Study Topics
Bass Guitar Technique
All of the common bass guitar techniques can be covered with Adam: finger-style, plectrum playing, slapping, muting etc. Other colourful techniques like natural and false harmonics, chording and tapping can also be covered. Right and left handed students are welcome, as are extended range (5/6 string basses) and fretless players.
Double Bass Technique.
Double bass can be studied from an orchestral and/or a jazz point-of-view. Adam teaches German method bowing. Students that are new to the bow will work through classic study material as well as important orchestral excerpts. Jazz pizzicato can be covered in the same manner. Aural skills play a strong part in developing ones double bass technique.
Styles and Players
Having stylistic awareness is massively important for bass players. Playing appropriately within a given style can be worked on in your lesson. Looking at key players and greats of the instruments is helpful in developing your playing as well as your overall musicianship. Students are encouraged to look at key players from a wide variety of styles: Jaco Pastorius, Joe Dart, Flea, James Jamerson, Pino Palladino, Cliff Burton, Thundercat, Phil Lynott etc.
Recording Bass
Students can spend their lesson time on tracking/recording their playing. A full recording setup for electric bass and double bass is available at the studio. Recording skills are vitally important for contemporary musicians.
Learning Songs
Students are encouraged to build a strong repertoire of music from across a wide spectrum of styles. This is great for improving musicianship and may offer a student more opportunities to player with other musicians.
Music Theory, Reading & Transcription
Music theory as well as the ability to understand what you are playing empowers you as musician. Music is like a conversation, a deeper understanding of music allows you to say what you want in a musical situation.