Course Descriptions

Larry

Left-hand chords and patterns

Exploring the most usable chord shapes in the left hand, along with a few ideas about how to use them to build patterns, backgrounds and grooves in various styles.
Beginner course

Getting a good tone out of the Stick

This session will focus on the part of your sound that comes directly from your hands and your playing technique, working on getting a good sound before the signal even gets to the amp. We'll talk about placement, articulation, expression and a few other things.
Beginner course

Killer grooves

Principals and techniques involved in using The Stick to lay down a solid rhythmic foundation.
Beginner course

Soloing over motors, patterns and grooves

How to stay steady and strong in one hand while soloing with the other. We'll address the division of attention, muscle memory, and some general independence issues.
Advanced course

Stumbling blocks, pitfalls and traps

Did you ever notice that certain songs you play always seem to break down in the same place?? We'll get under the hood and explore why that happens and what you can do about it.
Advanced course

Arranging and adapting music for the Stick

We'll look at some of the best ways to translate music from other instruments to The Stick, and how to take advantage of The Stick's strong points to create great arrangements.
Advanced course

Greg

Basic Free Hands Technique

A movement based approach to get you started on the road to independent two-handed tapping.
Beginner course

Two-Handed bass

Groove-based "fire" handed down to us from Tony Levin, more fun than a musician should be allowed to have.
Beginner course

Intro to improvisation

The Stick is an improvisers dream. Drawing on concepts that work with all instruments, but geared toward developing a two-handed conversation, learn how to use your innate creativity to guide your hands as you express yourself with your fingers right on the strings.
Beginner course

True unison in 4ths and 5ths

From rock and roll to ragas, knowing how to play true unison lines in two different tunings is a door-opening essential skill, with a simple strategic approach.
Advanced course

Practice vectors for speed and dexterity

You can't play the music unless you can play the music. Stretch and tone your muscle memory.
Advanced course

Bach to basics

The prolific Baroque composer left us a massive body of work to explore. Here are some approaches that will make it easier to find your way, and develop your skills in the process.
Advanced course