Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL FAQ
What are Bassline lessons all about?
How do I purchase the USB lessons?
Complete the student information form https://basslinepro.com/home-template/usb-signup/.
After purchase, USBs can be picked up for local students in Lakewood or shipped out if you are not located in Lakewood.
What is the format of your lessons?
The lessons are virtual – taught through clear, easy to follow videos, as well as homework sheets that can be downloaded and printed. We teach using a method that we’ve been using for many years with proven success. Our lessons allow for flexibility to go back and review previously completed lessons, as long as you are a member.
How long is each lesson?
The lesson duration varies. Sometimes, it can be just a few short minutes. However, some information takes more time to explain. Some lessons are 10-20 minutes (or more!). We focus on giving over specific material in each lesson rather than the duration of the lesson videos. The most important thing is the amount of time the student spends practicing over the week. That is where the real growth occurs!
Can the lesson videos be downloaded for offline use?
Unfortunately not – due to security and ease of sharing, the videos are strictly not downloadable. In general, the weekly videos are not that long. It may be an option for an adult to sit in the area while the student watches the lesson and prints the pdfs. After that point the student can practice for the rest of the week on their own without being connected. We also have a USB option that does not require any internet connection.
Can I review my lessons once my subscription plan is canceled?
You have access to your video lessons only as long as you are a member. It is recommended to print out all your material and keep it organized in a binder. This you would keep forever (as you would with in person music lessons). We offer a freeze plan option which gives you access to all your previously purchased lessons for a low fee of $10/ month.
Do you offer any discounts for multiple family members?
Yes. Registration is per student, but we offer 2 levels of discounts for multiple family members who are signed up for the same instrument simultaneously:
— 20% off 2nd member
— 30% off 3rd and on
If siblings are on different priced memberships, the larger discount gets applied to the lower priced membership.
Which track should I choose? Standard or FastTrack?
Usually for younger children we recommend standard and for anyone ages 11 and older, we recommend the fast-track. But this is absolutely not set in stone. It depends on each student, their schedule, and your budget. Keep in mind that you can always switch to a faster or slower track down the line if you feel you need a change of pace. Simply contact us and we will set that up for you.
Can I work at a slower pace, pause, or cancel my plan?
Yes, there are few options:
You can slow it down to 1 lesson per week if you are on the fast-track.
You can switch to a freeze plan for $10/ month which gives access to all past lessons without giving any new ones to give you time to catch up.
We can customize a bi-weekly lesson schedule – the price per lesson will go up by $1
You can cancel the plan, and lesson access will be restricted until your plan is restarted. You can restart your plan where you left off whenever you are ready. There is a reactivation fee of $4.95 when resuming. It’s a good idea to take note of which lesson you are up to as well as print out all the material before cancelling.
Can I pause lessons for Sefira or the 3 weeks?
We offer the option to pause lessons at no charge for sefira, the 3 weeks, or summer camp, as long as you reach out in advance and let us know the dates that you are pausing your lessons and specify the date that you will be resuming. Lesson access will be restricted temporarily and we will automatically restart your subscription plan on the specified date.
KEYBOARD LESSONS BY SHMUEL BASSMAN FAQ
What is your method of teaching?
Our method of teaching is by ear. This means that we are not teaching notes which are those round circles with lines in them. We use our own papers which have the A-B-C letters on them. They are clear, easy to learn, and sound professional if followed. The idea is for students to use these papers as a guide to learn the song which in turn trains their ear to get used to chord patterns and how different types of songs work. This is what we call playing by ear. What’s nice about it is that it isn’t tedious like learning notes, which is similar to learning a new language. It teaches how to use the keyboard – and quickly.
Is my keyboard good enough or do I need to purchase a new one?
Generally, if you have a decent keyboard (even if it’s not Yamaha), we advise you to stick with it to start – you can always upgrade later. If your keyboard costs under $100 that’s when you should be looking to purchase the proper keyboard so that you can be sure you have all the needed features that are taught during the lessons.
