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Double Bass Studying db in middle-age
- Thread starter MartinT
- Start date
Lovebown said:
I knew from your past posts that you are not that thin in the head! I said what I said for the benefit of some of our younger newbies who are not quite used to our strangeness here on TBDB
Lovebown said:
Yeah, I read that Mike Moore stuff too...and I have the CD. As we all know, the tendency to rush was the least of their problems. I loved those guys though. Mike tried to hold them in....I was 22 and in total awe of these guys...I happily went right along with the program!
Let's see...I think this thread started with studying bass at a later age?
I read in an Evans bio that Michael Moore lamented that he had to wear the "uniform" that Bill and Joe has picked out. Something like a powder blue suit with a lavender shirt.
But hey, if Bill had called me and told me the uniform was grass skirt and a coconut bra, I'd be packed on the next plane.
But hey, if Bill had called me and told me the uniform was grass skirt and a coconut bra, I'd be packed on the next plane.
Powder blue polyester and pink, to be precise. Michael has a picture of it over his piano. He still busts out laughing when he tells about it. Bill and Philly were not exactly themselves when they made the choice.Mike Goodbar said:
Reading this thread helped inspire me to have one of the best practice sessions I've had in a long time! I am 27 (I'm not suggesting that I'm middle age). I've not played in any groups or had any lessons since I left college over 5 years ago. It's great to see so many of you getting back into it. When I got out of college I jumped right into the wife/mortgage/kids/car payments/day-job real world and had to face facts that I wasn't going to be a serious musician, at least for a while. I do however intend to keep my instrument and play it as much as possible. Sometimes I get a little down about not being able to play more but I don't have any regrets, I'm a family first kind of guy and I adore my wife and kids. Thanks guys for reminding me that you can always begin, or begin again.
Hi Jeffrey,
That's a really good way of looking at things. Sounds like you've got your priorities clear for now and know what is important.
I think most or all of us who responded to this post -- certainly that includes me -- had strong reasons to set aside music for more important things at the time. But, music will always be there and, even after being away from music for awhile, it seems like the abilities just are there to pick up where one left off.
That's a really good way of looking at things. Sounds like you've got your priorities clear for now and know what is important.
I think most or all of us who responded to this post -- certainly that includes me -- had strong reasons to set aside music for more important things at the time. But, music will always be there and, even after being away from music for awhile, it seems like the abilities just are there to pick up where one left off.
After reading this thread, I can solve my problem with my wife. As I always put most of my time to pracitce and play my bass.
I am 37 now,and in the same, and exactly situation as JefferyG.
My real world seems to be more complicated than I expected when I was a teen (Family, a day job, all payments).
Since I have read this thread, I have my answer. I should arrange my priority to my family first.
As Jeffery said "you can always begin, or begin again". I will keep playing my bass as much as possible, even the practice time will be less than I want to.
Thank you all, especially Jeffery, for giving me a light to figure out my problem.
Pongsak
Bangkok, Thailand
I am 37 now,and in the same, and exactly situation as JefferyG.
My real world seems to be more complicated than I expected when I was a teen (Family, a day job, all payments).
Since I have read this thread, I have my answer. I should arrange my priority to my family first.
As Jeffery said "you can always begin, or begin again". I will keep playing my bass as much as possible, even the practice time will be less than I want to.
Thank you all, especially Jeffery, for giving me a light to figure out my problem.
Pongsak
Bangkok, Thailand
Great thread. I"m 38, started playing electric bass at 12 and have played uninterupted except for 4 years during medical school. In the last year or two I have developed an intense interest in everything double bass. I remember as a younster being fascinated with the double bass but the schools I attended had no stringed instrument education/programs. We had the typical brass and woodwinds only. By the time I entered high school I met bassists who did have stringed instruments at their elementary schools. Man was I in shock. I couldn't believe that the very next public elementary school had a full orchestra. Needless to say I was bitter and figured one day I'd give the double bass a try. I now have 3 children, 3 dogs, new house and a new recording studio in my home. I've been able to work a double bass part into every song I've recorded. I really need to get an instructor but I'm pretty much forced to do most of my playing at night once the kids go to bed. I have joined our church orchestra and play electric bass about 98% of the time. On a few tunes that needed an arco part I've been able to get by on the double bass. Best thing about the church orchestra is that it forced me be a better sight reader. Okay now I'm rambling. Just wanted to say the bass has been my lifelong friend and passion. I look forward to learning better technique and lots of music the rest of my life. Thanks.
