Tamsin

Thanks for the welcome ubassman! Sorry, probably should've been clearer - its the same tutor via Skype and the lessons in London - we mostly do Skype lessons, as I'm not in London very much, but it's been helpful to have a couple of in person lessons when I can.

I found a tutor through this site: http://www.thetutorpages.com/tutors/classical-double-bass-teachers/classical-double-bass-lessons/230

It lists ones who are able to do Skype lessons and gives a bit of info about each person. I picked the one who mentioned the most orchestral stuff (Vera Pereira) as that's mostly what I play. I emailed a couple of folk and Vera seemed the most helpful, then we did a trial lesson for free. I'd say its worked out pretty well, although I do feel sorry for her when she's listening through headphones - must be ghastly having all my dodgy intonation being beamed straight into your head!!

I have lessons via Skype because I live in the depths of northern Scotland. It works out well for me as travelling to a tutor would take ages. If I'm struggling with bow holds or whatever, I sometimes move the camera around so my tutor can see (must be a bit weird at her end I guess). I've had a couple of lessons in person as well when I've been passing through London and that's been useful too and has made the Skype lessons more effective. I think you just need to be a bit more patient with it as sometimes it takes a bit longer to explain what your question / problem is.

The other thing I've found is that Skype can be quite slow in the evenings and is better in the mornings - I don't know why that is.

So, I think the best way is to have one or two lessons in person if possible, so you can figure out what your major issues are, then use Skype.

Tamsin

What would be the price for the full set of the Belcantos? And are they solo or orchestra tuning?