BASS LESSONS

A private music educator can offer individualized instruction to keep students engaged, motivated, and excited, and moving forward with the instrument of choice.

It’s All About the Bass

The bass is a great instrument for those new to music because it’s easier to pick up than guitar or piano, but has a similarly high skill ceiling. A student that has never picked up a bass can expect to start plucking out recognizable basslines and melodies within their first few hours of playing, and within several lessons, can  start learning music on their own. For those who want to move into mastery, bass is also one of the most in-demand instruments today. 

Lesson Plan

Below are items that are typically included in the different levels of lessons. Personalized lesson plans will be developed for each student based on their skill level and music goals.

Beginners:

  • Preliminary evaluation of skill level including technique, general knowledge, music background, and simple rhythmic and melodic exercises.

  • For those who may not have their bass yet, an introduction to the instrument and music they will be learning. 

  • Focus on technique and music reading to provide students with a strong foundation

  • Focus on scales, right-hand technique, TAB reading, and sheet music 

  • Lessons about equipment to help new students who may not have their bass or amp

  • Take-home/homework assignments such as listening exercises to develop their listening repertoire, and expand their ear skills

Example of a Beginner take-home assignment:

  • The student is assigned an album and will be asked to create a voice recording of themselves humming the bassline to their favorite song on that album. Some of these will be tailored to the music taste of each student (I may have a rock fan listen to a Red Hot Chili Peppers album, while a jazz student may listen to a Lynn Seaton record), while others are universal for all bass students (Jaco Pastorius, Rush, Charles Mingus, etc.). 

Intermediate:

  • Skill level assessment including technique, music history knowledge, and reading ability 

  • Writing and understanding basslines

  • Advanced techniques like muting, slapping, and soloing. 

  • Take-home assignments such as a scale assignment, and a transcription assignment. 

Examples of Intermediate take-home assignment:

  • The scale assignment will be an expansion on a standard scale, for example: A student who has nailed their major and minor scales in every key with every fingering pattern may then be asked to, every day before their practice, do a 15-minute warmup involving playing the major scale up, minor scale down, harmonic minor up, melodic minor down, for all twelve keys, quarter notes at 85 BPM. These scales progressively get more challenging as the lessons continue

  • For the transcription lesson, the student is given free rein to choose a bassline to learn from a song, and is either asked to TAB it out, write the sheet music, or record themselves playing it. 

  • For jazz students, this assignment may include soloing or walking on common chord changes. In the intermediate lessons, a student’s technique is now being developed in preparation for professional playing, focusing on endurance, flexibility, and most importantly groove.

Advanced:

  • Focused on the meta-structure of music and music theory

  • Music history and appreciation, which offers a breadth of self-learning opportunities

  • Discuss gig etiquette to prepare students for live shows and recording sessions, including appropriate gear, attire, attitude, and practice times

  • Coaching on self-selected assignments 

  • Specific techniques and complex concepts as needed to polish and finetune skills

  • If students are choosing to play professionally, providing opportunity for jamming and collaboration

Examples of take-home assignments

  • Music theory, technique and listening assignments. 

  • Since advanced students are mostly self sufficient and able to learn naturally, they will select their own take-home assignments. 

  • Their assignments will include explaining what they decided to work on, and I respond with tips, suggestions, and feedback.  

Instructor

I have been playing bass since I was 8 years old and have learned the value of music lessons through experience.. My bass instructor was crucial to me understanding the ins and outs of the music business, helped hone my technique, and introduced me to music and genres that I now play every single day as a professional musician.

As an instructor, I have always felt that my job is to make sure that my students are temporary. After a few years of bass instruction, I started self-teaching, and was able to do that because of the learning skills and ear training that my tutors had taught me. I carry on that tradition by putting an emphasis on self-education, sight-reading, and music theory.

Pricing:

Due to COVID-19, I am offering Zoom lessons for the unforeseen future.

(All lessons are weekly one-hour lessons)

  • ZOOM instruction: $40/lesson, $140/monthly (4 lessons)

  • In-person: $50-60/lesson, $160-$200/monthly (4 lessons)

Additional lessons/coaching available for students who may need additional instruction for upcoming gigs, school assignments, or rehearsals.

If you do not have a bass and amp, ask about my bass and amp rental program.

If you want to discuss potential gear purchases, I can be available via Zoom or in-person to help you get the most value for the gear you are looking to purchase. These gear sessions start at $20/session, usually 30 minutes to an hour.


For scheduling and inquiries, please email Alex@Bagheri.TV with the subject “RE: Bass Lessons”.