Notes to Self (and Bassists) Dear Reader

After I shared the story of my mother’s passing, I was so moved by the many heartfelt messages, shared stories, and kind words you sent in return. Thank you. Your support and openness made me feel less alone/crazed in this moment of loss. Many of you shared your own journeys through grief, memories, wisdom - and I appreciated every message. Thank you!

I know how fortunate I was to have her for so very long. She had me late in life, and I still had her so long. And how important those last few months were - full of music, love, stories, and so many quiet, meaningful moments (and a lot of suffering, too!). I’ll be processing it all for a long time. But this much I already know: I am deeply, overwhelmingly grateful.

With gratitude on my mind, our November Thanksgiving Special feels particularly meaningful. That brings me to tomorrow’s class - a one-off, extra session you can join.
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I chose “What a Wonderful World.” It perfectly captures the mood I’m in right now..

It’s a ballad full of rich changes, gentle surprises, and so much soul. This tune says it all - the sorrow and the sweetness, the joy and the pain of being alive. Musical gratitude.

And here’s the cool thing: we're exploring it solo bass style aswell.
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If you’ve ever wanted to play a recognizable song - not just a bassline, but something complete, with melody and groove - this one’s for you. No band needed. Just you and your bass.
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❣️ And hey - you’ll have time to work this one up for a family holiday gathering... in case you needed to justify that holiday bass purchase in front of any significant others 😉

​Join us, if you like. Tracks and assets come with it.

With gratitude and groove,
Ari 🎸

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This Month at ArisBassBlog
(You can join us - click the links to learn more):

NOTE:
​​Click the "Have a coupon? link during checkout and put blackfriday2025

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🦃 November Practice Survival Kit - Stay sharp through the fall. This month we’ll focus on simple, powerful exercises to keep your timing, feel, and technique solid – even when life gets busy.
• 5 must-know grooves
• Quick drills for technique & timing
• Mini practice plans
• Three guided sessions
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👂EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better.

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🎸 Open Pattern Practice - Train your musical mind using our Pattern System Tools. A membership exclusive.
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🍂 November Jazz Jam - Just for fun, we’re jazzing things up this month with a timeless tune: What a Wonderful World.​
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​It’s a ballad full of rich changes – perfect for exploring harmony movements. Let’s welcome the Thanksgiving season with some lush notes, soulful phrasing, and a little extra warmth in our playing.By signing up, you get access to all the assets and jamtracks​
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Coming in December:

🌟 December Bass Year Wrap-Up - This month, we’re finishing strong - with simple tune-up routines to keep your hands moving and your musical mind sharp. We’ll revisit key techniques, rhythms, and creative exercises from the year, and reflect on what stuck, what grew, and what you want more of next year.• Mini Tune-Up Drills: short, effective routines• Your “Anchor Groove”: one groove to carry you through• Reflective Prompts (without pressure)• A special live session to celebrate your progress and set your 2026 musical intentions

👂EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better.
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🎸 Open Pattern Practice - Train your musical mind using our Pattern System Tools

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🎄 Christmas Special: “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” - A seasonal session to wind down, groove out, and bring in the holiday spirit – bass in hand. Join us for a festive session where we dive into the timeless classic “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)”.We’ll explore:

• A beautiful walking bass approach for this cozy jazz ballad
• How to craft tasteful fills and create variations
• Tips for playing expressively at slow tempos
• And a few musical surprises to keep it merry and bright

No pressure, no performance - just a relaxed and musical way to celebrate the season together.

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Cohorts starting in January:

​What is a cohort?​
12 weeks of bass learning with support, feedback, assignments, deadlines, friends. And loads of fun!
Now new: Cohorts include personal feedback from Ari

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🟡 Beginner Evolution Cohort -The basics of technique and theory, via songs and fun. This is a light, fun cohort. Complete beginners welcome!

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🟢 Theory Cohort - Our theory flagship course with support! Learn theory through improvisation and have a blast!

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🟣 Rhythm Cohort - Level up your groove, your timing, your feel. There isn't anything more powerful that you can do for your playing than that!

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When you're ready, here’s how I can help you play the way you've always wanted to:

1️⃣ Take a course​
Build your foundation in rhythm, theory, reading, or fretboard fluency.
​Click here for COURSES​

2️⃣ Join a cohort​
Do any of our courses with a group of peers, accountability coaches, regular homework and check-ins with me.
​Check the SCHEDULE for COHORTS

3️⃣ Practice Live with us​
(Our Live Practice Membership is currently at capacity, but we offer select mini-series a la carte on our schedule)
​Check the SCHEDULE for a la carte SERIES

4️⃣ Not sure where to start?​
Take the Starting Point Quiz and find the best fit for you right now

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