Trouble finding a tutor

[AndyJR81]

Hi all I'm noob to the upright, having 'played' EB for many years, all self taught and no particularly advanced theoretical knowledge. I've wanted to start learning double bass for about 8 years, and having finally got a few long term debts paid off have taken the plunge and bought an ex hire Stentor 1950 for 700 beans. Has a few scuff marks but generally plays very well, and came with a bag and new bow, and a free set up so was ready to play.

I live in North Wales, and the nearest (non classical) tutor I can find online is 70 miles away in Liverpool, which is a bit unrealistic, unless I was going to do say a monster 3 hour lesson once a month or something. I plan to attend a few events arranged by the NW Jazz Society and ask around as you just never know, but it is increasingly looking like I'm going to have to self study, at least at first. An alternative seems to be online lessons - has anyone had experience of these and if so could you feedback?

Failing that I'd be grateful for any suggestions as to starting to self study in respect of particular titles. I'd prefer some kind of progressive course if one exists, but happy for any pointers

Thanks

Andy

[demail]

I'm in Chester and I've had a similar problem. I've been getting lessons from a guy in Chester who taught me viola. He's very good and certainly better than nothing (I can give you his details if you want) but I think I'm really in need of a specialist. As it happens, I'm moving down to north Hampshire next month so I'll be looking out for someone there (anyone got any suggestions?)

The North Wales Jazz Soc is a very good place to start. They're a very welcoming lot. They have jazz jams there every couple of months and I joined in on the DB at the last one. It's a lot better (and harder) than playing along to iRealB and they have a "workshop" beforehand which is useful to get to know others and also for educational purposes.

Best of luck!

Derek

[gcordez]

Perhaps get in touch with Huw Vaughn Williams?
He's up north Wales quite a bit and would be a good option.

[AndyJR81]

Sounds great! I live pretty well equidistant to the Farmer's Arms and the White Lion so can get along easily enough. There are a couple of guys listed in Wrexham on one of the music tutor pages, but the jazz guy (David Spencer?) hasn't responded to my 'contact me' request...There are at least 2 listed on the Wirral if that would be reasonable for you? I can post the links up if so.

Huw Vaughn Williams, thanks for the tip - I'll look him up

[demail]

Yes, I was in touch with the guy at Bromborough but in the light of my impending move it didn't get anywhere.

[AndyJR81]

Whats his name? I might be able to do Bromborough fortnightly!

[sarah thomas]

Have a look at John Patitucci's online jazz bass lesssons at artistworks.com. There are structured lessons going from beginner to advanced. It costs about £60 for three months. You learn from the videos, post a video of yourself playing and get video feedback from John Patitucci. I'm enjoying it a lot and have gained confidence.

[stingrayPete1977]

Sarah suggested this to me when I asked a similar question, I have been looking at it and I think I might go for it! I have a wrist op in september so I might just wait until then and I work in schools during the 6 week hoilday so I will be flat out on that too so I might not get the time to practice as much as I will after the op (hopefully) Looks good though Sarah, ta.

[sarah thomas]

i've been reluctant to post about the artistworks site because I believe that a real person who you can talk to and who has a genuine interest in your progress is an unbeatable teacher. But finding the right one for you, especially when you're starting out on the upright, is an expensive and time consuming business. I think that these online lessons are a great start and focus on the basics. You can go at your own pace and the video feedback from John Pattitucci is spot on. For me, at least, it's well worth it.

[demail]

Sent you PM

[stingrayPete1977]

I'm finding it hard to find a teacher at all so I'm swaying towards it more each day.

Edited July 11, 2013 by stingrayPete1977

[AndyJR81]

Thanks Sarah I'll take a look

[mtroun]

Huw Vaughan Williams seconded, he lives in London but is in Bangor (where he's from) quite a bit. PM me if you want his number.

[AndyJR81]

Just wanted to pop back and say thanks for recommending Huw - I've spoken to him and seeing him next Thursday with a view to seeing him as and when he's around

[mtroun]

Cool. Say Trousers says hello!

[AndyJR81]

lol I will do!

[bassfunk]

Glad you found somebody. But if Huw isn't around and you fancy a lesson, I take Lessons from Stewart Wilson based here in Manchester. Only a quick jaunt up the M56, he doesn't have a website but you could give him a call on 07936767828. Great Jazz and classical player. He's an ex RNCM student so if he's too far he might be able to tell you of somebody closer to you?

[geoffbassist]

[quote name='bassfunk' timestamp='1374063728' post='2144836']
Glad you found somebody. But if Huw isn't around and you fancy a lesson, I take Lessons from Stewart Wilson based here in Manchester. Only a quick jaunt up the M56, he doesn't have a website but you could give him a call on 07936767828. Great Jazz and classical player. He's an ex RNCM student so if he's too far he might be able to tell you of somebody closer to you?
[/quote]

+1 for Stewart. I was at the RNCM with him and he's a great guy and amazing musician. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a bass teacher in Manchester.