I have played bass guitar for many years now as an amateur. Currently I'm in a couple of rock bands and also meet with some friends to play jazz standards. Currently I am focused on studying jazz harmony and improvisation on my electric bass. About 9 years ago I bought an Upright Bass, a 1988 Emanuel Wilfer from West Germany. I played it a little but it has sat in the corner since then. Recently I thought of selling it but that made me sad, lol, as if I was giving up. So I got the bass out of the case, I had no rosin and my bow is losing hair faster than I am. I tightened the bow and tried to remember the way to hold a German bow. The sound was beautiful to me, I even played a few 1st position notes and they weren't horrible. No cats came scratching on my door. Yesterday I purchased some rosin and have decided to just pick up the bass every day for a few weeks to see if I want to study for real. I play a few open notes, a few scales and arpeggios.
Then I can decide if I want to give this a shot. Lucky for me I work an early shift so my neighbors won't hear me playing when I get home from work. Even though I will eventually want to play jazz and walk, I will study classical for a couple of reasons. One is that I think classical places the most emphasis on technique, bad intonation makes me cringe. I also like classical music and have been told that amateur bassists can get into community orchestras. If/when I am ready to learn to walk I can seek out a jazz teacher.
How should I find a teacher? Should I stop by Juilliard and ask them for a recommendation? I know of a professional player who came through Juilliard and I think he charges $75 a lesson. He comes highly recommended from a mutual friend and seems to have a good resume. Any advice for an older guy starting out?
Then I can decide if I want to give this a shot. Lucky for me I work an early shift so my neighbors won't hear me playing when I get home from work. Even though I will eventually want to play jazz and walk, I will study classical for a couple of reasons. One is that I think classical places the most emphasis on technique, bad intonation makes me cringe. I also like classical music and have been told that amateur bassists can get into community orchestras. If/when I am ready to learn to walk I can seek out a jazz teacher.
How should I find a teacher? Should I stop by Juilliard and ask them for a recommendation? I know of a professional player who came through Juilliard and I think he charges $75 a lesson. He comes highly recommended from a mutual friend and seems to have a good resume. Any advice for an older guy starting out?
