Bass
Bass
Level: 2 – 3 (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)
Everyone loves the talented guitarist and the singer with the voice made of honey. But do you know who the MUSICIANS love? Yup, you’re right, it’s not just microphones and acoustic blowout sales its:
THE MIGHTY BASSIST
And that can be you! By joining this class in August you’ll learn such things as:
- The foundations to bass technique (Upright, acoustic and ukulele)
- Hearing and identifying common chord progressions
- Balancing with other instruments
- Improvising basslines to chord progressions
- The role that the bass plays in different styles and genres
- Soloing basics for advanced students
- Aidan’s four-step approach to improvisation practice
- Good practice methods and resources
Students will take home some resources from the class to aid them in their future practice. All bass instruments welcome, and we will cover amplification and how to use it properly in class as well. Although not necessary, it will help students to have:
- Some theory knowledge
- Some music notation reading skills
- Experience playing bass in a group
- Eclectic music taste
- Overwhelming enthusiasm for the bass (necessary)
NOTE: This class is open to amplified acoustic basses. You will need to supply your own small portable bass amp. Please see our Amplifier Policy for further information.
Aidan Goheen
Aidan Goheen has been playing music for nearly eleven years and teaching for six. Primarily working as a bassist, Aidan has split his time between playing in both Calgary, AB and Vancouver, BC.
He has played with groups such as The Calgary Stampede Showband, The Terabithia Times, The Sweets and fronts the Vancouver based Ska/Punk/Reggae group, Big Madge, as well.
Aidan recently graduated from Capilano University studying jazz education, and is fascinated with how people learn music.
Playing Experience Levels
These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).
Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.
LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.
LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.
LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.
LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.