Norm Stockton
As both bassist and clinician (MTD Basses, Gallien-Krueger, Maranatha! Music), Norm Stockton travels extensively throughout North America and Europe. He also serves as the bass columnist for Christian Musician magazine.
Norm is a bassist/composer/educator with extensive experience in a wide array of musical settings. His recording and/or performance credits include jazz guitarist Steve Laury (solo artist, Fattburger), keyboardist Rob Mullins (solo artist, The Crusaders), bassist Dominique Di Piazza (John McLaughlin Trio, Front Page), keyboardist Scott Wilkie (Narada Jazz recording artist), guitarist Lincoln Brewster (worship & solo artist, Vertical Records and Steve Perry), Fernando Ortega (worship & solo artist, Word Records), bluesman Darrell Mansfield, heavy rock group Luna Halo (Sparrow recording artists), and singer/songwriter Bill Batstone (Harvest Crusade Praise Band, Franklin Graham Crusades, formerly with The Praise Band).
Norm's acclaimed bass instructional video series, Grooving For Heaven, has been distributed extensively in the United States and abroad.
His debut solo project, Pondering The Sushi, continues to garner positive feedback from print and on-line media.
As a bass educator, Norm has served as adjunct faculty at Concordia University, Hope International University, and Biola University in Los Angeles, California.
Norm is a bassist/composer/educator with extensive experience in a wide array of musical settings. His recording and/or performance credits include jazz guitarist Steve Laury (solo artist, Fattburger), keyboardist Rob Mullins (solo artist, The Crusaders), bassist Dominique Di Piazza (John McLaughlin Trio, Front Page), keyboardist Scott Wilkie (Narada Jazz recording artist), guitarist Lincoln Brewster (worship & solo artist, Vertical Records and Steve Perry), Fernando Ortega (worship & solo artist, Word Records), bluesman Darrell Mansfield, heavy rock group Luna Halo (Sparrow recording artists), and singer/songwriter Bill Batstone (Harvest Crusade Praise Band, Franklin Graham Crusades, formerly with The Praise Band).
Norm's acclaimed bass instructional video series, Grooving For Heaven, has been distributed extensively in the United States and abroad.
His debut solo project, Pondering The Sushi, continues to garner positive feedback from print and on-line media.
As a bass educator, Norm has served as adjunct faculty at Concordia University, Hope International University, and Biola University in Los Angeles, California.
Pondering Bass Technique
In his most advanced presentation to date from the Grooving For Heaven bass instructional video series, bassist Norm Stockton demystifies many of the most popular techniques utilized in the vocabulary of contemporary bass playing. In his analysis, Stockton breaks down a broad palette of bass techniques including slapping, tapping, chords, harmonics, and palm muting. Stockton begins by explaining the fundamental mechanics of slap techniques, the most extensive section of the program. From single string slaps and plucks to double thumbing and plucking, Stockton provides forty exercises to assist in the control, accuracy, consistency, and refinement of your slap technique while considering musical sensitivity and the assimilation of these techniques into the most appropriate musical context. In the chapter outlining the elements of tapping, Stockton presents several exercises to aid in obtaining independence between your right and left hands along with musical applications displaying the primary ways Stockton uses arpeggio shapes, single-string, and chordal tapping techniques. To demonstrate some of the numerous chording opportunities on electric bass, Stockton offers a number of possible variations on minor 7th, major 7th, dominant 7th, diminished, augmented, and half-diminished chord voicings in multiple positions on the fingerboard. In the chapter titled A Spectrum of Tones: Chimes, Thuds, & Swells, Stockton explores the timbres that can be created with artificial harmonics, palm muting, and volume swells. Stockton then addresses how to combine many of these techniques into a tapestry of parts as dictated by the music followed by a brief discussion of his favorite effects to reinforce and enhance bass parts. Stockton's lesson concludes with an introduction to the concept of solo bass arranging using factors such as implied harmony through sparse chord voicings. Throughout the duration of the program, Stockton demonstrates how each of the techniques discussed can be employed with a number of featured performances of several original compositions and arrangements including "A Tender NAMM Moment", "Pondering The Sushi", "The Star Spangled Banner", "Veggie Soup", "Come Before Winter", "The Cedars Of Lebanon", "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring", and "Angels We Have Heard On High." A special features section includes many "minus-bass" play-along tracks from Stockton's critically-acclaimed debut solo recording, Pondering The Sushi, such as "The Race", "Pondering The Sushi", "Blessed", "A Tender NAMM Moment", and "Veggie Soup." An additional benefit of the DVD format found in the chapter list options allows the user to jump to any specific exercise contained within that section. Bottom Line: For less than the price of a single private lesson, Norm Stockton has packed enough information into Pondering Bass Technique to keep even the most dedicated students in the woodshed for months. With over 2 hours of instruction from one of the finest bass educators in the world today, Pondering Bass Technique will equip you with the tools to pursue your musical creativity and express the widest range of tonal colors available to contemporary bass players using unconventional techniques.
