I've learnt what the multi-quote thing is for!
This one may be an odd question, to ask teachers, since it mainly deals with a lack of teachers, but here goes.
What advice would you have for someonw who wants to get into upright(or electric upright, as is my case), both pizz and arco, but doesn't have access to a teacher locally?
Any suggested reading, in books or links?
Basic advice and tips?
Warnings, perhaps?
Suggested listening?
There are many questions in your post, but the most important thing I can think of to say to you is this:
go for it, and don't think you can't do it without a teacher in town! You'll get real help and guidance from other musicians (non bass players), recordings, videos, etc.
Maybe if you are more clear about you musical goals more TB fellows could recommend specific recordings, books, videos.
What should a player transcribe? Why should they transcribe? What should they shoot for achieving as they do this? What long term benefits come out of transcribing not available elsewhere?
I ask this because normally, you hear people who are absolutely adamant about transcribing being a normal part of double bass education, and there is no alternative.
However, I recently had my first lesson with a big San Diego heavy-weight, Bob Magnusson, and he did not seem to hold the almost practice-session-over-whelming beliefs some hold about transcribing.
Thanks for your time!
First of all: lucky you! Bob M. is a terrific player.
I'm not one of the adamant transcribers you mentioned. I am adamant regarding other practice: careful, deep, inquisitive music listening.
A question on technique.
Simandl, is it totally necessary, at the moment I'm having a real hard time re-programming my hands for it, as it were, and I can reach all the low notes easily, with finger-per-note style, am I ok, or am I asking for trouble later?
To your first question, my answer is no, it's not totally necessary. There are other methods and ways. As for your second one, I think you should contact Tom Gale.
A few questions on student/teacher etiquette:
I'm an adult beginner (35) starting double bass this year. My teacher selection was somewhat haphazard, and I'm not sure it's a good fit. Before my DB was ready I took several electric bass lessons with the guy, and learned a fair amount re: chord/scale theory and so on. Now that we're on to fundamentals of double bass (5 lessons in), I'm not sure he's providing the proper level of guidance on basics like stance, positions, bow technique, etc. I feel like I really don't want to learn wrong and have to unlearn a ton of bad habits, and I have an instinct that there's no real instructional method being employed.
1) What would be a good sign or set of signs that I should continue or not continue with a particular teacher?
2) If I decide to move on to another teacher, what's the proper etiquette for finding a new one? Apart from his being a really nice guy, I don't want to damage any connections/burn any bridges.
If you take a look at videos of, say, 12 top players, you'll find lots of differences regarding stance, bowing, etc. Maybe more so in jazz (as right hand differences can sometimes be more noticeable than bowing differences). So maybe he's trying to not impose you his particular approach. I try to not impose mine to my students. Although maybe he should, if that's the case, do tell you so, and perhaps show you different approaches (even through the use of videos), so you know they exist, and maybe you can explore them to see if they can work for you to some extent.
