone who has dedicated their life to finding out what guitar is all about and knows it on a deep level, rather than me who views it as a crap bass with thin strings... )

good luck finding a teacher - and see you soon!!

Steve
www.steve-lawson.co.uk