Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Prowse
My life goal is to have my double bass playing down by the age of seventy five, eighteen years to go, and then I'll probably die. When I practise, or play a gig, I always try to isolate things that may be holding me back. Lately, for example, I've had a problem with not stopping the notes (with my left hand) firmly enough - this results in occasional squeaks and mainly occurs up the neck. I'm getting this one under control. I generally am pretty good at staying in tune, but there is one piece in my repertoire that I stray on - I'm presently dealing to this.
I also have a tendency to speed up. There, I've told you all my faults!
I think if someone asked me,
"Richard, what are, in your opinion, the most important aspects of double bass playing?"
I would reply,
"Obviously playing in tune and timing are vital. If you want people to like your playing, tone and phrasing come next."
I've just been reading an old book by Shinichi Suzuki (written in the 80s). He talks about how an infant learns language and how music can be learnt in the same way. He emphasizes practice - lots of it, and enjoying it. I probably do about an hour or two about every second or third day, and less on the other one or two, so my next endeavour will be to regularly go for three hours. Obviously what you practise is important.
So, this thread is a chance to talk about getting better on the big fiddle.
Don't be shy, have your say. Remember the old saying,
"Many hands make light work."
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Ok, here's my take on it. The DB is a life study that you can never perfect all aspects of it. That being the case, I suggest you have a teacher evaluate your playing and start you on the road to improving what you have first.
At the recent ISB in Pa. I asked two bass players (both better than me) to look at my playing and give me something to work on. I had sorts asked for a 'mini lesson'. The reason for the 'mini' is that I just wanted one or two thinks at most pointed out in my playing that needed to be improved.
I basically played an audition for each of them for a minute or so and then waited for a response. These are both pro Symphony players by the way.
What did they each tell me or give me to work on? Well, that's bassically a doctor/patient condiferntiality thing..
The point being.. I asked and I got some help. After watching some great players over the last few years I came to realize that there is no such thing as perfection. So, just enjoy yourself. The better you get, the better you wanna get.. It's kinda addictive..