Music Theory with John A.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, I was lucky to have at my disposal some of the best bass players in the world to study with. Some of my first teachers were Herb Mickman, the late great Monty Budwig, and Max Bennet who single handedly taught me how to read music! After high school I continued my education at the Dick Grove Music Workshop and the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. During this time I continued to study privately with the likes of Bunny Brunell and Andy West. For most of the next twenty years I played in and around L.A. in well rehearsed progressive rock projects to just good ol' rock and blues bands. It wasn't until later in my life that I fell in love with classical music. Since then I've played in Orchestras in and around Sacramento as well as many chamber music and jazz gigs. This breadth of experience allows me to be flexible with the individual needs of each student and to compose a lesson plan that will benefit each students unique goals. *** Lesson Details *** I am a very easy going, friendly individual who believes that learning music is built upon a strong relationship between teacher and student. This relationship involves good communication, honesty, open mindedness, and most importantly the desire to LEARN and have FUN. I teach all styles with an emphasis towards Classical technique, sight reading, application of music theory, improvisation and "jamming", playing by ear and the Blues. The main curriculum borrows from the Simandle method and Suzuki method books. I like the Suzuki book because it give the student an immediate awareness of melody that is lacking in many bass students ears. *** Travel Equipment *** Student needs to have their own Bass and bow, or just bass if electric. I will provide, with TakeLessons advice, progressive lesson material from listed books above. *** Specialties *** I work in the Simandal method for both upright bass and electric bass. It provides a progressive approach to sight reading notes, rhythms, and scale knowledge. I also like working out of the Suzuki method for double bass because it gives the student an immediate awareness and sense of melody that is lacking in most bass students ears...