I'm a music teacher. I play a lot of instruments - ok some of them I'm only a little bit better than my students (we can't all be experts at everything!), so I have to improve a little faster than they do. I teach violin, among other things, and I'll be adding 'cello to the mix in the fall. One thing I've never actually done is play the bass. I'd love to be able to add that to my string ensemble.

My co-teacher, a guitar player, teaches jazz band, and often has to play guitar or bass, depending on what kids in his group can do. I'd love to expand my bass-playing to include electric, so I can actually help out. (Upright and electric are not really that different, but I'm definitely NOT a jazz musician - that's a whole other goal I won't go into now.)

I have a friend with an upright bass that I can borrow. I know lots of bass players who are willing to help me. I just haven't gotten started. I'm hoping that sharing this goal with other people will spur me to action. I'm also hoping to get some encouragement/pointers/people willing to not cringe while I practice...

Help?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kris,

Get Going Already!!

It's summertime. I can't think of a better time to start a new project- well instrument in your case.

Maybe you can start by re-approaching (is that a word?...is now)a couple of your bass player volunteers to find out who might be available to help you get going.

You can work on the jazz this spring!

Ok, I've re-approached several bass players, and I'm waiting to hear from them. I'm hoping that each of these fabulous educators will be just dying to help me. (Can you tell I invited them to come visit the sight and see that I'm desperate to not fail in public?) Of course, anyone else out there who knows anything about playing bass is welcome to jump in with suggestions at any time....

Wow, some people are so fast to help out! One of my bass gurus has already given me some suggestions about method books, which was the kind of stuff I was looking for. But she also said "play your favorite rock records and try to sound out what you hear on your instrument" which I would never have thought of as how to learn to play. It totally gives me permission to fail along the way, but to keep trying anyway, which reminds of Matt's quote: "if you never fail, you're probably not trying hard enough"

My friend ended her advice with "then jam with whomever and whenever you can." I love that because it's a big reminder to involve other people in reaching my goal. Plus, it just sounds like fun!

So I'm ready to THRIVE! it out, if I only had a bass....

I'm picking up the bass tomorrow, so those of you in my neighborhood might want to close the windows and crank up the AC.....

Yay Kris! Glad you made the call.

Remember the new THRIVE! motto - "It's All About August"

I now have a giant bass-shaped ottoman to trip over in my living room. While I'm waiting for the method books suggested by my bass gurus to arrive (damn that shipping time), I decided I ought to crack open the case and see what I could do on my own. Who's ready for a little "Doe a Deer"? Anyone? It can't have been all bad - Jim recognized it.

My music has arrived! I just spent 30 minutes working my way through some rudimentary exercises, but that's about all my fingers could take. (Those strings are a lot thicker than the ones on my violin!!!)

Later this week, I'm meeting with a music teacher/bass player/friend to play together.

Who's THRIVIN' now?

Yesterday, I had my lesson (or should I say coaching session?). Wow. LaVada, the bass queen, walked me through some basics, showed me some more interesting things to play other than rudimentary exercises, and was just an all-around cheerleader. (What a great reminder about how good encouragement is for your confidence level, hearing someone call out all the good things you're doing as you do them. And yes, she did have to point out some errors, but I'm new at this, ok?)

All in all, a great session. And let me tell you, I played a mean "Twinkle"!

Then there was today. I tried the same stuff I had done with LaVada, but somehow, it seemed a little harder without my cheerleader and guide. I could hear when I was doing things wrong, but it was harder to remember the best way to correct some of them without her being right there. And on top of that, no one was complimenting me on how nice my tone was or how good my bow angle looked.

Am I discouraged? Not really. (Ok, a little, but I'm going to blame that on the humidity.) More than anything, I'm reminded that it is SO important to ask for help. I can muddle through on my own to a point, but it will be much easier, and so much more satisfying, if I let someone who knows the way show me how to get there.

I've been watching your progress in this post from afar. You've really done a great job sharing the steps you've taken, your highs and lows, and your excitement along the way.

I think that others would benefit from your experience in reaching out for help and following through on a personal goal. Would you be willing to share your thoughts in an upcoming newsletter?

Also, I think we'd all enjoying hearing an audi sample of your work. When are we going to the studio?

Here's you =>

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quote:

Originally posted by Matthew Poepsel:
Would you be willing to share your thoughts in an upcoming newsletter?

It would be my pleasure! As for the audio sample, I'm rocking the Suzuki Bass Book 1, so watch out!

Ok, I haven't really been keeping up with this goal (or reporting on it...) but Andy's borrowing of my title reminded me that I should look back here, and I'm so glad I did!

After rereading the conversation (can you call talking to yourself a conversation?), I realized I needed the reminder of "if you never fail, you're probably not trying hard enough". I had a conversation last night with a fellow musician about how kids who are perfectionists are afraid to play jazz because it's too easy to fail. I don't know that I'm exactly a perfectionist (that sound you hear now is the group snort from my friends and family) but I definitely fall into the "afraid to fail" category.

So I'm announcing once again that I need to get off my aspirations and start THRIVE!-ing it up on bass again - wrong notes, sore fingers and all.

Just think of this as a friendly neighborhood reminder to keep your windows closed, even if it is spring!

Kris don't forget we now have an electric bass at the school for our jam sessions. Why don't you sit it on either of the jazz band rehearsals over the next couple of weeks.

AJT

Ok, I guess I blew it on that, but we have a week to go, so maybe you can convince me to try out the electric. (Just remember I've only played upright so far!) And thanks for wanting me to step outside my comfort zone. That usually helps me reach my goals a lot faster than just doing what's easy for me. Go figure.