SBL course

Jonny Cumbo

Jonny Cumbo

Jan 2, 2019
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4,611
#1
Hi Guys,
Has any SBL member here received emails encouraging you to apply for a new course limited to 40 peeps only?
Is it a scam? They haven't told me how much it'll cost yet, but apparently a fraction of the $61,000 it would cost to attend Berkley for a year.
The course is called The Blueprint, and of course (no pun intended) it isn't to be found on the SBL website cos it's going out to a "select few" first. Has some clever bunch of peeps hacked into Scott Devine's email?
I look forward to hearing.
Jonno
 
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#2
Looks genuine - The Blueprint

SBL seems to be doing less new stuff on the core subscription but instead running new revenue streams. It started with the accelerator courses and we now have “live class” and it appears “blueprint”. Interesting to see no cost information is provided for blueprint (unless I’m missing it).

I understand the need for new and continuous revenue streams and turning a profit but SBL is losing any appeal for me.
 
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#4
I don't think it's a scam. I got it too and I scheduled a phone call to see what it's all about. I can't imagine there only being 40 spots though. My guess is they'll come back with "due to an overwhelming response, we are opening more spots", or something like that. And the original email says it was only sent to a select few. I am sure it was sent to everyone that is a part of SBL. I am curious how much they are charging.
 
#8
Jonny Cumbo said:
Hi Guys,
Has any SBL member here received emails encouraging you to apply for a new course limited to 40 peeps only?
Is it a scam? They haven't told me how much it'll cost yet, but apparently a fraction of the $61,000 it would cost to attend Berkley for a year.
The course is called The Blueprint, and of course (no pun intended) it isn't to be found on the SBL website cos it's going out to a "select few" first. Has some clever bunch of peeps hacked into Scott Devine's email?
I look forward to hearing.
Jonno
Click to expand...
It is indeed legit. Will cost you about 10K. That alone should keep you motivated
Apart from this giving you access to pretty much everything they ever did (including the Accelerator courses and the new LiveClasses), in Blueprint it is about getting tailored lessons and exercises with a coach, with whom you have weekly lessons, and whom you can "pester" with other questions pretty much as much as you like I guess that depends a bit on the coach ). There could also be a weekly seminar together with your cohort to discuss certain bass- or playing-related issues. Accountability vis-a-vis your teacher is a big thing for me, and there will also be some kind of assessment once or twice throughout the year the program takes. This is more of a feedback session than an exam.
I'd say the price for this is right. It is an investment and thus keeps you "invested" whereas one otherwise might eventually "fade out" of a standard online course as nobody gives you feedback or "checks up" on you. It does require (time) commitment for sure!
 
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#9
They're just repackaging the same ole stuff. Its marketing. After all, are we to consider their other stuff inadequate for learning. Nope... its the same stuff. I suppose it depends upon who is teaching. If its Phil Mann, I'd be interested if its Scott or his "double" I'd say no...... but if you sign up right now to this exclusive offer we'll guarantee you not one, not two, but three extra lessons only found here exclusively for our Blueprint customers..... .See what I mean
 
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#10
DrBnz said:
They're just repackaging the same ole stuff. Its marketing. After all, are we to consider their other stuff inadequate for learning. Nope... its the same stuff. I suppose it depends upon who is teaching. If its Phil Mann, I'd be interested if its Scott or his "double" I'd say no...... but if you sign up right now to this exclusive offer we'll guarantee you not one, not two, but three extra lessons only found here exclusively for our Blueprint customers..... .See what I mean
Click to expand...
Yes, the marketing is... too much (at times/most of the times) - it is becoming a bit of a problem for SBL as they get associated with this kind of very pushy, click-baity type of marketing.
That said, the teachers I have interacted with are really nice, knowledgable and encouraging. I wouldn't know who will be teaching with the new cohort, but typically neither Scott nor Ian are directly involved in the 1-on-1 teaching.
(By the way, just want to point out: I don't get paid for writing all this, I just think they found a way to address the problem with many self-teaching-online-courses, which is accountability and tailored lessons. It's not for everyone, because of the price alone, but it's what I needed and could afford when I signed up).
 
