Should I give my teacher one last try or just switch?

[NeonBass]

So I've been taking bass lessons for about 2 years now. I still can't play basic songs and don't have knowledge of basic music theory. I really can't play bass at all to be honest. Sometimes people ask me to play something for them and it's embarrassing because I don't have anything to play for them.

Granted, I have a learning disability but I've told my teacher that I'm struggling with the content and it doesn't seem to change anything. I'm considering switching teachers. It's sucks though because my teacher and I have a similar style and he's introduced me to so many cool songs that I now cherish. However, he hasn't been able to teach me which is a pretty big issue since it's supposed to be lessons.

The only other place in my city that offers bass lessons is Guitar Center so if I switched, I'd have to go there. I know Guitar Center is looked down on but apparently they teach based on a curriculum which might help my learning disability.

I have my next lesson with my current guitar teacher later today, If I show up I'm stuck in another month's worth of lessons. At the same time, I feel bad if I just randomly bail on him. I'm unsure of rather or not I should try to bring these issues up to him again and give him one more month's try, or just make the switch and be done with it.

What do you guys think?

 

[BassChuck]

Be honest, tell him your concerns. Maybe suggest a break and take a few lessons from another teacher just to see how it goes.
Private lessons are NOT like school. The teacher works for you, and is your employee. If you are not getting what you are paying for, it's time to search for an answer.
When you were in school, were you taught strategies for deal with your learning disability? If so, you might bring those to the attention of your private teacher. If not, you might consider seeking out some professional, non-music help with the disability.

 

[enricogaletta]

It seems that you already explained to him your concerns so I would be definitely change teacher.
Disability, is not a barrier, sometime is one of the best motivation, one of my students has a serious hand mechanic disease and despite that, he is one of my best student.
Just for example here's a quick video of him play with me

Perseverance is the key to reach goals and the 60% of the work is on you, but a good teacher can give you the inspiration and the right keys.
So, I will definitely look around, two years is a huge time and if you are still feel frustrated about your knowledges, you need to change teacher.
Last but not least if you are interested in Skype live lessons and wanna learn more details about it just let me know.
Let's groove. Enrico

 

[bfields]

Cancelling with less than a day's notice isn't great, in my opinion, so I'd give it at least another month. And, as BassChuck says, speak up about your concerns to give you and your teacher the best chance to work it out.

I don't think anyone can tell you whether Guitar Center would be better, it probably varies a lot depending on who they find to do the lessons.

I find it hard to believe that's really the only other choice--what have done to look for teachers?

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

It seems that you already explained to him your concerns so I would be definitely change teacher.
Disability, is not a barrier, sometime is one of the best motivation, one of my students has a serious hand mechanic disease and despite that, he is one of my best student.
Just for example here's a quick video of him play with me

Perseverance is the key to reach goals and the 60% of the work is on you, but a good teacher can give you the inspiration and the right keys.
So, I will definitely look around, two years is a huge time and if you are still feel frustrated about your knowledges, you need to change teacher.
Last but not least if you are interested in Skype live lessons and wanna learn more details about it just let me know.
Let's groove. Enrico

I tip my hat to that dudes courage. Pure awesome

 

[enricogaletta]

I tip my hat to that dudes courage. Pure awesome

I know man, because an accident he lost the 80% of his forearm muscles and despite that he found out a way to play the bass with his own technique, and he plays great, anytime I watch him it's pure inspiration.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

So I've been taking bass lessons for about 2 years now. I still can't play basic songs and don't have knowledge of basic music theory. I really can't play bass at all to be honest. Sometimes people ask me to play something for them and it's embarrassing because I don't have anything to play for them.

Granted, I have a learning disability but I've told my teacher that I'm struggling with the content and it doesn't seem to change anything. I'm considering switching teachers. It's sucks though because my teacher and I have a similar style and he's introduced me to so many cool songs that I now cherish. However, he hasn't been able to teach me which is a pretty big issue since it's supposed to be lessons.