What a great site. I began on the BG back in the 60s playing rock. By my midtwenties I switched to jazz and began taking DB lessons with Joe Solomon in New York on a rented plywoord that was really painful. To make a long story short, I went to grad school, got into education, moved to Florida, married, had kids and am now 55. In all that time, 20 years, I had dreams of finding a used DB in a pawn shop and getting back into playing. Instead, I borrowed a plywood from the local school which also was discouraging. I finally bought a carved Korean a couple of yeasrs ago and have enjoed playing again. I play with a group who are 80+ years old, so I'm the kid in the group. It's not bebop, but the hits of the 40's provide good practice in walking and time keeping.
Hey, nice posts guys. This is a great site and the amount of DB information is amazing! Learned so much about DB in my short time at this site. That passion for music, and especially bass, is always there waiting to be expressed. Hope I'm playing bass when I'm 80.
jgbass said:That passion for music, and especially bass, is always there waiting to be expressed. Hope I'm playing bass when I'm 80.
That is my dream too.
Pongsak
Bangkok, Thailand
63 and still studying double bass.
The first rule of playing is, once you start playing, never put your axe down.
The second rule is, once you put it down, never pick it up again.
The third rule is, once you pick it up again ... I guess yhou can see where that goes.
In my humble opinion, it's just gets better every time. I just bought a 4/4.
Matt M
The first rule of playing is, once you start playing, never put your axe down.
The second rule is, once you put it down, never pick it up again.
The third rule is, once you pick it up again ... I guess yhou can see where that goes.
In my humble opinion, it's just gets better every time. I just bought a 4/4.
Matt M
Great Thread.
I starting playing DB a little over a year ago (I'm 43 now), and I'm having a blast. I had played some fretted instruments when I was much younger but never really studied music (although I'd been around it through work). I'm currently studying with a good teacher (both individually and with a small combo). I too, find it hard to make time for practice, but listening to all you guys gives me inspiration.
My only regret about picking up the DB a little later in life is this. During the '80s I was a recording engineer in Nashville and got to work with a lot of great musicians. On a couple of occasions, I recorded Edger Meyer. What a missed opportunity to pick his brain!
I starting playing DB a little over a year ago (I'm 43 now), and I'm having a blast. I had played some fretted instruments when I was much younger but never really studied music (although I'd been around it through work). I'm currently studying with a good teacher (both individually and with a small combo). I too, find it hard to make time for practice, but listening to all you guys gives me inspiration.
My only regret about picking up the DB a little later in life is this. During the '80s I was a recording engineer in Nashville and got to work with a lot of great musicians. On a couple of occasions, I recorded Edger Meyer. What a missed opportunity to pick his brain!
Folks,
I'm 44 and employed as a full-time Software Engineer. This thread on beginning DB in the more "senior" years is just the encouragement I need! I just posted the following to the Joe Solomon thread on "practice". I would also welcome and appreciate advice and experience from anyone here as well!
I've played guitar since age 14, am a former serious Jazz Guitar Student of 3-4 years and have also studied Classical Guitar for 6 years (including 1.5 years with Ray Chester of Peabody Conservatory). I'm now 44 years old and frankly "tired" of the guitar. I've been playing Electric Bass Guitar for about 1 year.
I would like to get into playing Double Bass, including the Arco technique. Do I face any unusual challenges beginning on the Double Bass at the "ripe middle age" of 44? For example, I've been told that acro technique fundamentals need to be developed by age 14 or so in order for bowing to ever become natural.
I am a dedicated musician already with several years of reading, theory, harmony, and solfeggio training in my background. If I could commit 2-3 hours of practice per day under a solid professional teacher (there is a phenomenal Classical, Jazz, and Folk DB teacher in my area named Robby Link) would I, in your opinion, be able to develop solid, competent DB skills within say 5 - 7 years? Have you taught adult students who have begun from similar backgrounds and progressed to at least modest levels of professionalism?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Brian Bowman
I'm 44 and employed as a full-time Software Engineer. This thread on beginning DB in the more "senior" years is just the encouragement I need! I just posted the following to the Joe Solomon thread on "practice". I would also welcome and appreciate advice and experience from anyone here as well!
