The journey of learning music is not just about mastering techniques; it's about cultivating autonomy and creativity. This process is evident not only in young learners but also in adults as they progress in their musical pursuits. As an educator, I've had the privilege of witnessing this transformation firsthand, guiding students of all ages through the stages of becoming more 'autonomous learners'. New music students often begin their musical journey as eager 'recipients of information'. They look to their teachers for guidance, absorbing (some, not all) knowledge like sponges. Typically, they are provided with structured lessons to navigate the intricacies of their instrument, along with and matters related to music theory, composition etc. If students are provided with a suitable range of opportunities, as they progress they should start to engage more actively with the material, exploring their interests, and developing their musical identity.

The teacher's role extends far beyond teaching techniques; it involves nurturing a love for music through immersing them with a breadth and depth of creative activites. Through encouragement and support, instilling discipline, and fostering a growth mindset, teachers help their students more towards taking ownership of their musical development. As they become increasingly able to be self-directed in their practice, seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth, an educators role evolves in parallel; we move towards providing the necessary support to help guide students navigate complex musical concepts themselves. While this journey towards autonomy is often associated with childhood and adolescence, it's equally relevant for adult learners too, who typcailly bring a wealth of life experience along with a (typcically) different range of motivaing factors to their musical studies. Whether they're picking up an instrument for the first time or returning to music after a hiatus, adult learners embark on a similar path of growth and self-discovery.

In music education, the journey to becoming a more autonomous learning is a dynamic and ongoing process that spans across age groups and skill levels. As educators, our role is not only to impart knowledge but also to nurture autonomy, creativity, and self-expression in our students. By embracing this evolution—from teacher to mentor—we create an environment where learners of all ages can thrive and realise their full musical and creative potential. 

Keep it Low, 

Greg 🎶

March 2024

In the hustle and bustle of London's vibrant music scene, getting to gigs can often feel like a logistical puzzle. As a seasoned session bass player based in Southampton (Hampshire), I've explored various modes of transportation to reach venues scattered across the capital, but mainly I drive up and tackle the city's labyrinthine streets. However, one option I've rarely considered until recently is taking the train. With rising fuel costs, congestion charges, and the ever-growing challenge of finding safe and available parking in London, the idea of hopping on a train seemed like a promising alternative. So, when a gig opportunity near Waterloo station presented itself (Leake Street), I decided to give it a try. 

Certainly, the prospect of relaxing on the train instead of battling traffic jams certainly appealed to me. After all, who wouldn't want to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps even catch up on some emails en route to a performance? For this particular gig, I opted to travel light, taking only the essentials: my trusty GR AT110 carbon cab, a light bass amp head, my Fender Jazz 5-string bass (plus a light Ukulele bass as a backup). Foregoing the usual redundancies I often pack for gigs played on my OCD a little. Streamlining my equipment was a sacrifice, but the promise of a stress-free journey seemed worth it.

My biggest concern was ensuring that I arrived on time for sound-check, and that the gig finished on time so that I wouldn't miss the last train home. The thought of being stranded in London after a late-night performance was not one I relished. Thankfully, my careful planning paid off; I arrived at the gig with time to spare, and I made it to the station with a little time to spare to catch the last train home. Yet, despite the initial allure of train travel, the experience left me hesitant to make it a regular occurrence. Delays on the journey up, although manageable thanks to my buffer time, highlighted the need for greater reliability. As a professional musician, reliability and flexibility are paramount. While the train offered a welcome respite from the stresses of driving into London, the constraints it imposed ultimately outweighed the benefits. Until trains become more reliable and offer extended operating hours, I'm afraid I'll have to stick to more traditional modes of transportation for my numerous gigs in the capital.

While the train may hold promise as a convenient alternative for musicians navigating London's gig scene, its limitations – from scheduling constraints to reliability issues – ultimately make it a less-than-ideal choice for pro musicians outside of London. 

Keep it Low, 

Greg 🎶

February 2024

At a mid-way (ish) stage of my (part-time) PhD, it thought others might be interested in my progress to date and how I am getting on.

Embarking on a part-time PhD journey is like charting a course through a dense unmapped forest at sunset, where every step requires careful navigation between academic pursuits and daily responsibilities. Yet, within this challenging terrain, there lies a beacon of progress, marking the completion of a significant milestone. As I reflect on my journey so far, I'm thrilled to share the latest achievement: transitioning from an MPhil pathway to a full-blown PhD candidate, via a viva with an independent panel of senior academics (albiet with some minor modifications still to be made).*

Undertaking a PhD part-time presents its own set of obstacles, particularly when juggling multiple roles and obligations. Nevertheless, through perseverance and dedication, progress has been steady, if not swift. At the heart of my doctoral research lies a mission to bridge the worlds of bass guitar and art music. Central to my endeavor is the recognition of challenges encountered by aspiring professional bass guitarists in art music settings. These hurdles include transitioning from tablature to traditional notation, grappling with art music terminology, and adapting to performance conventions. Through a mixture of research, composition, and performance, I aspire to contribute to the enrichment of bass guitar education and pave the way for aspiring musicians to explore new horizons.

