I took up playing bass in my late 30’s after settling into a professional career.  I always loved music but guitar seemed overwhelming and I loved Zeppelin, Rush and other hard rock bands so I taught myself scales and theory for a year then hooked up with a great instructor who gave me the best advice: “You’ve got some theory but no groove, and that groove is what its all about.” Once I had some feel for the Groove my instructor gave me the best advice, again: “Play with others, join a band.” I protested that I was not ready, and he replied, that’s why you play with others and in a band- to get better. So I attend open mic jam sessions at the blues club, and joined a contemporary church band because nobody would be critical in church. I learned much, very much from both.

I kept returning to the jam, watched, learned etiquette and interaction, and was rewarded with invites to play more and more, including joining the house band at open mike night, and bassist for a variety of gunslinger guitar players.  At 40, being self-employed, and armed with the principle that the critical aspect of bass playing was Consistency (on and off stage) and a good feel of groove, I joined a band of 20 somethings to create original music and play the jam band scene. The fundamental principle was practice, jam, explore, learn to communicate through playing as a cohesive unit and it paid off in great experiences and lifetime friendships. We recorded a cd of original materials, which was a good freshman effort- we’re all still proud of the material.

After several more years the band drifted, 20 somethings became 30, the very late night clubbing aspect became difficult and I had other personal projects that drew my time away from the 3 days of practice, so I finally took up guitar to entertain myself.  The internet has produced some great instruction platforms and access to some great instructors, like Robert, and so I have jumped into this Academy as an intermediate player with modest skills and a love of music, working to get into the level of player who can create and express, share and have fun in music, fluently. Robert’s Robben Ford lesson was the tipping point that brought me over to MGA membership.  My guitar skills and musicianship have grown steadily with my work on Lessons, Recording practice and projects, and participation in Forum.  Music is creating art on the tapestry of time- Musicianship is performing with other artists. MGA is the space to build and grow your skills as an artist.  Thanks for listening- let's jam!