I've played guitar since age 14, am a former serious Jazz Guitar Student of 3-4 years and have also studied Classical Guitar for 6 years (including 1.5 years with Ray Chester of Peabody Conservatory). I'm now 44 years old and frankly "tired" of the guitar. I've been playing Electric Bass Guitar for about 1 year.
I would like to get into playing Double Bass, including the Arco technique. Do I face any unusual challenges beginning on the Double Bass at the "ripe middle age" of 44? For example, I've been told that acro technique fundamentals need to be developed by age 14 or so in order for bowing to ever become natural.
I am a dedicated musician already with several years of reading, theory, harmony, and solfeggio training in my background. If I could commit 2-3 hours of practice per day under a solid professional teacher (there is a phenomenal Classical, Jazz, and Folk DB teacher in my area named Robby Link) would I, in your opinion, be able to develop solid, competent DB skills within say 5 - 7 years? Have you taught adult students who have begun from similar backgrounds and progressed to at least modest levels of professionalism?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Brian Bowman
Brian,
It sounds like you have so much going for you with your musical background. Where did this idea get put out that one cannot develop arco skills after age 14?? I started upright around age 47 and after 2 years I was playing in a college orchestra and have been gigging regularly with a jazz band for quite a while. I would think, with your level of commitment to practice (my level of commitment is more scattered as I also play electric bass and am studying singing and play various styles of music besides classical) I would think you could get there in much less than 5-7 years.
I think the crucial thing here is having the right teacher for you. The guy you mention sounds great. Being female and older, I have had my best success studying with an upright teacher who keys in to good body dynamics, and that was also true of studying electric bass formally. Both of these recent teachers happen to be female, and I somehow think that because of their particular physical challenges, they have simply developed and teach such superb playing techniques. I had to go through a few upright teachers to find one whose ideas of playing was truly comfortable to me. Arco playing, when one approaches really "getting it", is not a great exertion and seems to get more effortless the more I relax and play correctly. After about five lessons with this new teacher, I am really producing good sounds with good expression. I did not get to near that point after a year with my former teachers.
I think it is also important to buy or rent a bass you are comfortable with. I am sure your teacher could help you out there. When I first started I rented a bass and went home and couldn't wait to start playing. When I went to my first lesson, my first teacher commented how difficult it was to play because it was so poorly set up. I thought basses were just kind of tortuous to play but once I got a good setup and then bought my own bass I realized it wasn't difficult at all. So, a good bass and a good setup are important too.
Playing DB these past three years has only done wonders in being more physically fit. If you are healthy and can dedicate yourself to regular practice, I don't see why you cannot be out playing and sounding good in a lot less than 5-7 years.
It sounds like you have so much going for you with your musical background. Where did this idea get put out that one cannot develop arco skills after age 14?? I started upright around age 47 and after 2 years I was playing in a college orchestra and have been gigging regularly with a jazz band for quite a while. I would think, with your level of commitment to practice (my level of commitment is more scattered as I also play electric bass and am studying singing and play various styles of music besides classical) I would think you could get there in much less than 5-7 years.
I think the crucial thing here is having the right teacher for you. The guy you mention sounds great. Being female and older, I have had my best success studying with an upright teacher who keys in to good body dynamics, and that was also true of studying electric bass formally. Both of these recent teachers happen to be female, and I somehow think that because of their particular physical challenges, they have simply developed and teach such superb playing techniques. I had to go through a few upright teachers to find one whose ideas of playing was truly comfortable to me. Arco playing, when one approaches really "getting it", is not a great exertion and seems to get more effortless the more I relax and play correctly. After about five lessons with this new teacher, I am really producing good sounds with good expression. I did not get to near that point after a year with my former teachers.
I think it is also important to buy or rent a bass you are comfortable with. I am sure your teacher could help you out there. When I first started I rented a bass and went home and couldn't wait to start playing. When I went to my first lesson, my first teacher commented how difficult it was to play because it was so poorly set up. I thought basses were just kind of tortuous to play but once I got a good setup and then bought my own bass I realized it wasn't difficult at all. So, a good bass and a good setup are important too.