Do I need to purchase anything to be ready for online/ USB lessons?
Hal Leonard ABC Keyboard stickers (available on amazon and other stores)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1294450-REG/hal_leonard_abc_pack_abc_keyboard_stickers.html
1 or 2 inch loose-leaf
Sheet protectors
Can I practice on a piano?
The program is geared towards keyboard – to use the beats and features of the keyboard. There is some overlap between keyboard and piano. Having said that, the first 10 lessons can be done on the piano if you want to try it that way first.
GUITAR BY YISROEL MEIR ROWNER FAQ
What is your method of teaching?
Can I use a classical (slightly different, nylon stringed) guitar or electric guitar for these lessons?
Is my guitar good enough or do I need to buy a new one?
How long is each lesson?
I’m a lefty. Do I need a lefty guitar?
What is lead guitar?
Lessons 51 - 100 focus on teaching lead guitar. How are these lessons different from lessons 1 - 50?
Are these lessons for regular (acoustic) or electric guitar?
What is soloing and is it covered in your lessons?
Is there a difference between electric and acoustic guitar?
Are any of these lessons taught specifically for electric guitar?
I only want to play electric guitar. Are all these lessons for me?
I only want to play acoustic guitar. Are these lessons for me?
Do you need to read music notes for these lessons?
Do these lessons teach scales?
Will these lessons teach me to play in different keys?
How are these lessons set up?
DRUM LESSONS BY URI ZUTLER FAQ
What’s your method of teaching?
Our method of teaching is multi-faceted. We teach by example, showing the beat that we are learning in a clear way, and counting as we play the beat slowly. Some students will pick it up from watching. We also provide PDFs of everything we are learning, written out in real music notes – but have no fear, drum notes are not as complicated as other instruments notes. In addition, we add numbering and cues to indicate which hand is playing which note. Many of our students find this organized form of learning highly beneficial.
How long is each lesson?
How far can a drum pad take you?
Technically you can do 80% of the lessons on the pad but at some point, the interest is hard to maintain when you can’t really experience the real drumming.
Are these strictly regular (acoustic) drum lessons or electric drums lessons as well?
Both! It’s your choice – either one is fine! The lessons can be learned on acoustic or electric drums. Your choice. In the lesson I am actually using an acoustic drum set but there is almost no difference and you can learn on either one.
What is the difference between electric and acoustic drums?
Acoustic drums are louder than electric drums and you can’t control the volume – it’s all about how hard you hit the drums. They’re loud, you need a basement and a desire to hear drumming in other rooms of the house – we don’t mind it in our house. Electric drums project their sound through headphones or a speaker. You can control the volume. So, you can hit the drums as hard as you want but the volume is controlled by the volume control. You will hear the tapping on the rubber pad but that’s about it. They have a similar feel to regular drums and you can learn to play drums perfectly well on electric drums.
VIOLIN LESSONS BY PESACH NESTELBAUM FAQ
What is your method of teaching?
Our method of teaching the violin focuses on making the learning experience fun and approachable from the start. We begin by getting comfortable with the violin, learning how to hold it properly, and produce sound. Since the violin requires some practice to sound its best, we take it step by step to build confidence and technique. As you get more comfortable, we introduce exercises and songs that help develop the skills needed to play. In the beginning, we focus on playing by ear, without sheet music, so you can really feel the flow of the instrument. Once you’re ready, we introduce simple sheet music, which is a key skill for violinists, as it helps communicate the melody of a song. Plus, learning to read music enables you to learn melodies quickly and easily in the future!
How long will it take to be able to play?
Every student progresses at their own pace, but the most important factor in learning is consistent practice. Our goal is to help students play their first song as soon as possible. In just a small amount of lessons, students will begin mastering real songs!
Is learning violin really hard? Will it hurt my neck?
Is there a difference between acoustic and electric violins?
What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle?
I’m a lefty. Do I need a lefty violin?
GENERAL FAQ
What are Bassline lessons all about?