The Art Of Groove
In Volume 3 of his highly-acclaimed Grooving For Heaven bass instructional video series, bassist Norm Stockton demonstrates how to take the bass/drum relationship to the next level through a comprehensive analysis of the interaction between the bassist and drummer in a contemporary ensemble setting. The Art Of Groove begins with a duo performance of "Blessed" from Stockton's very popular debut solo project, Pondering The Sushi. After a brief introduction and overview of the course, Stockton defines groove and discusses the role of a bassist as the bridge between the harmonic and rhythmic elements of the band. Stockton then addresses fundamental relative pitch ear training exercises using scales, intervals, and arpeggios. Utilizing the skills of David Owens on drum set, Stockton provides some very useful insight to rhythmic ear training through drum beat placement and variations on typical pop grooves. Within the Groove 101 chapter, Stockton explains groove concepts and approaches. With assistance from Owens and guitarist Joel Whitley, Stockton delivers example after example of what to do and more importantly what not to do in various situations and then how to subtly adjust your bass line accordingly to avoid rhythmic redundancy and salvage the overall feel of the music looking at the big picture. Stockton and Owens work through a multitude of must-know grooves exhibiting the nuances of what bassists and drummers typically play in a number of styles including rock, funk, fusion, r&b, reggae, hip hop, gospel, western african, south african, and ska genres. Stockton and Owens then take odd time signatures into consideration and reveal how to count their subdivisions in an easy-to-understand fashion. In the Critical Subtleties chapter, Stockton and Owens analyze the hard-to-define aspects of music which separate great musicians from the average. During a discussion of tempo versus feel, Stockton and Owens manipulate tempos and play various rhythmic anticipations and fills. Before closing the program with a performance of "Veggie Soup", the bonus track on his debut recording, Stockton and Owens guide you through spontaneous bass and drum musical dialogues by introducing variations in a call and response type of format and demonstrate rhythmic consistency using different technical aspects on their respective instruments. As a special DVD addition, Stockton performs an original composition in a live performance music video with a featured "Norm Cam" perspective. Bottom Line: Norm Stockton is one of the finest bass educators in the world today. Packed with all the essential grooves of the vocabulary and a total running time of almost 2 hours, The Art Of Groove is the first bass instructional method of its kind that delves so deeply into the analysis of the interaction between the roles of a bassist and drummer. Every bassist should force their time-keeping counterparts to watch this DVD. This video is an indispensable resource for any aspiring bassist looking to take their grooving ability to the next level.
