Choosing an instructor

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we discuss a topic that has come up quite a bit recently....choosing a teacher. Now, we all learn differently and want different things out of our art. Private instruction is one of many avenues open to us. Choose the avenue that works for you. I am a proponent of private instruction. I have had it since the beginning and, for the most part, have benefitted. I actually took a lesson last month!  If this is the road you want to travel, here are some guidelines I feel are important. First, finances. It will do you no good going to an instructor that straps u financially.  It will affect your ability to study consistently (been there). While not the only consideration, it is a big one. There are ways to address this, but is beyond the realm of this talk..PM me. Next, personality. You need to "click" with your instructor. This can sometimes be hard to quantify, but u will know. When u talk to them, remember u are interviewing THEM! Ask all the questions u need. See how they react..Are they confrontational? Vibey? Condescending? Indifferent?Ask about lesson plans. They should be set, steeped in fundamentals and easily explained..verbally or in written form. U don't want a teacher that is like "let's try this today?" Or fills the lesson with mindless drills. I have had teachers that were great at telling me what I was doing wrong, but were light on telling me how to correct it..u dig? Teachers should regularly introduce u to different genres of music, but shouldn't try to '"convert" u to them. While an open mind is best, ur likes and dislikes are urs and are valid. Each lesson should be pleasant, challenging and with a clear idea of what u are to work on for next time and what is coming next. There needs to be a dialog of the purpose of each area of study and it's relation to the others building a big picture leading to better understanding and play. No shortcuts, no fancy graphs, just good solid instruction leading to real progress. Onle last thing, if u take a lesson or two, and it just isn't right...don't be afraid to try another instructor! As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com