The only other place in my city that offers bass lessons is Guitar Center so if I switched, I'd have to go there. I know Guitar Center is looked down on but apparently they teach based on a curriculum which might help my learning disability.

I have my next lesson with my current guitar teacher later today, If I show up I'm stuck in another month's worth of lessons. At the same time, I feel bad if I just randomly bail on him. I'm unsure of rather or not I should try to bring these issues up to him again and give him one more month's try, or just make the switch and be done with it.

What do you guys think?

What kind of practice do you do at home? Are you applying the content from the lessons into your daily routine? The knee-to-knee lessons are just a place to learn new things to apply. The practice comes at home and that, to be honest, is where the real learning occurs.

 

[ninefingerbass]

So I've been taking bass lessons for about 2 years now. I still can't play basic songs and don't have knowledge of basic music theory. I really can't play bass at all to be honest. Sometimes people ask me to play something for them and it's embarrassing because I don't have anything to play for them.

Granted, I have a learning disability but I've told my teacher that I'm struggling with the content and it doesn't seem to change anything. I'm considering switching teachers. It's sucks though because my teacher and I have a similar style and he's introduced me to so many cool songs that I now cherish. However, he hasn't been able to teach me which is a pretty big issue since it's supposed to be lessons.

The only other place in my city that offers bass lessons is Guitar Center so if I switched, I'd have to go there. I know Guitar Center is looked down on but apparently they teach based on a curriculum which might help my learning disability.

I have my next lesson with my current guitar teacher later today, If I show up I'm stuck in another month's worth of lessons. At the same time, I feel bad if I just randomly bail on him. I'm unsure of rather or not I should try to bring these issues up to him again and give him one more month's try, or just make the switch and be done with it.

What do you guys think?

Where in North Carolina are you located? If you are in the Charlotte area, I know of a bass teacher. I'm not sure if he still teaches but he's an excellent teacher and a very well respected player in the area.

On the other hand, maybe you should consider asking your teacher what his goals are and tell him what your goals are. Also, is this teacher a bassist or a guitarist teaching bass?

 

[gln1955]

If you don't mind sharing, what kind of learning disability do you have? It might help us understand and give better advice. Does your teacher know what your issues are try to work with the problem?

 

[two fingers]

So I've been taking bass lessons for about 2 years now. I still can't play basic songs and don't have knowledge of basic music theory. I really can't play bass at all to be honest. Sometimes people ask me to play something for them and it's embarrassing because I don't have anything to play for them.

Granted, I have a learning disability but I've told my teacher that I'm struggling with the content and it doesn't seem to change anything. I'm considering switching teachers. It's sucks though because my teacher and I have a similar style and he's introduced me to so many cool songs that I now cherish. However, he hasn't been able to teach me which is a pretty big issue since it's supposed to be lessons.

The only other place in my city that offers bass lessons is Guitar Center so if I switched, I'd have to go there. I know Guitar Center is looked down on but apparently they teach based on a curriculum which might help my learning disability.

I have my next lesson with my current guitar teacher later today, If I show up I'm stuck in another month's worth of lessons. At the same time, I feel bad if I just randomly bail on him. I'm unsure of rather or not I should try to bring these issues up to him again and give him one more month's try, or just make the switch and be done with it.

What do you guys think?

How much do you PRACTICE between lessons? That matters more and any other detail.

 

[Heavy Blue]

It seems that you already explained to him your concerns so I would be definitely change teacher.
Disability, is not a barrier, sometime is one of the best motivation, one of my students has a serious hand mechanic disease and despite that, he is one of my best student.
Just for example here's a quick video of him play with me

Perseverance is the key to reach goals and the 60% of the work is on you, but a good teacher can give you the inspiration and the right keys.
So, I will definitely look around, two years is a huge time and if you are still feel frustrated about your knowledges, you need to change teacher.
Last but not least if you are interested in Skype live lessons and wanna learn more details about it just let me know.
Let's groove. Enrico

That’s so inspiring! I wish you lived here lol.