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#12
I’m an “Academy” lifetime member and have purchased the technique accelerator, the fretboard accelerator and one other I can’t remember. I think the value is there it’s really great instruction. It’s a product that works for two identifiable camps; career minded music professionals (bassists), and career minded non music professionals.
I think the live lesson thing and the blueprint thing is great for the former, it’s a clear alternative to traditional university instruction. I am of the latter, at this point I am a non music professional, and find that, as compelling as the ads and direct mail is, my journey is on a different path. A traditional SBL membership gets me what I need. There’s a ton of material there and I do have time carved out to practice on a goal oriented schedule. The core stuff is plenty to digest and should last me the lifetime I paid for. Besides, you get to learn from people that come off as folks you’d like to hang out with for a beer. Cool that SBL has something for everyone!
 
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#15
Les Fret said:
For that money you can get about 200 face to face in the same room lessons with a pro teacher! That will be much better and money well spend I think.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing - Phil Mann does lessons for £45, albeit over Skype, and you have to do videos in between the lessons so you'll get feedback outside of the actual lesson. For £9999, you could book 222 lessons (and I guess he'd give you some sort of discount!). Even if you could fit in weekly lessons, that is over 4 years worth of one to one lessons on a personal training plan with someone you've selected.

Wfrance3 said:
A traditional SBL membership gets me what I need. There’s a ton of material there and I do have time carved out to practice on a goal oriented schedule. The core stuff is plenty to digest and should last me the lifetime I paid for.
Click to expand...

I'm in a similar situation and I wonder if there are too many of us lifers who got a good discount some years ago which is impacting SBL cash flow. If they fail to continue to invest in the core academy then who will pay monthly subs for something that is becoming increasingly a second or even third tier offering amongst their portfolio? The Accelerators were the first step to a new revenue stream and Live Class and now Blueprint are new additions. Will they find the time to keep new material flowing in the academy to get people to pay a monthly membership?

Oh, and Blueprint certainly isn't "the select few" as even I got an email eventually.
 
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#16
Gramski said:
I was thinking the same thing - Phil Mann does lessons for £45, albeit over Skype, and you have to do videos in between the lessons so you'll get feedback outside of the actual lesson. For £9999, you could book 222 lessons (and I guess he'd give you some sort of discount!). Even if you could fit in weekly lessons, that is over 4 years worth of one to one lessons on a personal training plan with someone you've selected.



I'm in a similar situation and I wonder if there are too many of us lifers who got a good discount some years ago which is impacting SBL cash flow. If they fail to continue to invest in the core academy then who will pay monthly subs for something that is becoming increasingly a second or even third tier offering amongst their portfolio? The Accelerators were the first step to a new revenue stream and Live Class and now Blueprint are new additions. Will they find the time to keep new material flowing in the academy to get people to pay a monthly membership?

Oh, and Blueprint certainly isn't "the select few" as even I got an email eventually.
Click to expand...
Agreed!
It is a business. As long as there is talent and energy, I see SBL as a growing business. I don't see it ever becoming a dated archive of bass knowledge like True Fire, but even if it did what's currently on SBL would remain relevant.
And yea, I love being a bassist, but I'm nowhere near pro level. Even I got an "exclusive" offer...
I think they probably send those off to tons of people and close it when the class size reaches limit.
 
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#17
Lifer here as well. I think different folks need different things to be successful and get stuff done. For some this might be the answer.

I personally get a TON of value from the core info and lessons…even if it’s something I’ve learned before because I find new applications from so many different people.
I try to help them out by letting others know how much I’ve enjoyed it, so, maybe new players will help them grow and add to the core.
Either way, I’m pretty happy with the deal I got. If I need more, maybe they have an accelerator I’m interested in or maybe I’ll grab some private lessons from good people I know are better than me. 😁

I’m honestly thankful for finding them.
(Plus Scott & Ian together are pretty funny.)
 
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