🏔️ Notes to Self (and Bassists): Above the Clouds


Notes to Self (and Bassists)

Dear Reader

I hiked a mountain today, Ebner Joch, 6400 feet. We were higher than the clouds...

At one point, though, I was struggling. The path grew steeper and narrower. Stones and roots everywhere. My breath got heavy. I was pushing - trying to force my way up.

That’s when my mountain-savvy friend Susanne advised:
“Ariane, relax into it. Take a breath and a step. Stop forcing it.
Don’t slow down, don’t speed up - just go steady. A breath, and a step.”


Like music, I thought.
Stop working against yourself.
Let go of tension. Let go of pushing.
Feel the pulse. Find the steady beat...

By applying the simple formula - a breath and a step - my mind began to relax. Energy flowed more freely as I stopped working against myself.

And before I knew it, we were above the clouds - legs burning, heart pumping… steady and strong. It was amazing.

Just like on the trail, relax into the groove. Stop forcing it. Good advice indeed from my friend!

And that’s exactly what we’re working on this month in Live Practice with Ari:

🎯 The Inner Groove Challenge

A groove-boosting mini-series - powerful on its own, and the perfect companion to Rhythm Matrix.

Whether you’re new to rhythm work or want extra reps, this is your groove workout.

We start tomorrow - and yes, all sessions are recorded.

You can join us here
👉 October Inner Groove Challenge

With groove (and altitude!),
Ari

Notice the rainbow glory in the second picture on the top...

This Month at ArisBassBlog (Pick, some you can join!):

🌞 October Inner Groove Challenge - Sharpen your timing, strengthen your pocket, and groove from the inside out. A playful groove-boosting series that stands on its own and pairs perfectly with Rhythm Matrix. Whether you’re new to rhythmic training or want extra reps to go deeper, this challenge is your groove workout.

👂EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better.

🎸 Open Pattern Practice - Train your musical mind using our Pattern System Tools.

Coming in November:

🛠️ 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
10 weeks of deep groove work through Units 1–5 Starts September 5.
👉 [Sign up here]

👂EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better.

🎸 Open Pattern Practice - Train your musical mind using our Pattern System Tools

🍁 November Jazz Jam - Just for fun, we’re jazzing things up this month with a timeless tune: What a Wonderful World.
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




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.
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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)
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4️⃣ Not sure where to start?
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