The online and USB lessons are taught through videos that we spent a lot of time putting together with different views to give over the material very effectively. They teach with the method that we’ve been using for many years and have had many students see success with. Online/USB lessons give you the flexibility of taking the lessons at a time that’s good for you and remains available to review while your membership is current. We also include PDFs in each lesson that show the current song. We do not use notes – we use our own music sheets that are designed to help the student learn how to play by ear.
How do I purchase the USB lessons?
Complete the student information form https://basslinepro.com/home-template/usb-signup/.
After purchase, USBs can be picked up for local students in Lakewood or shipped out if you are not located in Lakewood.
What is the format of your lessons?
The lessons are virtual – taught through clear, easy to follow videos, as well as homework sheets that can be downloaded and printed. We teach using a method that we’ve been using for many years with proven success. Our lessons allow for flexibility to go back and review previously completed lessons, as long as you are a member.
How long is each lesson?
The lesson duration varies. Sometimes, it can be just a few short minutes. However, some information takes more time to explain. Some lessons are 10-20 minutes (or more!). We focus on giving over specific material in each lesson rather than the duration of the lesson videos. The most important thing is the amount of time the student spends practicing over the week. That is where the real growth occurs!
Can the lesson videos be downloaded for offline use?
Unfortunately not – due to security and ease of sharing, the videos are strictly not downloadable. In general, the weekly videos are not that long. It may be an option for an adult to sit in the area while the student watches the lesson and prints the pdfs. After that point the student can practice for the rest of the week on their own without being connected. We also have a USB option that does not require any internet connection.
Can I review my lessons once my subscription plan is canceled?
You have access to your video lessons only as long as you are a member. It is recommended to print out all your material and keep it organized in a binder. This you would keep forever (as you would with in person music lessons). We offer a freeze plan option which gives you access to all your previously purchased lessons for a low fee of $10/ month.
Do you offer any discounts for multiple family members?
Yes. Registration is per student, but we offer 2 levels of discounts for multiple family members who are signed up for the same instrument simultaneously:
— 20% off 2nd member
— 30% off 3rd and on
If siblings are on different priced memberships, the larger discount gets applied to the lower priced membership.
Which track should I choose? Standard or FastTrack?
Usually for younger children we recommend standard and for anyone ages 11 and older, we recommend the fast-track. But this is absolutely not set in stone. It depends on each student, their schedule, and your budget. Keep in mind that you can always switch to a faster or slower track down the line if you feel you need a change of pace. Simply contact us and we will set that up for you.
Can I work at a slower pace, pause, or cancel my plan?
Yes, there are few options:
You can slow it down to 1 lesson per week if you are on the fast-track.
You can switch to a freeze plan for $10/ month which gives access to all past lessons without giving any new ones to give you time to catch up.
We can customize a bi-weekly lesson schedule – the price per lesson will go up by $1
You can cancel the plan, and lesson access will be restricted until your plan is restarted. You can restart your plan where you left off whenever you are ready. There is a reactivation fee of $4.95 when resuming. It’s a good idea to take note of which lesson you are up to as well as print out all the material before cancelling.
Can I pause lessons for Sefira or the 3 weeks?
We offer the option to pause lessons at no charge for sefira, the 3 weeks, or summer camp, as long as you reach out in advance and let us know the dates that you are pausing your lessons and specify the date that you will be resuming. Lesson access will be restricted temporarily and we will automatically restart your subscription plan on the specified date.
KEYBOARD LESSONS BY SHMUEL BASSMAN FAQ
What is your method of teaching?
Our method of teaching is by ear. This means that we are not teaching notes which are those round circles with lines in them. We use our own papers which have the A-B-C letters on them. They are clear, easy to learn, and sound professional if followed. The idea is for students to use these papers as a guide to learn the song which in turn trains their ear to get used to chord patterns and how different types of songs work. This is what we call playing by ear. What’s nice about it is that it isn’t tedious like learning notes, which is similar to learning a new language. It teaches how to use the keyboard – and quickly.
Is my keyboard good enough or do I need to purchase a new one?
