A question to those that teach…

[AlexDelores]

Question for those of you that teach… 

 

What qualifications/training/knowledge do you feel is required to teach bass? 

 

Now, I know that’s a very broad question and I appreciate there isn’t a one size fits all answer. 

 

But, I’m curious as to what sort of qualifications/certificates you feel are required to teach as a tutor. I’m not talking within a school environment.

 

I’m a good player and I play bass full time as part of a wedding/function duo that I also co-run. But, I’m thinking ahead to the future, I’m 33 with 2 young kids and although I love my “job” and don’t want/intend to slow down any time soon… there is likely to come a point in the next 10-15 years time when getting home at 2/3am and performing/DJing to a bunch of drunk people between 60-100 times a year is going to get a bit much. 

 

I’m fully aware I need to begin to strengthen my understanding of music theory/different techniques, as well as reading.

 

But, is it generally expected to have a degree/any other qualification to teach bass as a tutor? 

 

Apologies for the essay. 

 

Thanks in advance

Alex 

[paul_5]

Teaching is a skill all of itself. I’ve had ‘lessons’ with incredible musicians, but learned very little. 
 

Effective communication is key, as is an understanding of which ways people absorb and retain information. The ability to take a topic and present it in a way that is relevant and accessible to your students is essential

[bassalbert]

as Marge Simpson says, the teacher only needs to be one class ahead of the student.

jokes apart, a strong fundation in harmony seems to me a must.

a deep understanding of ergonomy and postural health to avoid injuries should be important also.

reading is not a skill a teacher should master, but be able to read and to explain a score is.

 

in the personal aspect, be patient, a good listener, good organized (and by that I mean to write down all the homework you assign to your students), think ahead and plan what are you going to teach next to make him/her a better player.

[philparker]

As a private venture i.e. working for yourself, I would say you don't need any formal qualifications. I also believe the ability to teach well cannot be measured by any formal qualification either. (as said above). Sometimes, looking at teaching courses or qualifications may help you with formulating a plan and a structure to use with students, but often, those running courses for tutors make too much of what you should do (and charge too much!).

 

I think you have self-recognised the requirement for good theory and good technique. I would also suggest very good patience and the ability to quickly recognise the quality of the student and being able to adapt your teaching methods to their strength with a good balance of challenge, encouragement and reward.

 

 

[AlexDelores]

Thanks for the replies. Definitely useful information for me moving forward. 
 

I think as I work on my own development of my theory side, I’ll make a point of using a lot of different courses/tutors to give me a wide range of teaching methods etc.