Mike's Harmony Class


Last year we had players of all skill levels and varied playing experience....
here is what a few of them had to say .....

When I first came to camp, I was thinking it was going to be a contest in a sense..but I was wrong, I made MANY friendships, I got taught by my heroes, won a lot of bass stuff hehe....but most of all I learned to FALL IN LOVE WITH MY BASS ALL OVER AGAIN. Before camp I was praciting 2 hours a day....now I am pracitin every chance I get and am clocking in about 5 to 7 hrs a day, and I even sold my TV. Thanks everyone who went to Bass At The Beach..to eveyone who worked to make it possible. Evan Hodges, Athens, AL

I learned more in those 5 days at BATB then I learned in five years of private bass lessons at home. I was surrounded by 59 other students from around the world who had their own knowledge and experience to share and were always willing to help another out. Steve created the best possible learning environment for bass players of any age or style. Plus, nothing beats five straight days of sweet concerts! Kathleen Mcleod, Ontario, Canada

"BATB made me know for sure that music is my career path. I met a lot of really talented people and enjoyed meeting those that are as enthusiastic about the bass as I am. Thank you Steve and Vic for making the experience a once in a life time event". Kyle McLann, Orem, UT

BATB changed the way I think about my bass playing and music in general. I've played bass for over 30 years and sure, I learned some new techniques and how to do some of those "impossible" things that Steve, Mike and Vic do ("How do you do that!?"). But the most valuable take away is different ways of thinking about holding down the low end. I met new friends, many of them are in regular touch via a couple of Yahoo! groups where we share stories and tips as well as keep each other honest about our practice schedules. We were amazed at all kinds of players and diverse styles. It was so exciting to hear everybody play their asses off! People figured out right away that this wasn't some sort of competition. There were some drop-dead amazing players as well as some just starting out and everybody was learning from each other and themselves. We were all serious about the bass. It was the greatest opportunity to fall flat on your face with no one thinking the worse of you. You learn from failing and BatB gave us all a chance to stretch out and occasionally fall with the instructors and 60 other students there to catch you. The sharing and jamming went on well past bedtime, even on musician's hours. We played hard AND played hard. What can I say about the staff? All bass players, even the sound guy! Super helpful and just great folks. Classes, concerts, events, meals, rooms, facility all grooved and we could enjoy as well as give and take at our own level. Surprises around every corner, unbelievable concerts, clinicians and guests and the memorable moments ticked away all too fast. Almost everybody was playing a different bass, some bone stock instruments and others boutique beauties. Everyone was willing to let you try out theirs in exchange for trying yours and a discussion of what you liked and didn't like about it. So much information came at us, it was like sipping from the fire hydrant of knowledge. Bring a portable recorder, you'll want to hear the sessions again and again. Anyone who truly loves the bass would become a better musician and person from participating in Steve's wonderful creation. Lives were positively impacted and I know the level of bass playing around the world just ratcheted up a notch. David Yates, West Chester, OH

I'm a self taught bassist who has been playing for 30 yrs.Being part of BATB was simply incredible! It helped me put a label on what I already knew,and made me realize how much I didn't know! Not only did I leave with a new & improved bass vibe,but I also learned so much about myself as a person! If your looking for a fantastic "bass" experience,I highly recommend this clinic! Jim Sambataro, Salem,NH

Dave's Reading Class

I am ecstatic and humbled to be an inceptor and propagator of the inaugural ripples of B@TB. What the heck does that mean? It means that i am proud to say that I was a participant of the very first B@TB. the opportunity to study with some of the worlds most renowned, knowledgeable and accomplished musicians is not to be missed. The musical tools, friendship and camaraderie will remain with me for a lifetime. Keith White, Atlanta, GA

For someone who was just beginning to learn about the bass instrument this was one of the greatest experiences to jump start my playing that I could have had. Curtis Parker

Megathanks to all for making BATB such an awesome time!!! I absolutely loved veryone's honesty, openness, commitment, "funnability" and accessibility. I was floored by the way you guys teach, with so much appreciation, bringing out the best in everyone, and creating a safe and fun environment that allowed for all sorts of shifts to happen. I experienced you guys really getting filled by the excitement of the students, which taught me a lot about why we make music in the first place. In the beginning my three things to take home with were: The unexpected/unknown Finding my own voice Feedback Truly, I got all of those, most of the first one, for sure... It was very useful to practice some real life situations, such as having 30 seconds to make a first impression, or having to be "on it" without warm up or preparation, no matter how you feel. Ariane Cap, San Francisco, CA