Generally, if you have a decent keyboard (even if it’s not Yamaha), we advise you to stick with it to start – you can always upgrade later. If your keyboard costs under $100 that’s when you should be looking to purchase the proper keyboard so that you can be sure you have all the needed features that are taught during the lessons.
Do I need to purchase anything to be ready for online/ USB lessons?
Hal Leonard ABC Keyboard stickers (available on amazon and other stores)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1294450-REG/hal_leonard_abc_pack_abc_keyboard_stickers.html
1 or 2 inch loose-leaf
Sheet protectors
Can I practice on a piano?
The program is geared towards keyboard – to use the beats and features of the keyboard. There is some overlap between keyboard and piano. Having said that, the first 10 lessons can be done on the piano if you want to try it that way first.
GUITAR BY YISROEL MEIR ROWNER FAQ
What is your method of teaching?
Can I use a classical (slightly different, nylon stringed) guitar or electric guitar for these lessons?
Is my guitar good enough or do I need to buy a new one?
How long is each lesson?
I’m a lefty. Do I need a lefty guitar?
What is lead guitar?
Lessons 51 - 100 focus on teaching lead guitar. How are these lessons different from lessons 1 - 50?
Are these lessons for regular (acoustic) or electric guitar?
What is soloing and is it covered in your lessons?
Is there a difference between electric and acoustic guitar?
Are any of these lessons taught specifically for electric guitar?
I only want to play electric guitar. Are all these lessons for me?
I only want to play acoustic guitar. Are these lessons for me?
Do you need to read music notes for these lessons?
Do these lessons teach scales?
Will these lessons teach me to play in different keys?
How are these lessons set up?
DRUM LESSONS BY URI ZUTLER FAQ
What’s your method of teaching?
Our method of teaching is multi-faceted. We teach by example, showing the beat that we are learning in a clear way, and counting as we play the beat slowly. Some students will pick it up from watching. We also provide PDFs of everything we are learning, written out in real music notes – but have no fear, drum notes are not as complicated as other instruments notes. In addition, we add numbering and cues to indicate which hand is playing which note. Many of our students find this organized form of learning highly beneficial.
How long is each lesson?
How far can a drum pad take you?
Technically you can do 80% of the lessons on the pad but at some point, the interest is hard to maintain when you can’t really experience the real drumming.
Are these strictly regular (acoustic) drum lessons or electric drums lessons as well?
Both! It’s your choice – either one is fine! The lessons can be learned on acoustic or electric drums. Your choice. In the lesson I am actually using an acoustic drum set but there is almost no difference and you can learn on either one.
What is the difference between electric and acoustic drums?
Acoustic drums are louder than electric drums and you can’t control the volume – it’s all about how hard you hit the drums. They’re loud, you need a basement and a desire to hear drumming in other rooms of the house – we don’t mind it in our house. Electric drums project their sound through headphones or a speaker. You can control the volume. So, you can hit the drums as hard as you want but the volume is controlled by the volume control. You will hear the tapping on the rubber pad but that’s about it. They have a similar feel to regular drums and you can learn to play drums perfectly well on electric drums.
VIOLIN LESSONS BY PESACH NESTELBAUM FAQ
What is your method of teaching?
Our method of teaching the violin focuses on making the learning experience fun and approachable from the start. We begin by getting comfortable with the violin, learning how to hold it properly, and produce sound. Since the violin requires some practice to sound its best, we take it step by step to build confidence and technique. As you get more comfortable, we introduce exercises and songs that help develop the skills needed to play. In the beginning, we focus on playing by ear, without sheet music, so you can really feel the flow of the instrument. Once you’re ready, we introduce simple sheet music, which is a key skill for violinists, as it helps communicate the melody of a song. Plus, learning to read music enables you to learn melodies quickly and easily in the future!
How long will it take to be able to play?
Every student progresses at their own pace, but the most important factor in learning is consistent practice. Our goal is to help students play their first song as soon as possible. In just a small amount of lessons, students will begin mastering real songs!