mind map
What is a Mind Map?
A mind map is a tool to help clarify complex issues and inter-relations between
them. The concept was developed by Tony and Barry Buzan. There are lots of sites
with info on mind maps, including
Wikipedia
Why create a mind map for a bass player?
It is my opinion that students spend a large amount of time focussing on
technique and performance issues, both crucially important in becoming a
successful player, but not the whole story. Many students of mine have huge gaps
in the breadth and depth of thier understanding of the bass world. Rather than
impart this information in a haphazard manner on a one-on-one basis in lessons, I have attempted to put this in a more structured format on
the net.
Where to go from here
My next job is to drill into each branch of the mind map and give the
next levels of detail plus background text. Its a big job, so will take some
time.
I have shown the first three levels of the mind map on the diagram above - there
are move levels of detail, which I have left off this page for clarity. To drill
down to more detail, click on the box in the diagram above or the link in the
table below. I am in the process
of writing the next level pages and to date I have done the following:-
|
Goals |
I have come across many players who have ill defined, or worse still no goals.
Some just flop off to music college, have a great time for 3-4 years then wonder
why they in a hole some time later. Goals are crucial in all aspects of life,
including music
|
Why play? |
|
Hardware |
Unlike a singer, we need stuff, like a bass! But there's lots of other toys too,
like a bow, strings, gig clothes, resin...
|
Bass, bow, man bag, accessories, clothing |
|
Preparation |
The music profession is a high pressure environment - its one of the performing
arts and therefore there is constant pressure, in concerts, maybe a Mahler 1
solo, or first time with an orchestra, an audition, trial, graded exam..... We
need tools to deal with this pressure and perform to the best of our ability
|
Mental, physical, practice |
|
$ |
Finance is important in all parts of life, especially where the income side is
low but the outgoings can be ridiculously high (ie old basses priced at several
times a players annual income)
|
Insurance, finance, income |
|
Musicianship |
I believe this is what it is all about - we are musicians. All other aspects of
the mind map are means to this end
|
Rhythm
,
Pitch
,
Dynamics
,
Musical Maturity
,
Reading
,
Colour/sound
,
Creative
,
Tuning the bass
,
Section etiquette
|
|
Technique |
Many students spend a large proportion of thier time on technique and some of
the aspects of musicality. I do not intend to go over ground covered elsewhere
in the literature but will put technique into the overall mind map
|
Posture, Right hand, Left hand, Fitness/health |
|
Network |
Some reading this will wonder why network appears on a mind map dedicated to
musicians - isnt that for business people?? Networking is for everyone,
including bass players
|
Teacher(s), peers, students, maker/repairer, groups, dealers, why build a
network? |