The whole experience changed my mind set about music and really, life in general. Evan Parsley, Troy NY

Being involved in Bass at the Beach is similar to being involved in an intense motivational workshop. The only difference, however, is that days, weeks, months, and even years later, what was learned and experienced does not "wear off" to have one return to the place that they came from. After experiencing something like Bass at the Beach/Bass Nature Camp, you can never go back... Cameron Laughlin, Roanoke, VA

Challenging, inspiring, make-you-want-to-play-more-bass experience. Stop wondering how cool it must be to hang out with the best bass players, best teachers, and awesome role models... just sign up for the camp! You'll want to come back next year and the year after that. I do, and will!!! Mike Kovac, South Carolina

Having this experience has opened new doors to my playing and turned me into a real bass player. Gerald Massoud, Dallas TX

Without any exaggerations... my playing has taken leaps and bounds in the right direction. I don't know how, but the classes and interactions I had with people at BATB changed the way I look at music, the way I play, and even how I listen to music! Josh Feinstein, Long Island

Spending 24 hours a day with serious, open-minded, respectful, and supportive bass players who are as passionate about the instrument as I am is something I can talk about for the rest of my life, but the most rewarding part of it all is having the honor to experience it. Nam Chi Vu, San Diego

I was never expecting to get into the camp to start with, but when i did it turned everything that was normal to me upside down. ....... a wonderful job with everything that went into the camp and I feel truly honored to say that I was part of such an event. I am already counting the days and practicing up for next year's Bass at the Beach. Kiel Edge, Canada

I'm not a professional player nor intend to become one, but I love playing bass Thanks to BATB I found that it is such fun to be on a stage... BATB was a huge huge booster to my playing and to me as a person in a holistic way. I really thank all the great great guys and girls from all over the globe for this experience. Dr. Dan Yaniv, Israel

Bass At The Beach was a worthwhile investment. I have never experienced a more clear illustration of both my strengths and weaknesses, not just as a bass player, but as a musician. Geoff Sprung

The only thing that I can say to sum up my Bass At The Beach experience is: It's not only a musically changing experience, but a life changing one. Rob Dakiniewich, Saskatchewan, Canada

AND A LETTER TO PARENTS: Dear fellow parents, I recently accompanied my 18 yr. old daughter to Bass At The Beach music camp in Myrtle Beach. When she first suggested going, I was naturally a little apprehensive since I really didn't know what she would be doing and she had never traveled alone to another country. Since she had to change flights, was unaware of airport procedures, didn't have a credit card for emergency situations etc., we decided that it was necessary for someone to travel with her. I requested that I be allowed to come with her and I was graciously permitted to tag along. While at BATB, I roomed with another participant and joined the group only for meals, concerts and the final meeting.. Thus I was able to experience life at BATB. We spent 4 incredible days in Myrtle Beach. My daughter had the opportunity to meet, interact with, play with, and learn from so many great musicians as well as attend some fabulous, intimate concerts. I cannot give enough credit and praise to Steve Bailey, Victor Wooten and all the others associated with the camp. They are obviously great teachers as well as performers. Everyone was positive, committed and encouraging. They devoted a great deal of time and energy to the group and to the participants on an individual basis. This enabled my daughter to grow as a musician and as a person and I have to admit it was an educational and eye-opening experience for me. During our stay, I was not aware of a single problem, nor did I hear a negative comment. The camp was very well organized and the activities diverse. The participants were well chosen - from high school students to retirees; from beginners to professionals. My daughter made some on-going friendships and learned from the other bass players as well. She took away with her, memories and pictures to last a lifetime. BATB is a must-experience for serious bass players. To learn from great musicians is an opportunity not to be missed and the cost is reasonable, considering what there is to be gained. My daughter did not want to leave and insists that she has to return next year! I am not suggesting that parents do as I did and request to be with their son/daughter. It simply isn't necessary; it could potentially distract from the purpose of the camp; it is not really possible for the organizers to accommodate all requests. However, if you would like a holiday, I highly recommend the trip to Myrtle Beach, stay somewhere close by and attend the concerts. By doing this, you too will be able to capture the spirit of Bass At The Beach. Sincerely, Susan McLeod Guelph, Ontario, Canada

 

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