Learning the bass guitar
Feel tuned into the low end of music? Whether it's providing the driving, rhythmic force that powers today's rock and pop classics, the irresistable, get-up-and-dance groove in funk, or the soaring melodic virtuosity in prog rock, the bass guitar has a compelling presence. It's easy to see its appeal to so many. Pick up the bass and there are countless creative paths to take. Whether you join a band or choose to play solo, elevating performance to its highest art form - bass for bass' sake - either option provides satisfaction in equal measure. And for the academically motivated, Rockschool (does for rock musicians what ABRSM does for classical) grades 6, 7 and 8 can contribute to UCAS points.
My teaching approach
I typically teach children a half hour lesson each week and adults an hour lesson once a fortnight. Experience has shown that this provides a good balance of time during lessons to review progress and learn new material/techniques - and time between lessons for the student to practise!
For all ages, I like to keep lessons dynamic by introducing a few new things each lesson while maintaining a pace the student is comfortable with. I can and am happy to tailor lessons to each individual. Where a student is interested in specific artists, I will transcribe selected pieces, creating simplified versions if necessary, and use this 'real world' material as study material to explore and develop technique. Alternatively I can recommend material which I have found to develop good and thorough technique whilst keeping stylistically diverse.
Most beginners will gravitate towards a typical 4-string, fretted instrument, something which I would encourage. I teach using 4 and 5-string fretted and fretless instruments. I can educate and advise on suitable equipment to purchase from the bass itself through to amplification, effects and other accessories such as strings. I have sufficient amplification that all the student need bring to lessons is their instrument.
Availability and fees
I am flexible to teach mornings, afternoons or evenings on weekdays. Occasionally I have some availability at weekends and am happy to discuss your requirements. I charge £34 for an hour, or £18 for half an hour. For adults, I'm flexible to make arrangements on a per-lesson basis, booking the next one at the end of a current lesson. For children I recognise it can often be more convenient to have a regular, weekly slot and I am happy to arrange this. If a cancellation is required, I just need an email or a phone call, following which I can rearrange the lesson. Cancellations with more than 24 hours' notice are free of charge. Cancellations within 24 hours incur the full lesson fee which can be paid at the next lesson.
Ready to start? Please contact me to organise your first lesson!
In addition to instrumental teaching, I also have experience providing coaching for music theory exams. I am also available for instruction and consultation in professional audio recording and techniques. If this is of interest to you, please don't hesitate to contact me.