Music Performance with Timothy G.

I have over a decade of experience teaching the electric bass, and more than a decade of experience playing with working bands. I play 4-string, 5-string and fretless bass. I do bass set-ups and repairs. I have experienced just about every kind of technical problem you can have at some point or another, so I can guide you in how to avoid those real world problems. Lessons are based around learning the songs you choose using "practical" music theory. (NOT reading sheet music.) Figuring out what key the song is in, then what chords are the guitar or piano playing, and then building a bassline using root notes, arpeggios, scales, modes and chromaticism. Locking in with the drummer is crucial, and I will show you how. *** Travel Equipment *** My main bass is a 5-string 2003 Peavey Cirrus, made in USA, active electronics. It is the most comfortable bass I have ever owned. I also play an Ibanez 5-string which was converted to fretless. My amp is a MarkBass 500 watt 1x12 combo, with an additional 1x12 speaker cabinet. The only pedal I use is a Tech21 Sans Amp. The "Tube Emulator" effect can make any amp sound good, and it is a must for connecting directly to a P.A. *** Specialties *** I teach the students a combination of music theory and the songs that they choose. We then use scales and theory to understand and play real songs. I usually write the song out in a chord chart, and then the bassline underneath the chord symbols written as roots, thirds, fifths, etc. I teach students to be able to improvise off the chord being played using either chord tones, pentatonic scales or full modes. I emphasize being on time with the drummer and being a solid, competent musician first. I have also taught music lessons to several students on the Autism Spectrum.