While the journey may be challenging, each written and notated page completed reaffirms the importance of perseverance and dedication. With each small step forward, the vision of a more inclusive and vibrant musical landscape for bass players draws nearer (sentence by sentence, bar by bar!)

Keep it Low, 

Greg 🎶

January 2024

*Update [April 2024]: I have now successfully completed the transfer from MPhil stage to become a PhD candidate. My PhD completion is expected between October 2026 and October 2028.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to contribute to JESTA magazine, a publication by ESTA (European String Teachers Association) members. As a musician and educator passionate about sharing experiences and insights, being asked to write an article for such a respected publication was truly an honour.

The article, titled "Finding the Bass Line: My Journey into Music," allowed me to reflect on my own path in the music industry. Despite its brevity, I poured my heart into every word, hoping to inspire others to consider a rewarding portfolio career in music. Writing for JESTA magazine was a delightful experience from start to finish. It provided me with a platform to not only share my story but also to potentially impact fellow musicians and educators. As someone who has benefitted greatly from the guidance and wisdom of others in the field, I understand the importance of paying it forward. In the article, I delve into the various facets of a portfolio career in music, emphasising the diversity of opportunities available. From performing in orchestras to teaching private lessons, composing for film scores to leading workshops, the possibilities are endless. I also touch upon the challenges and rewards that come with pursuing such a multifaceted career.

My hope is that this article will serve as a source of encouragement and guidance for those considering or already navigating a portfolio career in music. I believe that sharing our experiences and insights not only enriches our own journey but also fosters a sense of community within the music industry. If you're curious to learn more about my journey and insights into a portfolio career in music, you can read the full article in JESTA magazine here. 

Thank you to ESTA / JESTA magazine for this wonderful opportunity, and to all those who continue to support and inspire me on my musical journey.

Keep it Low, 

Greg 🎶

December 2023

Embarking on a musical journey, especially with an instrument as versatile and dynamic as the bass guitar and double bass, is an exhilarating experience. Whether you're a beginner who's producing your first notes or a seasoned player, reflecting on your musical progress is key to continuous growth and improvement. In this blog post, I will explore the art of self-reflection through the lens of the bassist, offering insights and strategies to help you navigate your musical journey with purpose and clarity.

1. Set Clear Goals: Before diving into your practice session, take a moment to define your goals (short, medium, long). What do you aim to achieve with your bass playing? Whether it's working to refine a particular technique or musical passage, memorising a part of a new song, or improvising with more confidence for a specific song section, setting clear and achievable goals will provide direction and motivation. Regularly revisit and adjust your goals as you progress, ensuring they remain relevant and challenging (Think SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

2. Track Your Progress: Keeping track of your progress is essential for measuring growth and identifying areas for improvement. Consider maintaining a practice journal or using a digital tracking (such as short vidoes of yourself playing) to log your practice sessions, noting what you worked on, challenges encountered, and breakthroughs achieved. Tracking your progress not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also helps you stay accountable and focused on your bass playing and general musical development.

3. Embrace Feedback: Seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors is invaluable for refining your skills and gaining new perspectives. Don't be afraid to share your playing with others and request constructive criticism. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth, rather than as a reflection of your abilities. Remember, even the most accomplished musicians continue to learn and evolve through feedback.

4. Celebrate Milestones: As you progress on your bass guitar / double bass journey, take time to celebrate your achievements and milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it's mastering a difficult phrase, performing in front of an audience, or recording your first demo, acknowledging and celebrating your successes boosts confidence and reinforces your commitment to musical excellence.

5. Reflect and Refine: Regularly set aside time for reflection, allowing yourself to assess your progress, setbacks, and overall journey. Reflect on what strategies and techniques have been effective, what challenges you've overcome, and what lessons you've learned along the way. Use this reflection as a springboard for refining your practice routine, setting new goals, and charting your course forward with intention and purpose.

Conclusion: Reflecting on your musical progress is an essential practice for any bass player committed to continual growth and improvement. By setting clear goals, tracking your progress, embracing feedback, celebrating milestones, and engaging in regular reflection, you'll not only enhance your playing skills but also deepen your connection to the music and the instrument itself. So, pick up your bass, embrace the journey, and let your musical evolution unfold with each note you play.

Keep it Low, 

Greg 🎶

November 2023