Can anyone take lessons?

Is it worth beginning lessons as an adult?

How are the lessons organized?

How do I set up a lesson?

How much do lessons cost?

Do I need to have my own instrument and equipment?

Where are lessons held?

How much should I practice/Do I need to practice?

What if I'm tone deaf?

What if I can't read music?

How long will it take before I sound good?

What if I've never played an instrument or taken lessons before?

What is Todd's playing experience?



CAN ANYONE TAKE LESSONS?

Yes. Todd accepts all ages and all levels.


IS IT WORTH BEGINNING LESSONS AS AN ADULT?

Yes. Todd’s beginning students have done very well for themselves, forming bands and other performing ensembles, recording cd’s and playing out at local clubs and events like Bumbershoot.


HOW ARE THE LESSONS ORGANIZED?

Todd offers hour and half-hour lessons. In general, he recommends that kids begin with half-hour slots, and adults with hours. Lessons are held weekly.


HOW DO I SET UP A LESSON?

Call Todd at 425-806-8717 or e-mail him at todd@playmybass.com. Either Todd or his wife Catherine can set you up with a regular weekly lesson time.


HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?

Please see the rates and policies page for details.


DO I NEED TO HAVE MY OWN INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT?

You need to have your own instrument. Todd does not provide students with instruments, nor does he have extras to loan for the lesson. See the links page for instrument store recommendations.

Todd does provide an amp for electric bass students to use during the lesson.


WHERE ARE LESSONS HELD?

Lessons are held at Todd’s North Seattle studio (Wednesdays through Saturdays) , his home studio in Bothell, and at the Kennelly Keys music stores in Bellevue (Mondays) and Woodinville (Tuesdays).


How much should I practice/ Do I need to practice?

You cannot become a proficient musician if you don't practice. In general, the more you practice, the better you'll be. If you're strapped for time, though, you can pack a punch in just a small amount of practice time, provided that you're relaxed, open-minded, and that you enjoy the music and don't expect to be perfect at first. Todd recommends that all students practice at least a few minutes each day.


WHAT IF I'M TONE DEAF?

True tone deafness, like color blindness, is rare. Tone deaf people can't recognize simple everyday melodies, like "Happy Birthday," when they hear them. Todd has never had a student who was truly tone deaf.


WHAT IF I CAN'T READ MUSIC?

Todd can teach you to read music, if you want to learn.


HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I SOUND GOOD?

If you're diligent about practicing at least a little bit everyday, your playing will become better and better over time.


WHAT IF I'VE NEVER PLAYED AN INSTRUMENT OR TAKEN LESSONS BEFORE?

The important thing is to be relaxed and open-minded and enjoy the music. Let your own personal love of music guide you through the learning process.


WHAT IS TODD'S PLAYING EXPERIENCE?

Todd began playing cello when he was eight years old, and made the jump to electric bass in college. He has thirty-two years of experience playing in orchestras and rock bands, and has recorded both rock and classical albums.