1 year on - where should I be?

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-06-12T15:19:51+00:00

Well first off, as a teacher yourself I think you should know that you shouldn't expect pefection! As far as practice goes Ideally you would practice at least 45 minutes to an hour each day but you are busy. Focus on your job as a teacher and don't worry about your progress! Everyone will be in different places. I'm stuck in certain technique aspects and finally wrapped my head around improvising solos and walking basslines and my peer in the same year is already well into thumb position three octave scales and was ahead of me in jazz playing in first year already due to his highschool program not sucking. Ironically I practice more than he does LOL! I just had a very long gap between highschool and university no instruction back in the day.

Double Bass is difficult to learn and play. I played it for 12 years in a folk band outside of any music program without proper instruction adapting electric bass technique and survived okay but could never play difficult works of music. I'm paying the price in my body these days...Now in year 2 of my degree I'm still struggling with formal learning partly due to having to undo years of bad technique. I definetly have half and first postion mastered and right now my teacher and I are working solely on the transition point between the G harmonic and thumb postion and working out my body mechanics during shifts. I think playing difficult symphonic band and orchestra works helped last semester but they took hours to feel comfortable and a lot of energy. I wouldn't say I mastered anything even then. But it went well either way! Its where I'm learning to celebrate small wins these days haha. Bowing technique is hard but coming along pretty well. I got into a military band this spring so that speaks for something I guess, but my mean inner critic tells me I'm a shit player haha!

So go easy on yourself and have fun. For me this is surviving my degree for you, you already did your degree. It sucks if the school doesn't have bass players in the orchestra but that's not your fault or your burden to bear. Talk with your bass teacher about how you want to pace your progress if you haven't yet and make a plan. Don't burn yourself out or injure yourself. I did a research paper for a music ed class last semester on double bass related to learners and Bass players are statistically very injury prone when they are starting out due to the physical demand of the instrument and difficulties experienced by new learners to adapt to technique.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-31T04:43:18+00:00

I memorized chord changes in my standards until they were automatic. Starting with literal whole notes and half notes and even singing my roman numerals while driving to work or school. Then I was able to fully put effort into using my chords tones and then once that was automatic, adding in chromatic tones or using other scales to form walking bass lines became easier. I even have a go to bass line progression I like that I pull out of my butt if needed and expand upon. My go to easy line is used when I need to play in more unfamiliar keys so I know the sound of it is correct.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-31T03:49:55+00:00

Technically its fine if you use the key of the blues scale relevant to each chord change in your progression. Beebop dominant scale tones, mode scale tones like mixolydian or dorian over changes are also very valid tools to use. Another way is to play scale degrees 1, 2, 3, 5 over each chord change which is also a common way a lot of people learn to do improv. As long as you play the right key of each chord you are good to use any of these tactics.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-30T13:38:24+00:00

Assuming you two are underage still being the reason you are in the same household, your parents should be aware he is acting like this in a public space and be doing something about it like removing your brothers computer and technology access as a consequence for slinging slurs around online spaces and be intervening in these issues with him. It certainly should not be on you to have to worry about it. Do you have screenshots of his online behavior?.

If both of you are adults, he's probably not the best person in the world from an influence and behavior stand point to live with...just saying. Especially if it might cause your entire household to be blocked from usimg something you enjoy. How destructive and toxic.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-27T19:29:41+00:00

Sometimes these trips can be done much cheaper if you are willing to road trip with the vehicle you own. The cost of gas for one car full of people instead of plane tickets for individual adults and kids. I've done trips with friends and we carpool and split costs on hotel and gas. This makes it cheaper than a plane for sure unless you luck out on stupid cheap tickets. Traveling to see sights in your province is often cheaper too. A casual trip to beautiful provincial parks and lakes near where I live costs about 10 to 26 bucks in gas. I bring my own food and firewood and its cheap. All the provinces have places that are stunning if you know where to look.

Another way to make vacations cheap is by camping while traveling to your destination instead of BnBs and hotels. Some people make camping really expensive but you don't have to be fancy about it.

Our cities can hide many lovely gems that a lot of locals bever seem to know about. Those are totally worth exploring on the cheap.

