I teach private electric bass guitar lessons for the novice and intermediate musician. In short, my one and only task is to make you a better musician. If your objective is to play Top 40 hits with your friends in their garage or hang at the local jam session, I’ll help you do that. If you’ve been playing for a while and need some holes fixed in your playing, I’ll help you troubleshoot them and get you where you want to go. If you want to be the next Victor Wooten or Marcus Miller, I’ll take you as far as I can and then pass you along to another teacher who will help you get to that next level.
What do I teach?
First and foremost, I emphasize timing and groove. If all you want to do is make YouTube videos or bang away to impress the clerks at Guitar Center, then I’m not your guy. But, if you want to make music with others, and more important, have them want to play with you, you need to understand the role of the bass and the importance of keeping a groove. Groove is the overarching element to everything we will do.
The next, and perhaps most frustrating element, is technique. I have to help you discover that you can play the bass. Quickly and accurately. Solid technique, while not always exciting, is what will help you get out of your own way so your hands and brain do not get in the way of you making music on the bass.
Where we go from there all depends on your goals. Topics we can cover include sight reading, basic music theory, genre-specific techniques, ear training, chart reading/writing, and more.
My curriculum
While I do have a core curriculum I have developed, I want you to have the freedom to pursue the music that excites you…once we can get you through being an obstacle to your self! This does not mean I will assign you endless drills and etudes if your only wish is to be able to hang with the local blues jam on Monday night. I will, however, do my best to expand your musicality while helping you get to the level you want.
I do not force you to fit my curriculum. I adapt it to your needs and goals.
Lessons:
I offer 30-minute and 60-minute lessons in person and via Skype. The first three lessons are “pay-as-you-play” and are$20 for a 30-minute session or $40 for a 60-minute session. I recommend 30-minute sessions for younger and novice students.
After your first three lessons, I require that students schedule their lessons in advance for the following month and to pre-pay for the month at the first lesson. This allows us to keep a consistent schedule and in return, give you a discount on the normal rate.
If you are interested in starting lessons, please call me at 702/335-3779 or fill out the form below: