Online Bass Lessons

Grooving for Heaven Series

Norm's acclaimed instructional DVD series...available for the first time ever in streaming and downloadable formats!

Each of the 4 volumes is available as either:

the entire program, or

as individual segments by topic!

Nearly 7 hours of Norm's proven curriculum - just a few mouse clicks away - scroll down to get started!

Please note:

The Grooving for Heaven DVD series was produced before the HD format was widely used. The screen size is 720 x 480 pixels.

Additionally, while these video clips were created from the original masters to attain the best possible quality, you'll likely notice a few minor artifacts occasionally in the video (particularly in Volumes 1 and 2). These are the unavoidable result of master tapes having sat on a shelf for over 12 years!

In terms of video clarity, the DVDs are sharper than the online versions. Should you prefer, they may be purchased in the NormStockton.com store (at a 25% discount if you're a subscriber - just use the provided discount code at checkout!).

Otherwise, please enjoy the convenience and extraordinary value of the online versions!

Subcategories

Grooving for Heaven - Vol. 1

A one-on-one clinic especially for the bass player seeking to establish that elusive solid foundation for their playing, with a focus upon the unique factors and considerations (musical and otherwise) encountered in contemporary worship. Bassists at every level of experience will find their effectiveness enhanced through Norm's casual yet intensive look at a multitude of topics including:

• Warm-Ups for the Impatient
• Proper Hand & Bass Positioning
• Fingerboard Familiarity, Part 1
• Pre-Groove Studies (Rhythmic & Harmonic Primer)
• A Fresh Approach: Diverse Styles
• What's Your Concept?
• Practice...for Groove's Sake
• Effects
• The Heart and Ministry

A one-on-one clinic especially for the bass player seeking to establish that elusive solid foundation for their playing, with a focus upon the unique factors and considerations (musical and otherwise) encountered in contemporary worship. However, bassists at every level of experience will find their effectiveness enhanced through Norm's casual yet intensive look at a multitude of topics including:
Grooving for Heaven - Vol. 2

From the technical, to musical, to conceptual, to spiritual...Grooving for Heaven (Vol. 2) is an engaging, one-on-one clinic that explores the next level of progression for the contemporary worship bassist desiring to build upon their solid understanding of the fundamentals. The committed bass player will emerge with a fresh perspective on what to play, what not to play, and how effectiveness is frequently dictated by the subtleties.

Topics Include:

• Fingerboard Familiarity, Part II: Modes & Intervals
• Bassic Communication (How to Say What You Mean)
• Bass Idioms Analyzed: "What Makes the Funk....Funky?"
• The Slap Style
• Taste
• Fretless Bass: Expanding the Palette
• The Grace-case's Perspective on Ministry
The Art of Groove - Vol. 3

The Art of Groove is an in-depth and engaging exploration into the relationship between the bass and drums in a contemporary ensemble. Together with much insightful input and consummate grooving by drummer David Owens (Thomas Dolby), Norm demonstrates and clarifies a multitude of concepts, exercises and groove considerations as he takes you to the next level. An indispensable resource for bassists and drummers pursuing maximum rhythm section effectiveness.

Topics Include:

• Essential Ear-Training (Rhythmic & Harmonic)
• Groove 101 (Concept/Approach, Bass Parts, Context & More)
• Musical Genres & Groove Vocabulary: A Bass & Drum Focus
• The Critical Subtleties (Tempo vs. Feel, Conveying Emotion Musically, Fills, Groovicidal Tendencies)
• Bass & Drum Dialogues: Developing the Synergy

Also featuring live performances of Blessed and Veggie Soup from Norm's Pondering the Sushi CD.
Pondering Bass Technique - Vol. 4

Pondering Bass Technique emerges as the first Grooving for Heaven volume dedicated to the advanced techniques employed in the modern bass vocabulary. As opposed to presenting a "glossary of riffs", Norm demystifies these techniques to allow the committed bassist to assimilate them for the broadest possible range of artistic expression. Features performances (A Tender NAMM Moment, Pondering the Sushi, The Star Spangled Banner, and more) from his critically-acclaimed solo debut, Pondering the Sushi.

Topics Include:

• Slapping (Intermediate to Advanced, including Double-Thumbing)
• Tapping (Arpeggios, Single-String, Variations)
• Chording
• Chimes, Thuds & Swells (A Spectrum of Tones)
• Combining Techniques
• Effects to Enhance
• Introduction to Solo Bass Arranging