#1691245 - 08/25/05 02:17 PM
Making Time
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Greg Olwell
Senior Member
Registered: 10/09/02
Posts: 84
Loc: San Bruno, CA
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I'm currently in the what has been the busiest year of my life. As a result of getting married, family emergencies, and buying a house, I struggle to find the time and energy to play bass. By that I mean just finding the space to put practice time in, look for gigs, or even to sit on the couch and noddle.
Do you ever find it challenging to find or create the time you need to develop as a player? How do you manage it?
_________________________
Best Wishes,
Greg Olwell
Managing Editor
Bass Player magazine
1111 Bayhill Dr., Suite 125
San Bruno, CA 94066
650-238-0279
650-238-0261 Fax
golwell@musicplayer.com
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#1691246 - 08/26/05 02:10 PM
Re: Making Time
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Tom Capasso
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 04/30/01
Posts: 7569
Loc: east meadow,NY,UNITED STATES
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I don't manage it well at all.
I have weeks where the I pick up the thing on Sunday to play in church and that's it. Because I'm in a "slow" band (infrequent rehearsals), and we're cleaning up old material, there's nothing driving me at the moment (notice the smug attitude of the bass player who already knows the material that others in the band have to catch up with).
Since I spend 3 hours each day traveling to/from work, and we're doing work on the house (painting on the weekends), it's been a problem.
Greg - hope the family emergencies subside. The rest is just real life.
Tom
_________________________
www.stoneflyrocks.com Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt
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#1691247 - 08/26/05 02:22 PM
Re: Making Time
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_Sweet Willie_
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 04/05/02
Posts: 7963
Loc: New Jersey
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Originally posted by GregOlwell:
Do you ever find it challenging to find or create the time you need to develop as a player?
Originally posted by GregOlwell:
How do you manage it?
The times I've handled it better were times when I forced myself to pay for lessons. Teachers have almost always helped me use practice time more efficiently, and making a financial contribution makes me try to get the most out of it. However, I can't always pay for lessons -- either because of other financial priorities or time priorities.
It has helped recently that my daughter has been learning guitar. Sometimes I try to sneak in some practice while she's practicing. She's been learning the melodies for various jazz standards from my Real Book for her teacher, so at least I get some practice reading and walking.
It's hard, man.
Peace.
--Dub $$
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#1691248 - 08/28/05 09:57 AM
Re: Making Time
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catman
Senior Member
Registered: 07/17/03
Posts: 258
Loc: Nova Scotia ,Canada
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Many days I wish I had a few more hours, but this is my first year off from school, so I am going to be working part time as well as doing some beginning guitar/ bass teaching, so I will be able to play lots. I have waited for a time like this for 4 years now.
Then after this year it is back to school, but it will be better than before.
Hang in there you will find the time, I know my time investments equal up to squat compared to the things you mentioned but it will work out at some point.
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#1691249 - 08/29/05 01:04 PM
Re: Making Time
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Quinn
Gold Member
Registered: 10/18/01
Posts: 626
Loc: Oakland, CA
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It's definitely challenging at times to "make space for the bass."
The strategy that works for me is I simply don't watch television. I don't have cable and rent DVD's of whatever I really want to see. Consequently, in the evening after dinner I can usually get at least 30 minutes of practice in.
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#1691250 - 08/29/05 06:00 PM
Re: Making Time
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Cozmicslop
Senior Member
Registered: 09/10/02
Posts: 367
Loc: Chicago
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TV kicks cracks' ass. I work at home and I can't turn the damn thing off. When I'm busy, it's as harmless as the radio. When I'm not it's deadly.
My studio is in the next room and my gear is always underhand or foot. But I still find the majority of time I'm on instruments other than bass trying to write. I'm not a pro, but I play out a lot and that helps.
I still have no discipline at all when it comes to practice. And sadly, it shows. I'm looking for a teacher. When I took guitar lessons, I was more responsible about practice because I wasn't just going to be wasting my cash or time.
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#1691251 - 09/12/05 10:12 AM
Re: Making Time
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Danzilla
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 01/09/04
Posts: 3617
Loc: Baltimore, MD
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VERY tough finding time to practice, especially now that school's back in session for the kids, along with their other activities (soccer, scouts, etc). I play more at rehearsals than I do at home. It doesn't help my bass playing ability that I am now playing guitar in the band; but hoping to change that REALLY soon. Sometimes it's just easier to pull out an acoustic guitar and play for a little biit; but there have been times (usually late at night after everyone's in bed and chores are all done) that I plug into my Bassbuddy and play through the headphones for a half hour or so. Until I realize I'm getting rusty. Then I either play some more or hang it up for the night and promise to practice more. Wish I had more time to play while I'm more coherent. But that's pretty much never, right guys?
_________________________
"Am I enough of a freak to be worth paying to see?"- Separated Out (Marillion) My Band's website
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#1691252 - 09/19/05 06:12 AM
Re: Making Time
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Phil W
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 04/07/05
Posts: 9150
Loc: London, England
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I try! to play every day, even if it's only a few minutes. One year, I actually kept a log of when, what and how long I practiced. Sometimes I end up playing for half an hour before I go to sleep (in my night attire!); often it is unplugged in front of the TV. If I'm really pressed, I have been known to practice in the bathroom while my young son takes a bath!
I am thinking about taking my bass to my day job to practice in my lunch-hour.
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#1691253 - 10/13/05 11:29 PM
Re: Making Time
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Frank M
Platinum Member
Registered: 11/21/03
Posts: 1693
Loc: Benton City, WA
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I work 4 tens every week, so Monday through Thursday is a little tough to make the time. The up side to 4-10's is every Friday is mine!
I guess a little noodling during the week and some really hardcore theory and practice on the long weekend is better than none at all.
_________________________
Respectfully, Frank M They have to keep me. I own the domain name. The Columbia Jazz Trio
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