Can I Major in Music if I Just Started the Bass?

Late to the party but still wanting to go to music school?

Don’t worry, a lot of others have been in your place.

Some of the most prominent bassists didn’t start until the end of high school or even in early college!

Unlike violin and piano, many successful bass players don’t start playing the bass until their teens (or even later in some cases).  While more young bassists are being started these day than in years past, bass still remains an instrument that people come to later in life.

With focus and determination, amazing things are possible regardless of when you pick up the bass.

Not easy, but possible.

If you’re new to the bass and want to pursue a career in music, these four things will help:

1. Get a Private Teacher

Ask your orchestra director, youth symphony director, jazz band director, and other strong players in your area.  YouTube can help, but your progress will be much faster in-person private teacher.  Also, a private teacher will make sure you develop good technique and habits on the instrument.

2. Become a Sponge

Eat and breathe music.  Listen to three new artists a day.  Listen to recordings and attend concerts.  If you want to do it, you’ve got to live it.

3. Play for as Many People as Possible

Nothing will get your nerves up like playing for another person.  Everything you think you have down can crumble in front of another person.  These are valuable experiences.  Have them early and often.

4. Research and visualize what you want and where you want to be

The mind is a powerful thing.  Visualize every little detail about where you’d like to end up.  Where do you want to be on the instrument in a year?  How about in six months?  In a month?  Next week?

As you’re preparing for your first audition, you’ll want to make sure that you’re working in an intelligent way.  Check out our Ten Practice Techniques for Better Auditioning.  This will help you with structuring your preparation.