The Process of Progression
There are many reasons why students quit their bass lessons. Sometimes it’s because the
teacher doesn’t inspire them, or because the lessons aren’t focused enough on their specific goals.
In some cases, it could be that the teacher isn’t qualified and really doesn’t know how to help
the student become the musician they would like to be. Then again, it could be that the student’s
relationship with the teacher and the teachings aren’t as focused as they need to be in order for
the student to progress.
Having taught fretboard music successfully for many years and to many students, I have come
to realize that the way in which a student relates to the teacher has a very meaningful effect
on the student’s development. Different students get varied results from the same teacher and
teachings. This is because different students approach the learning process uniquely. For example,
one student might believe to know better than the teacher and eventually quits, while another
student learns and applies everything that is presented and becomes a world-class bass player.
We all understand the wonderful attitudes and behaviors of the student that goes on to become
a world-class player, however, let’s look more carefully at different types of behaviors commonly
displayed by students who can easily become frustrated and quit their bass lessons.
I want to be perfect.
Some students want to master everything that is presented in a lesson before moving on to
something else. This may seem like a good idea, but in reality, it is not the most effective way
to progress. Music is best learned when many elements are worked on simultaneously without
worrying about mastering any one given component. For example, the student must work on
the technique of playing the bass, while at the same time learning the theory of harmony,
improvisation and composition. The point is, after learning something new, don’t hesitate to begin
combining it with everything else you have previously learned. Application and integration are
essential elements that must be developed from the very beginning.
By proceeding in this way, the student will not let one aspect of their learning get too far
ahead of the other things that they know. Approaching music and the bass in this multi-tasking
manner will keep the student in balance.
I only want the new.
Some students think that each lesson should consist mainly of new material. However, this isn’t
necessarily the best approach. The simple reason is that too much new information leads to the
feeling of being overwhelmed. This is because there is not enough time to integrate this new
information with past information. Being overwhelmed is what causes most students to become
frustrated and quit. Here’s an important point, simply learning new information will not improve
technique. Technique takes time to develop. Remember, technique demands more than just simply
being aware of a new musical concept, it also takes practice to acquire the fluency of technical
skill to play the bass proficiently. Remember, you can buy knowledge, but can’t buy technique --
technique must be earned!
Said again, the student may think that learning something new in each lesson is a good thing.
But as time goes by they will notice that they are not making significant technical progress. At
this point, the student may want to quit because they think lessons aren’t effective, but that is
really not the reason for their lack of progress. While it’s true that learning new information is
an important part of lessons, if the student is only interested in learning the new, they probably
will not continue with lessons and will miss out on one of the most important aspects of taking
lessons which is unfoldment of knowledge. Unfoldment being the order in which the information is
Mike Overly * 12 Tone Music Publishing, LLC * P.O.Box 20564 Dayton OH 45420 * 1-937-256-9344 * www.12tonemusic.com * ©2011
presented. It is this in-order presentation of knowledge that makes bass lessons so valuable. The
student will need to practice patience to realize this and gain the benefits of unfolding lessons
over time.
I know what’s best.
Some students have been playing for awhile and perhaps have studied with other bass teachers.
These students may have preconceived ideas about what their lessons should be and may wish to
control what and how they are taught. Asking questions and expressing goals to the teacher is a
good thing, but trying to direct the teacher as to what and how to teach is not. If the student
seeks help from a qualified teacher, they should trust the teacher and accept the fact that the
teacher knows more about music and bass than they do and therefore can successfully teach the
student.
With that said, all bass teachers are not the same, some are more qualified than others. This
is why the student needs to clearly communicate their goals, and challenges to the teacher. That
way, if the student is not receiving what they communicated, then they should seek a different
teacher. What’s important is that the student needs to have faith and belief in the teacher they
have selected and commit themselves to the lessons.
If the teacher has helped others to succeed, then probably that teacher will be able to help
you as well. Just remember, the teacher’s ability to help you will be limited and delayed if you
constantly question everything that is taught. Working with a qualified teacher is the fastest and
most efficient way for you to achieve your goals. So, if you truly want to accelerate the process
of progress, then you should think about your relationship with your teacher to see if there is
any room for improvement.
There are many factors that affect the rate of progress when learning music and the bass.
But if you study with a qualified teacher, follow the most effective music method and develop
rewarding practice habits, then you will become the musician playing bass that you have always
wanted to be!
So, 'till next time, begin having some grammar fun with your new found glossary ~ I'll be listening.
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