So... you're serious about learning to play the electric bass. Self-study is sometimes necessary, but this can lead to bad habits, technical and otherwise. You need to find a teacher worthy of your respect, someone who's guidance you trust. Finding the right one is important. Consider the following in your quest to find the perfect teacher/mentor.
1) Does the teacher
have any experience playing the bass in professional situations. Has the teacher
actually studied the bass, learned the history, the contributions and techniques
of the various players, etc. Guitar teachers who have taken up teaching the electric
bass often teach the instrument like it were a guitar... but in reality, electric
bass and guitar are two separate instruments that serve two separate functions.
It's okay to study with a bass teacher who also teaches guitar, just make sure
that teacher treats the electric bass like it's own instrument.
2) Does the teacher have the ability to read and transcribe music. Ideally, your bass teacher did NOT learn their craft by downloading tabs off the internet. They learned, at least in part by imitating the players that inspired them... BY USING THEIR EARS. A good teacher also has the ability to write down what he/she hears, standard notation--melody notes, rhythms, chord changes, etc.
3) Is the teacher proficient at playing and improvising in a variety of different musical styles: jazz, blues, rock, R&B, funk, motown, Latin, reggae, ska, swing, country, etc. Classical bass teachers have the ability to read anything, but (for the most part) they haven't learned to improvise. The ability to improvise is an essential skill that all electric bass players must acquire. This is an ability that will help you adapt to any musical situation. Can your bass teacher improvise?
4) A good bass teacher has a working understanding of music theory. These are the basic principles that govern all music, even the music you like. Teachers often learn what works by experience and the examples of others, but they also know WHY the concept works so that it can be duplicated in different situations.
5) A good bass teacher has not only has lots of knowledge, skills and experience, but also knows how to communicate those credentials to you in the easiest possible way. "The thousand mile begins with one step."
6) What's the chemistry like between you and your instructor? Sometimes personalities and student/instructor agendas will clash, even with the best of teachers. You need to find a teacher worthy of your respect, someone who's guidance you trust... but you also need to get along with that person. Do you look forward to your weekly lessons?
7) A good bass teacher should make learning FUN... the process should be more FUN than WORK. A good bass teacher loves making music and radiates that joy.
8) A good bass teacher should raise your level of expectation by opening your eyes to what's possible. This teacher brings out the best in you, giving you the confidence to go after and achieve whatever goal you set for yourself, and provides the necessary links toward achieving those goals.
9) A good teacher is like a willing mentor. That teacher has done what you want to be able to do, and defines "success" in terms of their ability in helping you achieve your goals.
That's All Folks!!
That's it for now. As always, if you have any questions or comments concerning anything at all, you can get in touch with me by email: rod@bassesloadedonline.com Be sure to check back to bassesloadedonline.com for future lessons.
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