oldslapper

[quote name='Doddy' post='1342927' date='Aug 17 2011, 11:33 AM']I think it's important to know what you are going to teach. Are you going to be the kind of teacher who just teaches songs and tab,or are you going to teach music-reading,scales, arpeggios etc-interspersed with the occasional song? Or are you just going to follow the grade books? There is a lot to consider[/quote] Indeed Doddy. I would suggest a teacher should ask the student what they are hoping to achieve. Assess where the student is at, then plan how to bridge the gap. Songs can be a good way of introducing helpful technique, scales, arpeggios, dots, theoretical concepts. Its surprising the amount of "hobbiests" who start with just wanting to learn their fav bands songs that end up enjoying opening the door to the theory behind the bass lines used. But then again I'll squeeze a year's lessons out of a diatonic chord chart I'm not that bothered either way about TAB, I don't tend to use it as a teaching tool in itself, but that's a personal preference, not a judgement about the use of TAB by others. I believe that TAB is centuries old and an early form of written instruction for stringed fretted instrument players, so has some historical gravitas, so has been around a lot longer than many of us......ermm all of us. I try to keep in mind that students are customers, they don't have to come. Even in my little rural location there's plenty of choice for customers. I've picked up 50% of students from other tutors who were inflexible, or lazy. Although I can understand when someone can get fatigued by teaching and end up losing enthusiasm. I'd be interested in how other tutors keep themselves "fresh"....but that's probably another thread. Again, I'm just a rural musician who earns a meager living out of teaching and playing, so on no level think of myself as an expert. Although I could probably hold my own in a farting competition against any of you!

[quote name='skej21' date='Aug 17 2011, 10:29 One thing I found really useful was something my old tutor said to me when I first got into teaching. Don't have a bass with you. Just let the student hold the bass during lessons when you first start. This makes you rely mostly on being able to explain what you want the student to do. Then you can gauge how successful you are based on how many times you have to take the bass from them to show them what you mean. Nowadays, I sit with my bass strings facing down on my lap for most of the lesson and rarely play, which seems to really work as the students seems to learn more and enjoy it more if they're playing a lot in lessons. [/quote] Oh yeah baby! Dood, I agree it's a great part of being a musician. I still get a buzz after lessons....silly I know. I think I get as inspired by the enthusiasm and hunger of a student as I do listening to my fav players play. You are right about having a good business approach too, look for opportunities to sell the product. I would like to improve as a tutor though.

+1 for up to date CRB certificate. Even if you are teaching from home, and we'll assume you'll end up with some under 18's to teach, parents find it reassuring. Also, a current RGT certificate on the wall does help when selling your services. Also RGT have a good on line resource. Have you had lessons yourself? I found having a few lessons from a number of different tutors helped me find what worked, and, most importantly, what didn't (eg playing all your impressive chops to the student for the duration of the lesson). The most fruitful couple of lessons I had was from a guy who wasn't that impressive a player. But he could see what was needed, then explain clearly what I needed to do, how and why. He wasn't in the least bit intimidated by more "gifted" students, as there is always something we can learn, if we are open to learning. When you think about the best sports coaches, very few are particularly gifted players themselves. In fact very few "stars" make good coaches. Your job is to assess, instruct, inspire, review, assess, instruct, inspire, etc, constantly giving feedback to the student. It's not to make the student feel inadequate and dispirited by showing how great you are. It requires hard work, preparation and a willingness to adapt to each students needs. But it is great to see people develop, particularly when they grasp a new concept. Preach over....I'll bugger off and let the experts to tell you differently

[quote name='Paul S' post='1341758' date='Aug 16 2011, 12:16 PM']I switched to DR Black Beauties about a year ago and have bought around 5 or 6 sets since to fit on all my basses. I get them from an eBay seller in the USA and they work out at pretty well bang on £20 a set including postage. They usually take about a week and I haven't had a single problem with the strings or HMC&E. I think they are brilliant.[/quote] Paul, which USA seller do you use? Thanks, John