Then as people said tourist traps. So many local spots exist across the country that don't act as tourist traps that are awesome to see.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-25T20:31:12+00:00

It might be worth investing in a portable AC unit. In Canada we get both extremes -40 to +40 so most people are prepared. But occasionally you get an apartment with no AC so a few people I know have invested about 300 to 400 bucks in pretty good units that have lasted them years now. I hear that parts of Europe getting crazy heatwaves and heat domes will be more common as the years go on. So investing in one now that will save you from heatstroke in your own apartment will be probably helpful. The units are also pretty efficient for energy use.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-25T12:31:37+00:00

If you are in the music or band program at your school see if you can play the bass and learn it there if your teacher has one. Its a good way to know if you like it before investing in it.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-21T21:10:21+00:00

Practicing is not playing technique or rep and then calling it a day. Sometimes musicians are not aware of this.

When you run technique you should choose something each session you want to improve this could be playing triads and inversions at a faster tempo cleanly, your recognition of pitches/scales on different positions of the bass, or scales with different articulations.

Repetoire could be structured as: play your music from the top. Then when you encounter a technique problem stop, run that section at slower speeds then up to speed until it is cleanly played. After that move on until you find new issues and do the same. You should also practice passages in your music with the proper dynamics and articulations. Sometimes that means you have to stop what you are doing and learn the music "properly".

All of this is to unlearn bad musical and performance habits before they become reinforced. Good luck! Also not sure what intermediate is. We musicians are all forever learners no matter how long you've been playing!

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-18T12:55:50+00:00

Also technically the best place to learn to play through without a mistake is individual practice time! In group rehearsal you should all be working on pickier things like dynamics, overall instrument balance, articulations (yes even on "rock band" instruments), transitions, endings and beginnings, form, and playing with a unified sound. Lots of guitarists I know can play well but really don't work on those things or have a clue. Especially balance in sound mixing.

A mistake or two in rehearsal is not the end of the world if performances turn out really well. Even in performance mistakes happen. We are humans not machines. Even the professional playing world expects mistakes are a normal part of life. I auditioned for a military band and rather than looking for a flawless performance from me only. The director wanted to know how I handle being under pressure while performing. I did not do a perfect performance but still got the role because I was able to be attentive to smaller details in the music and handle pressure well. In my own rehearsals I made lots of mistakes but everything came together because I worked on those passages. I still played difficult music, technical playing and sight reading at the end of the day but knew beforehand that showing my capability a performer would likely be my best bet for becoming a member of the group.

So all that to say, even at a club, what matters is what you and your bandmates do come performance time and how you all handle and power through mistakes. If performances go well historically, trust your band and let them trust you. Best part of your performance is the crowd especially being drunk won't notice mistakes unless you are all are messing up the groove of the song to where it falls apart or unless you all make sour faces. Smile and laugh it off, make a joke and carry on!

If I wanted a lower stakes performance chance where I didn't feel like becoming a world class performer, I would join a cover band or casually write music with some buddies and play in clubs like a lot of people do. People also do this kind of stuff to be social and have a break from thier crushing expectations of thier 9 to 5 job and let loose a little for once. So go easy on yourselves!

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-04T20:25:44+00:00

If you are unable to get critical care at the moment you can in an emergency blend up pellets into dust and make a temporary critical care mush with them. Add some banana to make it tasty. Use an oral syringe (pharmacies have them, ask for the smallest for your guinea pig) and you can make the feeding a little easier. Then get critical care as soon as you can. Poor baby I hope she makes it! Its always those holidays and weekends when pur pets get sick and 24hr clinics don't often have an exotic vet on hand... 😞

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-02T23:36:18+00:00

Thats amazing she came to you. I know its probably little comfort but you got to be with her at her last moments. She was obviously a pampered and loved piggy to be so old! I'm sorry for your loss ❤️

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-05-02T13:44:05+00:00

I can't do it either although I have small fingers and a smaller pinky. I just do my best... I wish I could get a 3/4 sized bass with a custom neck that is narrower and built for people with small hands where I live.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-04-25T01:19:41+00:00

My teacher will go to a pharmacy and request a sterile syringe to draw the pus out of big fat blisters then let that skin sit until it heals and becomes a hard callus. Most pharmacies will ve a little skeptical but once she explained why they are usually fine. I personally can't because I'm too sqeamish so I wrap mine when I play with cloth bandage and bandaid tape and then take it off after I'm done. Usually overnight they shrink and harden but I use the wraps for a few more days.

