Ahoy hoy from a new member

[Thrillho_12]

Hi All,

 

Just wanted to introduce myself and say hi. I'm Joe and well... "hi" 

 

I'm mostly self-taught (thanks to sweeeeet sweeeeet BassBuzz) though latterly have been having short lessons every other week as I look for a bit of guidance how to pull myself out of the confusing quagmire of the "intermediate". There's a lot to focus, and improve, on and having a teacher should help with that I think. I do sometimes get the feeling that my teacher is sort of playing for time in lessons though. I wonder what everyone's opinions about what makes a good teacher and a good lesson (as well as student, I guess).

 

I must admit I found this forum because of the classifieds initially. I'm looking to sell the 50s Style Vintera neck from my P bass (take a look at the listing if interested) that I just replaced with a more standard Jazz neck. This was definitely not the most economic choice, but I wanted to keep the P bass as I'm attached to it sentimentally and bloody love the thing. I appreciate it's quite odd to replace the main element on the bass that made it unique, but it just felt too awkward to play and comfort is king.

 

Anyway, that's enough rambling. I'm glad I've found a nice corner of the internet with like-minded individuals.

 

Jamerson. Dart. Palladino.

 

 

[ezbass]

[SpondonBassed]

Welcome Joe.

[mep]

Welcome. Im glad you found the forum. Im sure you'll get some responses about lessons along the way.

[ezbass]

1 hour ago, Thrillho_12 said:

what everyone's opinions about what makes a good teacher and a good lesson

If the lesson delivers what you have asked for, or if the lesson has addressed an issue the teacher has highlighted (mine was muting when I took lessons - Gareth Morgan - top bloke) then it’s a result. If you find yourself wanting something more, you need to raise the issue. If they then avoid the issue, it’s time to move on.

[Reggaebass]

Welcome Joe 

[Jolltax]

Hi Thrillho

 

I am also an intermediate player, I also started on BassBuzz with the video lesson series.  After a while I started looking for a more 1-1 teacher.  I think lessons are a really fantastic way of keeping yourself honest - I do the same and have lessons (currently monthly), my teacher helps me with my playing, gives me a objective feedback and is very good on music theory so he gives guidance there which is something I find it difficult to focus on.  I often send him a list of what I am currently working on, sometimes I write down a series of questions, worth considering. No harm in trying lessons with others to see if there is someone  with an approach that suits you better? There are some very good teachers advertising on here and lots of feedback from students as well.

 

I think if you are having lessons and are practicing every day then one other thing you could do to push yourself is try finding some people to play with - it was nerve-wracking for me at first but I have learnt a great deal from my fellow band members who are very experienced musicians (much more than me), although I make lots of mistakes they are always brilliant about it and they give me very good feedback!

 

Main thing is, keep playing every day ...

 

J

 

[Thrillho_12]

Thanks for the welcome, all.

 

J: What a lovely reply - thanks for taking the time!

 

You're right about lessons being a way of holding you responsible. At a bare minimum it means I practice when I'm feeling less motivated - though I'm in a hot streak currently (maybe it's a virtuous cycle??)

 

I guess I could be a bit more pro-active with setting goals with the teacher. Maybe he expects me to lead the lesson's direction more than I currently do. 

 

Playing with others is a long term goal for me and I know it will improve my playing a lot and very quickly. I'm currently working out scheduling for a jam with a few friends of friends - let's see how that goes. Their stuff feels quite melancholy and incredibly earnest which isn't normally my thing but I'm approaching it with an open mind and good intentions.

 

Thanks,

Joe

[TKenrick]

20 minutes ago, Thrillho_12 said:

I guess I could be a bit more pro-active with setting goals with the teacher. Maybe he expects me to lead the lesson's direction more than I currently do. 

 

Welcome, Joe! 

 

A question re: your lessons - has your teacher asked you about your goals, and then given you a plan for how he might help you get there?

 

Lessons should definitely be a two-way discussion, but if you feel like you're having to steer things in a particular direction then maybe the balance of effort is not as it should be (if we all knew what to work on and how to practise it then we wouldn't need lessons, right?).

[SpondonBassed]

1 hour ago, Thrillho_12 said:

Playing with others is a long term goal for me and I know it will improve my playing a lot and very quickly. I'm currently working out scheduling for a jam with a few friends of friends - let's see how that goes. Their stuff feels quite melancholy and incredibly earnest which isn't normally my thing but I'm approaching it with an open mind and good intentions.

 

Remember that to just play the stuff you like is a bit self indulgent.  It's good to play stuff that you wouldn't normally consider.  You can expand your range and appreciate music that you might have passed over before.

 

Playing ensemble is definitely better than playing to backing tracks.  I'm not knocking the tracks because they're good for practice.  It's just that the dynamics of a recorded song never vary.  Band mates can be more responsive and will help you to become a well rounded player.

 

Open Mic nights are always good for meeting local people too.