[quote name='Doddy' post='1341383' date='Aug 16 2011, 12:29 AM']No....Rock stars get given them. Back to the OP....I really don't know what you are getting at. It doesn't matter how much money you spend on an instrument-it's what you play on it that is important. Spending a fortune doesn't make you pro-all it means is you spent a fortune.Likewise,spending a couple of hundred pounds doesn't make you any less of a pro. Take a player like Paul Westwood,who has played with so many people both live and on record...his main bass is a Hohner Steinberger copy. I find the whole concept of 'pro-level' gear to be bogus and a pure marketing ploy to get people to spend more money.[/quote] Well said D. I find these topics annoying, so shouldn't look, let alone post. But..... I honestly believe that whatever your budget, take 25% off and spend that on your ACshukerfellow, or Stagg copy, and invest the rest in some lessons. You'll probably have some money left over to celebrate in a years time when you realise how much better the bass sounds under your fingers. But what would I know, I tend to think expensive back line is a better investment for a working musician.

Bought a bass from steve, fab transaction. Good guy to deal with, Thanks, John

Gareth bought a varitone unit from me. Paid quickly, nice comms throughout. Top chap. Cheers, John

[quote name='bubinga5' post='1328791' date='Aug 5 2011, 02:54 PM']whithout a doubt...Did anyone actually watch the whole vid..??? or is everyone throwing there toys out of the pram because of the slapping at the start? really cant see what most of you guys are on about?? hes a great player.. Jeez.. give him some credit... you guys sound as old as he is..[/quote] Must admit I didn't watch it all, it's just I haven't slept for a couple of nights and am a bit mischievous with a "red bull and bananas" sugar rush. Just had a watch. He's very good. And in all fairness if he gets all the "1st one to E wins" out of his system by the time he's 16, he'll undoubtedly make a fine bassist.

[quote name='JMT3781' post='1328075' date='Aug 5 2011, 12:16 AM']how much was it up for if you dont mind me asking?[/quote] I think this one has different controls & colour to yours, but it's the headless jobbie. £599 [url="http://www.angelmusicguitars.com/Misc/75-Bassix-Upright-Electric-Double-Bass.htm"]http://www.angelmusicguitars.com/Misc/75-B...Double-Bass.htm[/url]

Darn it I've been after that model Bassix for a while. Saw one in angel music, but it had been sold by the time I got the money together. I had a Multitech which was supplemented with a K&K 2 channel pre and additional piezo, as the original 'lecs weren't that good. But I do love Alan's work, very quirky. Had a couple of his EUBs.

[quote name='lemmywinks' post='1327900' date='Aug 4 2011, 10:16 PM'] Aye, he's going to be gutted when he does his first proper gig and instead of a front row full of young nubile women it's just a load of middle aged men in cardigans shouting "do 'Lessons in Love'"[/quote] Don't worry he'll discover "mr. Pink" within the year and be playing that equally as furiously.....he can always come back to the bass.

I was at a mates wedding Saturday, evening do was at a small village hall. Local band turned up and the bass player had a Markbass combo and sandberg PM which I thought was quite a decent rig. Mind you most of the guests were muso's so maybe they thought they'd better bring out the "best silver" in case someone pointed and laughed. We did anyway.

Kris bought a CMD112P off me. Paid swiftly, good comms throughout. Very easy transaction. Many thanks, John

[quote name='bluesparky' post='1325473' date='Aug 3 2011, 11:56 AM']Oh i don't know. In this thread i'm the next man and i've got quite a potty mouth... [/quote] How rude!!

I bought my old amp off Liam in a reverse deal.........did I say reverse? Anyway all went well and Liam delivered it to my door and made friends with our neighbours, very friendly is Liam. Thanks, John

[quote name='bartelby' post='1325446' date='Aug 3 2011, 11:42 AM']I'm embarrassed to say I always forget about leaving feedback. As I've made a few transactions of the last month I must make amends.[/quote] I didn't say that I left any either, Im as rude as the next man!

I find the lack of feedback after a transaction a little rude, but it's not a biggie, won't stop me buying from the same person if the sale went through ok. As for general posting, I don't usually bother as there are enough opinions and enough advice on here already without any added drivel. I also noticed that some members seem to suffer from posting fatigue and lay off for a while. Well that's my quota for the month.

Another painless transaction from a sleep deprived Beedster. Nice PJ set from Chris. Cheers, John

It must have been a sh*te (or very long) solo for everyone to cheer when the bass disintegrated....there's an almost tangible sense of relief......the drummer looks ecstatic and stands up to applaud, the singer holds the bass body up in victory "behold the end of this noodling nonsense" they cry!