By Victoria Dwek

Imagine a Winter Without Hearing “I’m Bored!” Your Child Can Learn to Play Keyboard by Ear–and Have So Much Fun Doing It!

“My 12-year-old son is a few months into his online keyboard lessons and is more pumped each week to keep at it!…  Everything about the program is perfectly organized, making it so easy for us to let him run with it. He is looking forward to “mastering” the keyboard and sees that with Bassline lessons it can really happen!” — Rabbi B

They open the door and come bouncing down the steps–a group of excited young boys–perhaps 10 or 11-years-old each file in and get seated behind a keyboard. They’ve been counting down the days until it was finally time to come back for their next lesson. They’ve been practicing all week and simply can’t wait to see what they’re going to learn and add to their skillset next.

Now let’s move our gaze to the man in the front. The instructor, Shmuel Bassman, one of the top keyboardists in the Jewish music world, has been teaching boys to learn to play keyboard by ear for 15 years…many of those boys are playing professionally today. Overall, between in-person and remote students, Shmuel has given over the skill of keyboard to thousands! And even for those for whom music is just a hobby, the experience has been life transformative. Talk to any mother of a Bassline Pro student: They’ll tell you that the confidence their child gained from his newfound ability has poured over to positively impact all areas of his life. 

Bassline Pro Goes Online (But You Don’t Need Internet)

“I love teaching music … and have gotten requests over the years from people who live out of town. I didn’t, though, have an option for them. Now we do, and it’s been amazing!” Shmuel tells us. 

Until last year, Shmuel Bassman only gave lessons, whether individual or in groups, to boys who live in the Lakewood area. But then COVID gave him the impetus to finally set out to create an online keyboard course–something that was sorely needed in the Jewish world. There was simply nothing out there where a child could learn to play an instrument remotely in a kosher way. I know, I researched! Children want to learn to play an instrument by learning the Jewish songs they love, and this was not available.

 Online lessons would open up music to the world of Jewish children who want to learn. It was needed for many, many reasons. Not everyone lives near a music instructor–most don’t! Even if they do, not every parent can carpool a child to lessons. Plus, in-person lessons are more costly. Bassline Pro’s online lessons make learning to play keyboard so much more affordable.

And–nope–you don’t need to have internet or give your child access to internet to be able to take advantage of the courses. The keyboard lessons are also available via USB that’s preloaded with all the lessons and materials. Just plug it into the computer and start playing. Whether you’re accessing your classes from the website or the USB, the whole system is sleek, fun, and easy-to-use. 

The Best of Both Worlds

But just because the learning is remote doesn’t mean Shmuel isn’t there to guide. Like with his in-person lessons, Shmuel Bassman is dedicated to making sure his students succeed. This is the real stuff. If you or your child is serious about music–they will learn how to play, and play well. There’s actually a learning advantage of online lessons vs. in-person–the student can go back to the videos and review as often as they want.

The remote lessons have also opened up the possibility of learning to play keyboard to everyone and anyone. Girls can learn to play keyboard, and even men and women can learn. Mrs. W is one such adult who wanted the satisfaction of knowing how to play keyboard. She told us, “I feel like I have to publicize what an amazing music course Shmuel Bassman is offering! The lessons are given over in a very pleasant and crystal-clear manner, step by step. I especially enjoy having the convenience of having it all at home. Shmuel is super nice, and customized a plan especially for me, according to my level (he can do it for anyone). I must say–this is the way to go!”

“So, how does it work if someone wants to get started with online lessons?” I ask Shmuel. 

“After the first free week, there’s a small weekly fee as your child continues the lessons … at a fraction of the cost of in-person lessons. You’ll have access to that week’s material for as long as you continue the lessons. Review the lessons as often as you like! There’s no commitment necessary–so there’s no worries if music doesn’t end up clicking with your child. And if your child does love music–in a matter of months or possibly weeks, they’ll be playing songs they love with two hands and the beat,” he says.

There’s also lessons available for every level, from beginners, to intermediate, to advanced, to professional, so as the skills of you or your child grow, Bassline Pro will continue to take you up to the next level. 

Shmuel tells us, “The most gratifying thing for me is seeing a student go from not knowing how to play a thing … to playing beautifully in such a short time. Many move on to the advanced level courses.”

What a Good Feeling!

Lots of Bassline students have gotten really, really good–even at a young age, they have the talent and skill to be able to play professionally. Now for the win-win: There’s lots of people out there who would love an affordable option for live music at a simcha. This is where Bassline Jr. comes in. To fill that need, Shmuel Bassman has a network of students that are available for booking–the baal simcha is always thrilled with them! The boys gain so much confidence as they play for crowds (and earn some money too!). It gives the boys a goal to strive for: once they reach a certain skill level, they will get jobs!

Right now, Bassline Jr. is only available in Lakewood, but as the Bassline network of students grows, so will the availability of talented young people to play at your simcha. 

The Best Activity You Can Find

There are so many people who have musical talents inside of them and never get the opportunity to let it shine. This is the easiest way to find out if music is something that really resonates with your child. The skills and confidence they learn will really stay with them forever.

And there’s one more big perk of learning keyboard vs. every other instrument. While of course you’ll want to hear your child play…if you don’t want to at the moment, they can always plug in the headphones! 

There’s Always Music Playing at Bassline Studios – What Else Is Going On Over There?

As always, group and private in-person lessons are always available for students who prefer that personal instruction, like the thousands of students who have enjoyed learning keyboard with Shmuel at Bassline over the last 15 years. 

Also available at Bassline is a professional recording studio featuring top-of-the-line equipment and is available for those who want to create professional-level recordings. Male and female studio engineers are available to help bring that music project to the next level. 

Are you not-quite-professional but still want to have fun recording a song? You can still book your own karaoke session at the studio for an affordable rate, and enjoy singing to pre-recorded music amidst cool lighting effects. Sing along as the lyrics pop up on the screen and receive a video or professional recording of your session. It’s great fun for groups, including high school girls or even bochurim (late night sessions are available). All the popular songs are available; sing your favorite and simply have a great time. 

Mobile karaoke is also available at your location for a fun party idea! Bassline brings the sound system, microphones, pro lighting, and karaoke videos, so all your guests can have an amazing time and even bring home a recording of their performance. It’s really a unique and really cool experience!

Sign up by 10/31/21 and get 10% off your subscription of online or USB lessons! Use code tvol21.

Are you a current online or USB student who thinks a friend would love Bassline Pro? Refer another student and receive 2 weeks of lessons free! (New student must stay on for at least 2 weeks; when signing up, let Bassline Pro know who referred you! Expires 10/31/21).

About Shmuel Bassman:
Shmuel’s love of music stems from the moments his father led nigginum with the family around the piano. Today, Shmuel has blended his extraordinary talent with professional expertise to create a vast musical empire where he can share this incredible gift with the next generation. From private studio recordings, to keyboard lessons that cater to every level both in-person and remotely, to simcha music that is a notch above, Bassline Productions offers a unique musical experience. Learn more at www.BasslinePro.com. or by calling 732.719.3311.