Lessons

Advice on learning to play.

Andy’s blog 2018

Gavin Crump

After a second performance of two songs from the 1980s, my live confidence has truly increased. I can’t believe that I’d actually asked if I could play the bass accompaniment to songs by Maria McKee, Roxy Music and U2, with impromptu female vocalists (whom I’ve never met before), not to tepid, but genuine applause!
This is a new dimension to playing the bass, indeed any instrument. Why would I want to perform songs by which I’ve always been energised? That answers itself!
None of this would have been possible without the maestro, of course!
Andy

Every lesson is different

Gavin Crump

Every lesson is different: sometimes I struggle with the formations of chords, and particularly the speed, rhythm and instant reconstruction across six strings with three not-exactly- slender fingertips yet…when that one chord sounds perfect, the swell within this poorly-tuned rib cage rises, momentarily, to meet the kaleidoscopic emotions released within that one down-thrust of emotive expression via this right hand.
I began, tentatively, playing the four strings of the bass, under Gavin’s auspices, many moons ago and have continued to enjoy very much the process and the successes but also the challenge of these journeys…and they are multiple…within the same arena, different styles, different moods, the same charged diversity.
Today was no different…happily!!

Andy 🙂

Bamba Dia’s Story

Gavin Crump

Gavin is truly an excellent teacher!!! He teaches all levels no matter your ability or age. If you want to expand your knowledge of music you’ve found the right person.

Gavin will soon inspire your deeper appreciation and understanding of how the guitar works.  A unique teaching style of guitar playing. Making it fun and enjoyable eager to learn more. He has taught me everything I know about guitar. I’ve recently passed my grade 3 with distinction and grade 4 Merit and in December I’ll do my grade 5 exam with London College of Music. Having lessons with Gavin is the best thing I’ve ever done. If you’re going to learn make sure you learn from the best!

He’s charming and friendly he’ll make you feel like you’re at home with genuine enthusiasm and support, he’ll soon have your guitar playing and appreciation for all music on a whole new level!   Ever since I’ve started lessons with him I can’t stop playing the guitar.

Thank you Gavin for the help and support!!!

 

 

 

Click here for Bamba’s Youtube Channel

Today was no different…happily!!

Gavin Crump

My student is learning bass and qualified last year,  but recently took up the 6 string guitar.

 

Every lesson is different: sometimes I struggle with the formations of chords, and particularly the speed, rhythm and instant reconstruction across six strings with three not-exactly- slender fingertips yet…when that one chord sounds perfect, the swell within this poorly-tuned rib cage rises, momentarily, to meet the kaleidoscopic emotions released within that one down-thrust of emotive expression via this right hand.

 


I began, tentatively, playing the four strings of the bass, under Gavin’s auspices, many moons ago and have continued to enjoy very much the process and the successes but also the challenge of these journeys…and they are multiple…within the same arena, different styles, different moods, the same charged diversity.
Today was no different…happily!!

Andy 🙂

My feet left the ground!! (Blog 6)

Gavin Crump

 

BassAt the start of my learning, my apprenticeship, today, my coordination was inexplicably erratic. I couldn’t work at the required pace without some obvious incompetence. Yet, never the judge, Gav reminds me that this is MY learning time and
that through challenge will arise achievement (I paraphrased what he really meant to
say!). I remind myself too that time is space; right now, time isn’t holding the reins. I am!

However, as self confidence re-emerged and competence returned, experience, learning
and enthusiasm slowly began to increase. Acquired sound sequences and patterns rose
to the surface again, like a wave-breaking Nautilus; timing and rhythms we’re
beginning to conjoin, all elements coalescing, with both purpose and tension, towards the tonal stairway to the final climactic C sharp! My feet left the ground!!

Meta-euphorically(C), they have yet to land…!

AS

Bass Journal Part 4

Bass Journal Part 3

Bass Journal Part 2

Bass Journal Part 1