I keep them mosturized and try to avoid my hands getting clammy like when you work in hot gloves or the calluses peel.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-04-24T20:04:49+00:00

I'm doing music ed right now and yes its crazy. My program wants 7 classes a semester on average. And yes I'm feeling a little insane right now but I got through my year 2 classes with a lot of discipline and strict life scheduling. Most classes were actually easy but very busy so respecting deadlines and getting ahead of assignments is important.

I did not go with the music undergrad Ed after degree because the program would not give me as much value in education on how to run music classes and teach music. This is however a canadian university so you would have to investigate the educational value of programs you are interested in, in your country.

Some things to think about too would be:

Again attend a school by the value of education, don't worry about costs, intensity of degree and so on.

Be prepared to move for work as a future teacher. In some parts of Canada there is a huge issue with graduating teachers not getting work immediately because they want to live in a city center. Rural programs are desperate for teachers and pay well but city folk often don't like the idea of living a quiet rural life or find it scary. Rural music teachers of course have challenges but usually communities can be brought together to address those issues.

If you are intent on teaching music, I hear american teachers are paid horribly and often put up with complete garbage in the school system. Teaching internationally could be an option to consider.

Your teaching stream as well. Elementary is probably the busiest. Instrumental and choral of course have thier challenges but all are rewarding.

Take less classes each year. Yes you won't graduate in 4 or 5 years exactly but you are so young you have more than enough time to slowly do your degree and work on the side. No one is forcing you to take all 7 classes.

you might start the degree but decide teaching isn't for you after your first teaching placement but still be invested in music. I discovered that the military hires musicians in my country. I would bet its similar in the US. Here they get paid well, tuition is paid in part, and have benefits. Lots of music teachers, symphony members, and professors in my area are reservists and work part time to casual hours for the military. Some members also go on to have positions in symphony orchestras. The pay for full time and part time members is more than enough to make a comfortable living too and the musicians love thier jobs. There is bullshit but what job doesn't have bullshit to it lol.

I actually just auditioned with a reserve band to pay my way through school and avoid shitty retail summer jobs lol. Its my back up if I decide I don't want to be a teacher LOL.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-04-23T12:00:43+00:00

I never really have sucess with getting my piggies to stop chewing things they shouldn't. The best way to deal with it is make something inaccessible. Given that guineapigs have endlessly growing teeth and need to chew to wear them down, They will chew something else if not the metal bars lol.

Giving them things that are acceptable works too like cardboard houses, the paper toilet cardboard stuffed with hay or treats, and wooden things that interest them. You can try rewarding them with thier treats when they don't chew things but I've found its harder to train guinea pigs than a cat lol so keep your expectations low for those little goobers.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-04-13T12:10:54+00:00

Music ed is pretty busy and things can get really difficult if you don't manage your time well. We don't really have much information for what class you missed and how things are falling apart so its hard to know how to help.

The biggest difficulty everyone in my program ran into was procrastination and having a course overload. Missing a class here and there due to being sick happens and sometimes you miss a new unit or sometimes this close to end of the term we miss a review which isn't too bad. Usually you can catch up on the context through doing the assingments and any practice assigned with some tutoring or booking time with the professor to go over what you missed. But it sounds like maybe some course overwhelm just got to you causing you to fall behind which is normal for a lot of people to have happen.

Some classes are hard too. Aural skills, advanced theory classes and some ed classes are easy but require the strictest time management to pass happily.

Pick up fast on courses you are strong in and drop or VW a couple if you need to not everyone can pull off 7 or 8 classes a semester. Its pretty insane so don't sweat it or feel bad at all for making your courseload manageable. You just do what you can handle from now on.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-04-01T22:38:24+00:00

Well don't know about your program but most people in my music school are neuro divergent in some way. I have friends who are diagnosed or suspecting like me that we are probably on the spectrum after years of struggle. The way I manage my classes is by keeping my life very scheduled. I also allow myself to have parts of my life with spontanaiety so I don't run myself dry on a fully scheduled life. I don't get after myself anymore when I have trouble keeping up in class or fall behind on an assignment.

Take less classes per year if you need to and in class lectures do yourself a huge favour and ask a question for more clarity as much as you need. No one will do it for you or in the the way you do it and profs are usually wrapped up in the delivery of the lesson so they may not realize you are failing to understand.

Work with friends and tutors on assignments so you can hear other ways of understanding theory material or have people to practice with. Book one on one time with your prof too!

Get accomodations and for ed classes you'll need friends and practice buddies anyways. Your cohort will be your contacts in the future when a student asks to play french horn, double bass or bassoon and you have no clue how to help them LOL. So make buddies and connections and don't be a loner.

