Pro Bass Lessons is a professional music tuition company based in Central Auckland, New Zealand. Founded in 2004 by Scott Sutherland, a professional bass player and music educator, the company aims to set a new standard in private music instruction for...
Reviews
A few years ago I was stuck in a rut with my bass playing, finding progress slow and tedious. I was skeptical about getting bass lessons however, as I already had a Bachelor of Music under my belt and thought that anything I needed to learn I could teach myself. Now I regret not getting lessons from him sooner... I began getting lessons with Scott and was instantly blown away by his professionalism, the individualised content of his lessons, the depth of his knowledge and his passion for music. My progress skyrocketed as his structured lessons gave me the direction that I lacked, his experience highlighted areas for improvement I hadn't even considered and his vast knowledge enhanced my skills as a live bass player, a recording artist, composer and improviser. Anyone, from a beginner to an experienced bass player, would benefit hugely from having Scott as their teacher.
When you're learning to play the bass, you don't just need to find a great bass player, you need to find a great bass teacher, and that's exactly what you'll find in Scott Sutherland. Scott takes a very structured, methodical approach to the learning process, building on each skill in a really seamless way. I started lessons with Scott as a total newbie, feeling rather nervous that I had never played an instrument or studied music before. Scott's genuinely warm and engaging manner put me instantly at ease. In a short space of time, Scott taught me how to read music, and built my skill level up to the point where I could master much more difficult pieces than I ever thought would be possible. Whenever I felt that I'd hit a wall, either with motivation or technical ability, Scott's reassurance and enthusiasm got me right back on track and over each hurdle. I particularly liked the way that Scott would find homework songs for me to learn that fitted exactly with my musical taste; nothing puts a fire in your belly like wanting to master a song you love! Whether you're brand new to the bass, or a seasoned player looking to build on your existing skill set, you will benefit hugely from taking lessons with Scott. I can't recommend him highly enough; he is a brilliant teacher! Sign up for lessons with a true master and you'll never look back!
I've just read the other reviews for the first time and can see that Scott delivers the same great teaching to everyone as they have covered most of what I would have said, and I can concur with it all. I decided to learn bass at age 48 having only had a short period of guitar lessons in my early teens. They were everything music lessons shouldn't be in that while covering the theory and practice they were uninspiring and not enjoyable and I see now put me off for a long time. Scott, while covering all those things, is the opposite, exuding expertise but completely friendly and approachable. His ability to customise and pace the material to suit my tastes, progress and goals was amazing and his ability to find what those were and tune into them meant he really "clicked" with me - something others seem to also experience. When I was struggling his lessons would re-inspire me. Scott is a great teacher, extremely professional and I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone looking to learn or develop with the bass guitar.
I was a student of Scott's for 5 years and thanks to him I went from being a complete beginner to successfully getting into the Auckland University Jazz course. I always looked forward to each lesson and I have found that the solid technique and theory he taught me, has helped a lot in my current course. The wide repertoire of songs we covered (from all genres) made each lesson more enjoyable and helped me to implement new ideas/techniques - this also encourages you to play more frequently which has been very important. I will be eternally grateful for the skills I have learnt from Scott and I highly recommend him as a teacher.
I moved to NZ last year and was looking for a teacher whilst there. I can't sing Scott's praises highly enough- I enjoyed every lesson, he motivated me and he even gave me cool songs for homework which I thought I'd never be able to play... The best thing about his teaching is that it's very easy for him to take a concept that you're finding difficult and put it another way or demonstrate it so that you do finally get it. He's also very clear and the way he structures things gives you some hope that you will (one day) get there! Very impressed and would recommend to anyone.
My 2 sons have been learning bass for over 6 years with Scott. They started as beginners in Year 9 and kept going.....Scott is a very professional bass teacher. His lessons are always well prepared with great resource material. He is very easy to communicate with. He makes sure the student is playing with correct technique and covers theory thoroughly too. Scott takes the time to find out what the individual likes to play and brings them pieces of interest to them and also offers new ideas. He covers all kinds of genres and helps students with their specific needs at whatever level they are playing at. He relates well to his students, listens to their needs and supports them to achieve their goals.
One on one bass lessons from someone who knows what they are talking about! Scott tailors his lessons to your needs, your taste in music and your goals for your own playing. He is flexible and willing to work with your schedule as far as how often you attend lessons, and his fees are very reasonable given how much he packs into an hour! Highly recommended no matter what level of bass playing you are at.
