Improving without a teacher

M

MandShef

Jul 5, 2012
9
0
4,531
Sheffield, UK
#1
Hello Patrick

I am new to these forums. I hope it's OK to ask a question. I am a (amateur) classical double bassist. I achieved Gr8 standard, but then let myself get out of practice. I am now trying to get myself back up to scratch, but have not been able to find a classical double bass tutor where I live (I've had a few lessons with a tutor who's a jazz specialist). I am hoping to get good enough to teach in schools, and I'm already progressing (working through the Simandl & playing with my local orchestra), but I was wondering what tips you may have for someone trying to improve without access to expert tuition - are there any books or other resources that you'd recommend? Also, is there are a way to measure progress oneself if not going through the formal graded exam system?

Thanks so much for any help.
 
#2
For what it's worth:

I like to split my year into 3 month segments, and set a goal for each 3 month segment. The entire year is a long time, and it is hard to track progress for that long, hence, why I do the 3 month system.

Keep a practice journal of what you want to do in the 3 months, and give yourself realistic, but challenging goals. And then, make a goal for the end of the year. 3 months goes by fast when you do this, and you improve more than you'll expect to. Also, this way, you'll see more of the small things you need to fix, and the 3 months will give you a good time frame to work on that.

Make sure your warm up routine is GOOD. I had a mediocre warm up routine for about 6 months, and I didn't progress as much as I could have. Search 'Max Dimoff's warmups' on this forum, and try those out for a month, and then change them as you see fit.

Make sure that whichever scale(s) you pick for study are relevant to the piece at hand. Buy a copy of the Carl Flesch scale method for double bass from sheetmusicplus, and do your scale studies out of that, and then make your own based on what your weaknesses are.

Try your best to get a teacher that is in classical music; it'll make the worlds difference (even if you can only see him/ her once a month).
 
#3
Thank you so much, I thought I'd never get a reply! Funnily enough I have just started to keep a practice journal, which has really helped me keep my practice focused. I'd only been planning week by week though, so I'll give setting a longer term 3 month schedule/goal a try. I've seen the Max Dimoff warmups before, but didn't really understand them - I'll take a 2nd look. I appreciate you trying to help. Unfortunately there are no classical double bass tutors in my area which is really frustrating!
 
#5
Some good discussion here on ways to accel without an academic instructor. Being one (although I just retired), I have often defended the professor's position. However when I look back on my career, and how I progressed as a player, the two factors that made the most creative advancement in my playing were simple, but critical. One must be exposed to and observe (visually and aurally) other musicians, and one must analyse what you observe and make it applicable to what you want to accomplish. For example if you see a violinist perform that has the ultimate (in your mind) bow sound; smooth, without variation, articulate yet evenly sustained -- then you desire that in your own playing, you go about figuring out exactly how this person produces the sound you want to acquire. How are the physical characteristics of the violin bow and the violin manipulated by the player, how are the four bow factors utilized, what kind of music am I most impressed with that the violinist plays, etc. etc. Then you decide how to apply this awareness and technique.. It is simple really, only it is very detailed in analysis and application. Then it ALWAYS helps to have someone observe your progress. Anotherr perspective will always aid in your progress.

So, yes you can be self-taught. Many are, in fact most musicians are ultimately, if they are in any way accomplished and stand out among the crowd. To really be a deep thinking musician is what is needed, IMO, do a lot of listening and observing, analysis of everything, and get as many perspectives as feedback as possible.

Take a few private lessons along the way... You will be glad you did! :)
Patrick
 
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