Guitar
teacher releases new books
Rod Goelz's 'Basses Loaded' series explores a variety
of music styles.
By
JASON COX
Daily Record/Sunday News
Article
Launched: 12/19/2006 06:35:28 AM EST
At bottom: · MEET ROD GOELZ · PICK UP BOOKS
Dec
19, 2006 — While many musicians seem to enjoy making the leap from making tunes
to making movies, Rod Goelz has taken his mastery of the craft and put it into
print - five times in one year.
In
early January, the 38-year-old West York resident is set to release his fifth
book in a bass instructional series dubbed "Basses Loaded." Goelz has
been playing licks on the guitar for almost 30 years and keeping rhythm on the
bass for about 17. His musical education includes time spent at Berklee College
of Music in Boston and York College, and he earned a degree in music industry
studies from Millersville University.
"When
I was 21, I thought about going out to L.A. (to pursue a music career), but everyone
was doing that at the time and I would've ended up working at a record store,"
he said.
So
Goelz stayed in the area and began teaching guitar and bass lessons at various
locations, including Campbell's Music Service in York Township and Badog Music,
once located in Shrewsbury, now in East Manchester Township.
"I
wanted to do something I was trained to do," he said. "I didn't expect
to like it at first. I didn't expect to hate it either, but I really ended up
liking it. I had an aptitude for it."
Goelz
developed a reputation for his unorthodox teaching method, which, ironically enough,
was rarely by the book.
"He
doesn't really follow a set curriculum," said Darren Holland, an employee
of Campbell's Music. "What we see in a lot of other stores is (teachers)
come in and no matter how far along you are, they'll start you on 'Mary Had a
Little Lamb.' Rod will pick your brain, find out what you're into, and get you
into that."
Goelz
got the idea to create an instructional book series in 2001 after his students
began prodding him to do so. He had a draft of what would become the first book
in the series completed by the next year.
"The
thing I try to do is teach you things you need to know and want to know at the
same time," he said. "With 'Basses Loaded,' I introduce you to a concept
and then show a bassline you've heard before. It could be in the style of James
Brown or No Doubt or The Beatles. Part of being a bass player is being versatile."
Finding
a publisher proved difficult, Goelz said, as his first choices turned him away
because of already printing similar books. Even with Santorella Publications,
the series' eventual printer, Goelz spent a year and a half going back and forth
with them before signing any deal.
The
first book in the series, "Primer: Quickstart Bass for Beginners," was
released in early 2006, followed shortly thereafter by "Volume One: Essential
Tools," "Volume Two: Rock Edition," and "Volume Three: Blues
Edition." The fifth and final book (for now), "Volume Four: Groove Workshop:
R&B & Motown," will be available right after the new year.
"This
is going to lead to other things," Goelz said. "I can teach my group
lessons with "Basses Loaded," and I have something that is mine. For
a teacher, getting published is kind of like getting a record deal."
Reach
Jason Cox at 771-2051 or jcox@ydr.com.
MEET
ROD GOELZ
Age: 38
Resident of: West York
PICK
UP BOOKS
Rod
Goelz's instructional series, 'Basses Loaded,' is available locally at Campbell's
Music Service in York Township and Badog Music in East Manchester Township or
online at http://www.santopub.com.
Learn more about Goelz at http://www.rodgoelz.com.
© 2007: BASSES LOADED ONLINE