Teaching jazz double bass in the 21st century

Tony Overwater

My initial plan was to do research and catalogue the available existing method books for Jazz bass education. But during the process I realized that matters were more complex than I had foreseen. Jazz (bass) methods were often based on classical music methods but Jazz education demands a different skillset and approach. I reexamined the fundamental building blocks necessary to successfully teach Jazz double bass. For this I designed a graphic theoretical framework that helped me analyze the existing methods. With this information I built a data base and webpage that offers analytical information about the available methods. Methods not limited to the traditional books but also on line learning programs and other methodical teaching material. Furthermore I examined the influence of the technological developments that the computer, smartphones, tablets and the internet have to offer. Teaching Jazz in the 21st century has proven to be much more of a modulair approach than the traditional linear approach.

New method of rhythmic improvisation
for the Jazz bassist

Author	: Linda Oh
Year	: 2005
Format	: PDF
Level	: intermediate, advanced
JDB	: Jazz Data Bass Link


Highlights:
Well-structured analysis of the playing of Dave Holland
Introduction in North Indian rhythms
Interesting exercises

Comments:
Not easy to find

One of the virtues of internet is the ability to search in an ever-expanding library. For example, many interesting master researches and thesis can be found that cover a wide array of topics. One of them, written by bass player Linda Oh is a good example of a research paper that can serve as a method as well. Linda Oh describes the playing of Dave Holland, a bass player known for his use of odd meter time signatures. She compares these rhythms to the North Indian rhythmic patterns and offers many examples and exercises. A wealth of information for the more advanced student that wants to develop his rhythmic playing. These kind of research papers are freely available for anyone interested in it. It is available as a PDF which makes it very easily accessible tot students. The research catalogue as it is set up now, which requires the online use of a web browser, is much less accessible and usable for students and teachers. Something to consider when publishing research material.