Learn how to play with Ben Basile of Big D!

There’s nothing I miss more than anything right now than finding out that amazing buds will be joining on a tour. To date I'd have to say that Big D and The Kids Table are def one of my fav “tour buds” bands. Not only do they absolutely slay it on stage but they are THE raddest dudes you’ll ever meet.

While stalking them on Facebook I noticed that not only is bassist Ben Basile offering live online lessons in both bass and beginners piano but he's also releasing weekly YouTube vids and music transcripts of classics from the likes of Operation Ivy, The Slackers, Mighty Mighty Bosstones and more. It's all FREE on his site ! BenBasile.com!

It’s ridiculously fun to rock out to your fav band but there’s no feeling quite like actually learning to play along with those songs you love. How cool would it be to have Ben as your musical mentor?? Aside from killing it on bass in Big D he also holds a bachelors of Science in Jazz Studies from The State University of New York at New Paltz and a Music Performance Certificate from The State University of New York at Dutchess Community College. (#MADFLEX!)

I asked Ben why teaching others to play is important to him:

““Music has given me so much in my life.

Many many great memories and friends. Teaching provides an opportunity for me to be able to give those sorts of experiences to someone else.”

“Also music challenges me.

I’m always working to expand my musical vocabulary. Putting these transcriptions and videos together was a huge project. Transcribing, notating, practicing, recording, perfecting and filming. I learned a lot!!”

Ben also explained that “Teaching music is challenging as well, not everybody learns the same way. I enjoy trying to figure out several different ways to explain one concept, helping it finally “click” with my students. It’s very rewarding. “

What better way to spend your quaran-time than finally picking back up that instrument or keeping the kiddos productively busy with some lessons to get them on the right track? I don’t know about you but I know when I was learning to play I would have KILLED to have a rad teacher like Ben teaching me the songs I actually loved to feed my musical journey.

-S