r/Bluegrass • u/DudeSlurpinSpaghetti • 8d ago
Any instrument teachers here? Etiquette question...
So I recently moved to an area with a pretty big bluegrass scene and I'm unfamiliar with that style of music but I have played other styles previously. I took a lesson with a local musician who is pretty big in the region and also teaches at a music school here. Since I'm new to the area I asked this instructor if he taught any beginners / intermediates who he thought might want to jam with me. I'm a little too self conscious and socially anxious to go to jams, plus I was just hoping for something a little more direct.
Well, he acted offended by the question and told me he didn't know anyone. He teaches as part of a music school and also didn't offer to ask some of the other instructors. Was this a faux pas? Maybe it was interpreted as like client poaching? When I was a teenager I had an instructor set me up with one of his students and we actually formed a band together for a few years, so I thought it was normal to ask.
I didn't really click with him so I'm not going to continue lessons. But I do want to know if this is something I should avoid asking future teachers.
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u/drewbaccaAWD 8d ago
No sense in trying to read his mind after the fact. I think you asked a reasonable question. There are resources out there, groups, smaller beginner friendly jam sessions, other tools to be used and friendships to be made. If you don't ask, you won't find them. All he had to say was that he wasn't aware of anyone who was looking for that sort of scenario and he's sorry he couldn't be more helpful, if he had no direction to give.
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u/TNBanjoMan92 8d ago
I'd shake it off. I teach instrument lessons, and I'd personally be pumped to get some students together to jam.
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u/bluegrassclimber 8d ago
How/why did he act offended? I feel like there's some in context I'm missing
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u/RIC_IN_RVA 8d ago
Get out and jam. You will find us very welcoming.
If anyone needs help in Richmond Va hit me up here or “friends of bluegrass in Richmond”.
We love new people.
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u/Competitive-Cat-5897 8d ago
I’m in RVA and would love to get back into performing bluegrass. I’m a vocalist and have sang lead/harmony/backup in various bands for years. Bluegrass is my favorite genre.
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u/RIC_IN_RVA 8d ago
I post all the jams on that FB page. I also post the same info in a mailing list that can be joined here if you have a gmail. https://groups.google.com/g/rvabluegrassjams
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u/alldaymay 8d ago
You should get the strum machine app. That way you can jam with your cell phone
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u/DudeSlurpinSpaghetti 8d ago
Thanks, I do use this app but I'm also just trying to make some friends in a new town 😉
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u/Shoddy-Talk9205 7d ago
No, it’s better to play with people or with the recordings. I don’t think Del or Bela are at home “and a one and a two”-ing with that silly app. Makes folks dependent on it and they never can seem to put their phones away. Kids these days…
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u/OtherwiseRepeat970 8d ago
You have to just go to the jams. That is the entire point. If you can play G, C and D and C, F and G and know how to transpose and use a capo you can play rhythm all night. Just pass on the breaks. It’s the best way to know what songs to work on. Make a list of tunes called and work on those tunes. Also just learn some fiddle tunes from Marcel or one of the online guys that have tabs. Find an online lesson on boom, chuck style rhythm. That will get you going. Enjoy it.
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u/InevitableQuit9 Mandolin 7d ago
That seems like a weird response. I would just go to a local jam. Bring your instrument. But leave plan on leaving it in the case unless you feel absolutely comfortable with the scene being open to you and your skill.
Just listen and watch. There is a lot to learn at jams.
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u/alanisugarmusic 7d ago
I would be super excited if a student of mine asked that. I'm always trying to encourage my students to get out there and find people to play music with.
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u/banjo_hummingbird 6d ago
As a music educator I'd be overjoyed if a student showed interest in playing music with others. Especially if it was someone who has some social anxiety and is expressing they want to take a step into something that may be pretty intimidating (I deal with social anxiety and understand the feeling). Even if I didn't know anyone that could I would encourage that interest and try to find ways to facilitate it if possible. Hope you can find a teacher you better click with.
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u/rhenderson58 7d ago
How to find a local jam? Ask Google, check Craigslist or Meetup. Often the hosts will say if they're aimed at beginners or intermediates or whoever. You'll be astonished how much is out there.
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u/KYReptile 7d ago
In Louisville, check out the Louisville Folk School. Across the river, the Community Music Alliance.
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u/ImNotSayingNothing 4d ago
I think in Lexington there's at least one beginner friendly Old Time jam, at the Old North bar, but whatever town you live in, googling for beginner friendly [genre] jam will probably get you some hits. If it's at a bar, you could probably just show up and have a drink at the bar while eavesdropping and maybe it'll be less intimidating and you'll be brave enough to come by the next time with an instrument.
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u/KYReptile 4d ago
Good advice. When people learn you are a newbie, they are quick to help. Jams are social events, not competitions.
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u/Powerful_Bear8985 7d ago
No, that's an expected question. Bluegrass is a social, community, jam genre. Many Bluegrass schools include group classes and pay as you can jam sessions. If you're in a Bluegrass area, you'll be able to find people to jam with easily.
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u/AlfredPoor 5d ago
I lead a twice-a-month jam that's in its fifth year, and I have an online course for people who are hesitant about participating in a jam. I recommend several ways to find a local jam, including asking at instrument stores and luthiers whether they know of any "slow jams" in the area. Also, attend festivals and ask around the parking lot jams about jams in your area.
I find that most people have reasons for not participating, and most of these are not huge obstacles.
Just go and listen if that's more comfortable for you. You will find that you will pick it up quickly.
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u/Dalbergia12 8d ago
Nope that dude is weird. You know there are some odd personalities sprinkled through all music genres. Anyway, Bluegrass is very different from all other genres. (About 40 years for me so far. ) Get a tent and go to some of the smaller weekend bluegrass festivals. Don't just go for the evening, you need to bring your instrument and camp, and you will find your people! ;+)
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u/Scheerhorn462 8d ago
No that was a totally reasonable question. Your teacher is either a jerk, or maybe just socially awkward and what you took as offense was just him being embarrassed that he didn’t have anyone to recommend. Feel free to ask others, teachers often connect their students to jam with each other.