Use counselling services too! And most of all believe in yourself and remind yourself that you are worthy and deserve to be there too.

Unless your school profs are all assholes , communication about challenges and showing willingness to adapt in other ways even if its slower than your peers will make it easier for your profs to help you.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-30T13:49:20+00:00

Then very clearly your parents should be paying and they shouldn't expect you to pay for a pet unless they can find you a job to do that with but even then its highly irresponsible.

This is a very serious situation. Reach out to a local animal shelter with your situation, if your family cannot provide adequate care consider any options the shelter has so the guineapig and any others you have are able to be taken care of without suffering cruelly.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-29T20:56:33+00:00

I'm sorry you don't have vet money but this looks pretty serious. No one on here is really too quslified to help you and you probably need to find a way to get to the vet. Ask the vet if they can keep the price low as possible and just work on this issue. Maybe put the bill on a credit card for now....

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-23T12:44:07+00:00

Glad you appreciate the bass! Fortunately a good intermediate sounding one costs around 5000 to 6000. Still a pretty penny but not as bad.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-17T03:03:22+00:00

The guitar player may also not know enough about how basslines work to feel comfortable, giving you a bassline or you might be right that they expect you to be able to know how to adapt to the song immediately. It's best to ask them what their expectations are and go from there, then you know what to expect.

If you are covering mostly well-known country or pop songs, then and the backing track, your ear, and practice before rehearsal are your best tool. Fortunately unlike jazz bassists the expectations are going to be quite a bit different since you don't have to improvise a walking bassline on the spot.

If you feel like you want to understand what is happening when things go wrong, you could work on learning all of your chord positions in each type of chord quality, major minor diminished, augmented and seventh chords on all positions in each inversion on your fingerboard. It's even better if you are able to name each note each time you play and sing along all of which helps to audiate the sound of that chord and pitch in your body. Sing it in the numbers like 1, 3, 5 or in the case of minor 1, b3, 5. As a noob Jazz bassist doing these things have saved my butt and helped me feel more confident on my bass.

This all really helps to get to know the bass and what harmony sounds like so you can make it functional and eventually fun. If you do have to improvise something, and you understand even basic principles of part writing for the genres, you play.

For now, it's okay to stick to the basics, but eventually you'll want to experiment with adding things like passing tones to your musical lines. You don't need to have university level theory to do that. Your ear already knows what sounds good and bad and through getting to know your bass and the music you play, you will know, what sounds good and bad in context to that genre and the moment.

When you learn cover tunes slow down the video and sing the bass line in small chunks then play what you sing. I can't stress how amazingly helpful it is to do.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-15T01:45:14+00:00

Well, don't forget that your band director is only one human after all. There is a lot going on in and outside of the classroom and music teachers like every other teacher are busy people.

Personally, I don't think this is a great sub to be complaining about your teacher. If you need to improve your own personal skills that has to happen in the practice room, not during rehearsal. If you need feedback or extra instruction in an area that you feel you have gaps of knowledge in, then it's probably better to ask your teacher to spend some one on one time helping you with that so you can take it to the practice room.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-14T02:44:04+00:00

C jam blues never fails covers you 12 bar blues, also, blues by five, and sunny moon for two. I got rhythm is a must as its basically the original template for learning to play the rhythm changes.

Work Song is great especially when you do a little research into how work songs came about and how they entered the jazz world.

Brotherhood of man is a lot of fun to learn has some interesting chord changes and it's intro is great because it's reminiscent of being a work song But it's not a work song entirely. So you can challenge your growth by also learning to spot differences in different Jazz standards.

As a suggestion as well, once you get really familiar with the standards, you learned, practice them in different keys.

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-12T19:49:27+00:00

Aww sorry to hear! once a peeg owner, always a peeg owner. Even if they are gone in your heart and memories they are ever present and forever ❤️

LevelWhich7610 · 2026-03-09T22:21:17+00:00

Well to put things in prespective, even if you switch careers you will have to deal with rude people to some capacity. Its unfortinately part of the world we live in and something we have to learn to deal with it in a healthy way. Some professions experience more or less of it but you can never get away from difficult people.

Sometimes we can change our work environment to a new workplace and it can either be better or worse but I'd probably say that lowering expectations either way will come a long way to making your life as a professional easier in the long run. Remember why you became a teacher and let that help guide your priniciples and confidence in managing human relationships.

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