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Private One-On-One And Correspondence Learning For Bass Guitar
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Frequently Asked Questions

Over my years of teaching and playing bass in general, I have been asked many questions. There is always a pattern to the questions people ask, so I have outlined the common ones here. If you wish, you can submit your own questions to faq@discoverbass.com. Thanks!

Q: How can I determine if Correspondence Lessons are for me?
A: I would have you ask yourself the following:

If you said "Yes" to these questions, you have the right mindset to excel through my correspondence training! You can view a video of what you get HERE!

Q: What is it that makes your courses different?
A: Through years of experience with systematic and established learning techniques, I have come to the conclusion that the normal modes of teaching (such as music schools, etc) are missing a great deal of the picture. They are also missing the intangible parts of learning and really enjoying the whole experience.
I introduce and play with these intangibles in a one-on-one basis, both in my private and correspondence lessons. Everyone is different, and my courses are nothing more than a blueprint. Once you start studying with me, I will apply the course materials to the individual, instead of taking the rigid perspective of "one method for everyone" approach, which in my opinion tends to dampen creativity and free-thought.
By taking this individualist approach, I can better tailor these courses to your needs, thus allowing you to rapidly progress.
Another thing, you can expect to pay MUCH LESS and get MUCH FASTER results by studying with me than most anywhere else.

Q: What do I need equipment/technology wise to take your Correspondence Course?
A: You will need to have access to a computer with an Internet connection, with browser software (such as Internet Explorer 7 or FireFox 3) and an e-mail account. Hardware-wise, the computer should have a decent sound card and video card. You will also need to install the Microsoft Silverlight 2 Plugin. If you don't have it, you can get it HERE.
My correspondence lessons consist of audio/video and written materials in Adobe Acrobat format (you can download Acrobat for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader ). After you sign up for one of my correspondence courses, you will receive an e-mail verifying your account details, and a special page designed specifically for you will be created on this website. One lesson per week will be uploaded to your page and you will be notified by e-mail when your lesson is uploaded. The lesson materials will also be available for download in zip file format.
If you want to schedule one-on-one video conferencing to discuss your lessons, you will need Skype, a video conferencing package.
If you do not have any of this software installed, don't worry... I will create links on your personal lessons page to all the software downloads that you may need!

Q: Who can enroll in your Correspondence Programs?
A: Absolutely anyone who has a computer with an Internet connection and a desire to learn Bass Guitar, anywhere in the world!

Q: Do I have to buy additional materials for your courses?
A: No. I will include all that you need in order to complete the courses on offer. In fact, I include more than is necessary, really. Private one-on-one students and correspondence students have access to exactly the same materials.
All I do ask though, is that you supply your own bass guitar! For one-on-one students, I do have many bass guitars, but it is much better to develop a feel for your own bass. As far as amplification goes, I have that covered.
Each of my private one-on-one courses come with the following materials thrown in for free:

Correspondence students will receive all of the above except for the Metronome/Tuner and USB key drive.

Q: What ages are eligible for your lessons?
A: I do not age discriminate. If you have the desire to learn bass, then you are eligible (I have taught people from ages 14 to 60).

Q: What software can I use to help me in my studies?
A: I supply a Music/Tab reader to students for free. However, if you wish to explore further, I can recommend CakeWalk SONAR 8 and Band-In-A-Box for music authoring and creation. Band-In-A-Box is good for people just starting out, because you can just enter chords changes, apply genres and have an instant result. You can visit their respective websites for details.

Q: Can I contact you if I have any questions out with my scheduled lesson time or if I'm a Correspondence student?
A: Absolutely! You can contact me via e-mail at gary@discoverbass.com with any questions regarding your lessons or Bass Guitar in general.

Q: Can I submit audio/video files to you for your review/critique?
A: Of course! In fact, I strongly encourage this kind of creativity from all my students!
All I do ask though is, if you are going to e-mail your clips, try to keep them below 12 megabytes in size. I will review them and give you my comments.

Q: I am a Correspondence student and my computer crashed, losing all my lessons! HELP!
A: Don't worry! Your personal page on this website will always be here! After you fix your computer, you can re-download your materials. If you need to recover your login for your personal page, you can either use the password recovery tool on the website or e-mail me with your student ID number and username, and I will supply you with a new password.

Q: What happens if I need to withdraw from my lessons for whatever reason?
A: If you need to leave the course you are on without completing it, for whatever reason, I will gladly and promptly refund the balance of any uncompleted lessons, no questions asked.