Playing DB these past three years has only done wonders in being more physically fit. If you are healthy and can dedicate yourself to regular practice, I don't see why you cannot be out playing and sounding good in a lot less than 5-7 years.
JGBASS,
Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging reply! The person who told me about the need to develop Arco technique early in life is actually a Female world class cellist. I love the Cello and at one point during my last "season" of serious Classical Guitar study, considered dropping CG and "picking up" the Cello at age 39.
This cellist is a family friend and was staying with us for 3 weeks where we used to live in Balitmore. She was practicing much and also helping to teach her pre-teen son who was staying with us as well. I ask her about taking up the Cello at "my age" because I was constantly listening to the Bach Cello Suites performed by Pablo Casals. Her reply was "you could" BUT it is known that in order to have a truly "natural" bowing technique, one USUALLY has to begin no latter than 14. Of course, she was referring to being able to play the most difficult repetoire for the Classical Cello.
I trust her because of her status (although she is IMO a very humble person who is quite modest about her prodigous talents) and simply "let the idea" of taking up Cello at 39 go. However, after reading http://www.ethanwiner.com/AdultBeg.html, I'm less convinced of the "universal application" of her statement.
Anyway, I do recognize that the DB is different from the Cello and no dobut the "stock in trade" Orchestral and Jazz Arco DB playing is not as difficult as solo Cello.
Thank you for your advice concerining teachers as well. I actually study Bass Guitar from the Carol Kaye materials (pretty famous female bassist) and post on her forum. The DB teacher I mentioned Robby Link, is very aware of somatic issues with playing the DB. I'm 6'4" and Robby is also very tall, so I think from the "physical challenge" point of view he is a good match. I will admit that I've not had a lesson with him yet, I just know him by reputation and have seen him play publically many, many times. Robby and I met a couple of times in the early 90's when I was active playing jazz/blues guitar at local "open jams".
As far as an instrument goes, yes, I'm sure that setup is a crucial issues (as it is with all instruments). $$'s will dictate that I begin with either a rental or a <= $1500 "student" instrument. Once I've made up my mind to begin DB studies, this will be worked out.
JGBASS, thanks again!
Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging reply! The person who told me about the need to develop Arco technique early in life is actually a Female world class cellist. I love the Cello and at one point during my last "season" of serious Classical Guitar study, considered dropping CG and "picking up" the Cello at age 39.
This cellist is a family friend and was staying with us for 3 weeks where we used to live in Balitmore. She was practicing much and also helping to teach her pre-teen son who was staying with us as well. I ask her about taking up the Cello at "my age" because I was constantly listening to the Bach Cello Suites performed by Pablo Casals. Her reply was "you could" BUT it is known that in order to have a truly "natural" bowing technique, one USUALLY has to begin no latter than 14. Of course, she was referring to being able to play the most difficult repetoire for the Classical Cello.
I trust her because of her status (although she is IMO a very humble person who is quite modest about her prodigous talents) and simply "let the idea" of taking up Cello at 39 go. However, after reading http://www.ethanwiner.com/AdultBeg.html, I'm less convinced of the "universal application" of her statement.
Anyway, I do recognize that the DB is different from the Cello and no dobut the "stock in trade" Orchestral and Jazz Arco DB playing is not as difficult as solo Cello.
Thank you for your advice concerining teachers as well. I actually study Bass Guitar from the Carol Kaye materials (pretty famous female bassist) and post on her forum. The DB teacher I mentioned Robby Link, is very aware of somatic issues with playing the DB. I'm 6'4" and Robby is also very tall, so I think from the "physical challenge" point of view he is a good match. I will admit that I've not had a lesson with him yet, I just know him by reputation and have seen him play publically many, many times. Robby and I met a couple of times in the early 90's when I was active playing jazz/blues guitar at local "open jams".
As far as an instrument goes, yes, I'm sure that setup is a crucial issues (as it is with all instruments). $$'s will dictate that I begin with either a rental or a <= $1500 "student" instrument. Once I've made up my mind to begin DB studies, this will be worked out.
JGBASS, thanks again!
