Double Bass Simandl vs Suzuki vs Nanny

[Andy Mopley]

Hi all

in my mind all three texts can co-exist, however when a beginner approaches double bass, I am wondering if using relatively simple tunes (like what you find in Suzuki or Nanny) is of greater value to learning than the somewhat "dry" content of much of Simandl Book 1.

George Vance's method is based on using simple (up to a point!) tunes, too. I have also seen piano teachers using simple tunes with kids, to keep them interested.

So from a Pedagogical framework, does it make more sense to use this approach, regardless of the age of the student, or does Simandl still has much to offer?

Thanks for reading!

 

[neilG]

Simple tunes are fine for beginners. Real music is rarely made up of only simple tunes, so eventually you'll need to progress to something more complex. It's important to remember that in Simandl's time, it was not unusual for someone taking up an instrument to already be schooled in piano or sight-singing. With that training, Simandl would not have presented a problem in deciphering what things would sound like. Even so, Simandl is not that complicated and is only as dry as you make it.

 

[FrankDeets]

I do prefer the style of the simandl book but it is important that this book is partnered with the simandl 30 etudes book.