Mastering the Bow -a few note changes

I've finally had a few days off  - in a row!- which gave me the opportunity to sit down and play through the entire book of Mastering the Bow (ok, I did this in two sittings) and get at the tiny details that are not quite right after the editor had his/her way with the manuscript.  While Carl Fischer is going to add my changes, I think any of you that already have the book ought to know about them too.  So.... here they are!

As far as the fingerings go, the errors don't make or break the etude, but they sure are confusing where there are, and a few are literally impossible.....

As you work through the book yourself or with your students, and find you have questions, I will be HAPPY to answer them here!

Happy practicing!
Gaelen

A video on sitting posture by Dr. Kertz

I hope you all are aware of the great resource we have in the ISB - International Society of Bassists. They provide so many connections for learning, performing, and great community. Recently they've been hosting a series of stretching and wellness videos by Dr. Kertz and the latest is about sitting posture. While I don't agree with everything he says in this video, and plan to make a follow up to offer some advice to shorter folks like myself, he does raise some good points about what happens when we sit without considering the stresses we place on the back and legs (and bottom!).

Check it out here: http://isbconvention.com/body-bass-november-2013/#.UpZC8I1Ra7Y?utm_source=Body+%26+Bass+November+2013&utm_campaign=Stretch+November+2013&utm_medium=email

Happy practicing!
Gaelen

Kurt Muroki offers some tips

Happy December 1st!

I'm catching up on my reading, online and in print, and following up some links I wrote down a while back that I wanted to preserve here for ya'll.  So today, let's look at what the fabulous Kurt Muroki has been doing with some technique videos he made.  Kurt is the new professor of double bass at Indiana University (a great bass school!) and Stony Brook University (another fantastic school of music) and he brings lots of experience as both a performer and teacher to bear in his work.

First this: a video on left and right hand coordination http://vimeo.com/80002688

But wait, there's more.  A video on warm ups: http://vimeo.com/80001307

I've got a whole list of things I'm going to share with everyone this month - a month of presents from me to you!  Meanwhile, please comment back with your favorite videos or exercises that help keep you in top playing shape.

Happy practicing!
Gaelen