Bass-Guitar: A Practical Approach
My lessons for electric bass and popular styles are practical and almost always focus on a specific song that deals with a certain topic. In this way, you build up a repertoire of songs while systematically working on the different skills you need as a bass-player regardless of your level I always ask what your goals and interests are as student so we can work on helping you become the musician you want to be. In our lessons we play the music and style you want to play.
Double Bass: Structure and freedom
If you want to learn the double bass and play jazz or classical music I believe a more structured approach is useful to learn the instrument. For beginners learning classical music this involves bowing open strings and a structured system learning the positions on the bass. For jazz players a similar approach is recommended and whereas it is not absolutely necessary I do recommend practicing with the bow to improve sound and intonation. Also, if you want to play classical music and in most cases jazz you have to learn or be able to read music. Don’t worry, we will do this together - it’s not rocket science!
Other Instruments
Over the years I have also taught different instrumentalists like saxophonist, pianist or guitarists the basics of music theory and improvisation. Many of the concepts that I use in composing, arranging and improvising are applicable to other instruments. I especially enjoy these types of lessons because they touch on the essence of music and deal with universal issues of music.
Workshops
I have organized band workshops for amateurs and aspiring professionals concerning improvisation and jazz under the name “Jazzworkshop Ruhr”. The focus is often less on individual musical development and more on playing together in a band and the special challenges of sound, timing and musicians listening to each other. I have also conducted bandcoachings for pop- and rock ensembles.