About the Lessons

Now you've come this far, I'd like to thank you for your interest in my audio correspondence lessons.

Here's some information on how the lessons are structured.
I send you a cassette tape or a CD and possibly some written material with your first assignment. I speak to you and give demonstrations on one side of the tape or on the CD. (This is almost like being in the same room for a face-to-face lesson.) You complete the specified work, record it on the other side of the tape or transfer it to CD and send it to me - including any questions and requests - within two weeks. I then evaluate your performance, answer any questions, fulfill requests etc. and return the tape or a new CD with the next lesson.

Please note that lessons are uniquely individualized to suit your specific needs and desires - nobody gets the same lesson - and will help you achieve your realistic goals in your own time. These lessons are suitable for dedicated students only. But hey, they are really fun as well as enganging and challenging!

Some advantages of audio instruction are:

1. Each lesson can be done in stages
2. No forfeitures because of cancellations
3. NO TRAVEL
4. Lessons can be done any time, anywhere
5. Accurate progress reviews because you keep a tape or CDs of all lessons
6. Improves your recording ability

If you wish to commence lessons, please arrange payment. Click here for information about Fees and Payment Methods. Also send a resume of your musical background. If possible, include a photo so I can put a face to the name. To give me a reference point, include a tape or CD of your playing if you wish and tell me what you'd like to start working on. I WILL THEN DESIGN AND SEND THE FIRST LESSON WITHIN A WEEK. Subsequent lessons will evolve naturally.

If you're still not sure and would like some time to consider your trust in this system, please write or email your questions and/or request an Enrolment Form. Thank you.

Snail Mail to:    Creative Avenues
                  PO Box 505
                  The Channon, NSW 2480
                  Australia                  

Have you ever wanted to take music lessons but not been able to find the time?

Well, that situation is now being catered for by Canberra resident, George Urbaszek, with the introduction of audio correspondence lessons. George is Bass and Ensemble Instructor in the Jazz Department of the ANU Canberra School of Music with a wealth of experience in many areas of music teaching and performing.

While teaching at the Riverina Summer School for Strings in Wagga Wagga, George realized that students from remote areas had very limited access to quality music instruction. He then decided to introduce lessons by audio correspondence, something he has been experiencing for the past four years as a student of renowned USA jazz teacher, Charlie Banacos.

This is how George’s lessons work: He sends an audio cassette with instructions and examples for the assignment. The student completes the specified work, records it on the other side of the tape and returns it, including questions and requests. George then evaluates the performance, answers any questions and returns the tape with the next lesson ... and so the cycle continues.

Some advantages of this type of instruction are:

• Each lesson can be done in stages, 15 minutes one day, 20 minutes the next, and so on.
• No travel to and from lessons.
• Catering for students of any level anywhere.
• Guaranteed successful completion of each lesson as well as self monitoring through playback.
• Keeping copies of each lesson enables accurate progress reviews.

George stresses that this is not a set course of instruction, but that each lesson is individualized to suit the student’s needs and desires and is tailored to enable achievement of realistic goals in the student’s own time.

Currently George is offering lessons in all styles of bass playing (both electric and double bass) but students of an intermediate technical level on other instruments who are interested in acquiring improvising skills are also welcome. This type of instruction is also ideal for teacher of music courses with a jazz content, who feel they should enhance their approach to teaching improvisation.

George’s performing, recording and writing background is as diverse as his playing styles - from classical to pop, from jazz to rock, from country to avant-garde. He has written and published a method book titled "Bass Guitar for the Complete Musician" and is currently working toward a Master of Music in Jazz Performance at the ANU.

To our knowledge, George is the first and only one to introduce individualized music lessons by audio correspondence in Australia. One of his ACT students, Steve Bain, says "I enjoy being able to do the lessons at my own pace and I don’t feel under pressure. Most importantly, I have the ability to replay the lessons. Also, I have the benefit of learning from a highly experienced and credentialled player at an affordable rate."

But that’s not all! George also offers occasional in-house lessons. He says "It’s like going for a check-up." ….. or should that be a tune-up?