bass lessons in scottsdale – Scottsdale Music Academy https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com Learn The Music That Moves and Inspires YOU! Mon, 14 Mar 2022 17:06:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/SMA-111-150x150.jpg bass lessons in scottsdale – Scottsdale Music Academy https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com 32 32 Tips for Improving Your Bass Playing https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/tips-for-improving-your-bass-playing Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/?p=9277

From an outsider’s perspective, the bass might seem like a fairly simple instrument to learn. With only four strings, it can’t be that hard, right? Well, once you start to dive into learning the bass, you will find that this instrument holds endless possibilities of things to play and learn. Playing and learning the bass can be hard at first, but with some practice and dedication, you will be able to reach your goals. Here are some tips for improving your bass playing.

PRACTICE YOUR TECHNIQUE:

One of the reasons why people get turned off to playing the bass is that it calls for a different technique than that of the guitar. Due to the gauge of the strings and the size of the instrument, the bass can be a very physically challenging instrument to play if you are not using the proper technique. A good way to make sure you are correctly practicing your technique is to be very mindful of how you are holding your bass and how you are playing the strings. From there, you can make any necessary adjustments to your playing.

KEEP YOUR PLAYING SIMPLE:

Especially if you are just starting out on the bass, keeping your playing simple can make a world of difference when learning and writing music. There is no need to learn the hardest song on the bass right out of the gate. Try working your way up from simple bass lines to more complex as your skills continue to grow. This also goes for writing your own bass lines, as there is no need to push yourself too hard when you are just beginning to play.

LEARN THE NOTES:

This may seem like an obvious tip, but learning and memorizing where all of the notes are on the neck of the bass is very important to the learning process. Knowing your notes will make learning songs so much easier and will also give you a better introduction to music theory. The bass can take some time to learn, but if you continue to take lessons, practice and learn more, you will see progress.

]]> A Musician’s Guide To Booking Gigs https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/a-musicians-guide-to-booking-gigs Wed, 10 Apr 2019 16:42:35 +0000 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/?p=7852 If you’ve been taking music lessons for a significant amount of time and finally feel confident in your music abilities, the next logical step is to get out there and show off your skills! For most musicians, this means booking gigs and playing live shows. But finding and securing music gigs can be tough, especially when you’re just starting out.

booking gigs scottsdale, phoenix

Luckily, the teachers at Scottsdale Music Academy are all professional musicians who not only teach music but also play music for a living. Here are their top tips for booking music gigs.

Tips for Booking Music Gigs

1. Think Locally

While it’s every musician’s dream to go on a nationwide major city tour, that’s not always realistic when first starting out. That’s why we encourage our music students to think locally. Instead of looking for gigs across the US, concentrate on local venues in Phoenix, Scottsdale or Paradise Valley where you could possibly play. And don’t just focus your efforts on concert venues or clubs…think coffee shops, restaurants, museums or private parties, anywhere you could gain some experience and add to your resume.

2.  Use Your Connections

Along the same lines of “thinking locally,” it’s also a good idea to use your connections to find opportunities for music gigs. Chances are you know someone who knows someone who’s looking for a musician! Ask around and take advantage of your network. The more personal connections you can foster with promoters, booking agents or local venues, the better your chances will be at landing the gig.

3. Come With a Plan

When you’re reaching out to possible local venues, it’s wise to come with a plan. By that, we mean be ready to show them what you can offer. If you’re contacting venues via email, simply send along a link to your website or Soundcloud profile or links to any videos you might have. But your best bet is to visit the venue in person and play a little something for the owner or promoter. As an extra incentive, bring along a few ideas on how you’d personally help promote the concert or event. This will demonstrate how serious and interested you are about playing there.

4. Make Sure Your Music is a Match

Spare yourself future disappointment by doing your research and choosing your venues wisely. For instance, don’t waste your time contacting a venue that specializes in jazz music when your particular style of music is more rock or acoustic. Only reach out to venues where you know your style of music is wanted or make a habit of asking that question upfront. There are plenty of venues in Phoenix and Scottsdale that cater to a variety of music genres, including yours…you just have to look!

Our last tip related to booking gigs is to always be professional. It should be a no brainer, but sending thank you emails, interacting with the crowd after a performance, and showing up on time all go a long way to help ensure a good reputation and guarantee you’re re-booked in the future.


If you’re not quite ready to book your own gig or need some extra help preparing for it, consider signing up for band coaching. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to guarantee your first live performance goes off without a hitch. From stage presence to setup and audience engagement, you’ll learn it all! Contact Scottsdale Music Academy today to get started!

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