The Bassist & Contemporary Worship - Volume 2
In this 90+ minute instructional video, bassist Norm Stockton addresses a variety of fundamental musical concepts, ideas, and bass techniques applicable to a wide range of musical styles. Even more importantly, Stockton discusses the often overlooked subtleties of what not to play in musical settings. This volume picks up where volume one of this video series left off, Fingerboard Familiarity: Modes and Intervals. In this section Stockton guides you step-by-step through the modes of the major scale and interval memorization. If you have ever had trouble understanding how the modes of the major scale can be fully utilized in any musical situation, after viewing this section, you will see the light. Stockton outlines modal exercises and how to identify notes before you play them. Next, Stockton delves into Bassic Communication and demonstrates how to add spice to your lines and say what you mean through dynamics, articulations, slurs, hammer-ons, vibrato, and ghost notes. In the part that follows, Stockton analyzes several bass idioms within country, jazz, funk, rock, reggae, and latin music. He also briefly mentions tonal settings for your bass which will enhance the overall sound of your lines in each style. Then, he takes a closer look at The Slap Style with numerous string crossing and octave-based exercises. The next section is dedicated to the very subjective and somewhat intangible topic of Taste and how to contribute sensitively within the context of your given situation. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar and vocal backing track, Stockton provides a number of examples and variations with skillfully interwoven bass lines. He offers advice on how to perform as a team member and how to say the most with your lines without detracting from the overall performance of the group. Very nice! This section regarding Taste may very well be the most significant concept ever placed in an instructional video. Lastly, Stockton shows how a bassist can expand the tonal palette with the mwah factor of Fretless Bass. Bottom Line: Through his extensive travels performing and conducting clinics around the world, Norm Stockton has acquired years of experience as a professional bassist, and now he shares that insight with you on Grooving For Heaven - Volume 2: The Bassist & Contemporary Worship. Although this video was conceived with the bassist playing in a contemporary worship environment in mind, all of the topics included in this one-on-one video presentation are applicable to any beginner to intermediate leveled playing bassist looking to further develop their bass playing skills.
MusicDojo.com - The Art Of Groove: Levels 1-3
The Art Of Groove - Level 1
This course will focus on establishing a solid foundation for the bassist seeking to develop the ability to groove. Lessons will cover the essentials for this purpose, and will encompass technique, fingerboard familiarity, basic theory, ear training, and the fundamentals of navigating your way through a rhythm chart. Recommended for the beginning groove player and/or self-taught bassist seeking to "fill in the gaps" in overall musicianship in preparation for The Art of Groove Levels 2 and 3.
The Art Of Groove - Level 2
This course builds upon the material covered in The Art of Groove Level 1, exploring a comprehensive range of topics pertinent to effectively function in a rhythm section. These include: concept/approach, ear training/rhythmic analysis, developing a rhythmic & harmonic vocabulary for grooving, variations/fills, metronome studies, and a number of feel considerations (tempo vs. feel, playing on top vs. laying back, etc.) that can be considered the "critical subtleties." Recommended for the beginning (if already familiar with basic theory and technique) and/or intermediate bassist seeking to broaden and refine their grooving abilities.
The Art Of Groove - Level 3
This course explores a broad range of musical styles, with a focus upon the idioms (rhythmic, harmonic and/or sonic) that characterize them. Additionally, various phrasing concepts for refining a bassist's grooving and overall "emotive communication" will be covered. It is my goal that you would emerge from this class having a foundational working knowledge of these genres, as well as being inspired to further explore the vast spectrum of other rich and diverse musical traditions. Recommended for the intermediate to experienced bassist seeking to broaden and refine their grooving abilities and ability to speak with their instrument.
This course will focus on establishing a solid foundation for the bassist seeking to develop the ability to groove. Lessons will cover the essentials for this purpose, and will encompass technique, fingerboard familiarity, basic theory, ear training, and the fundamentals of navigating your way through a rhythm chart. Recommended for the beginning groove player and/or self-taught bassist seeking to "fill in the gaps" in overall musicianship in preparation for The Art of Groove Levels 2 and 3.
The Art Of Groove - Level 2
This course builds upon the material covered in The Art of Groove Level 1, exploring a comprehensive range of topics pertinent to effectively function in a rhythm section. These include: concept/approach, ear training/rhythmic analysis, developing a rhythmic & harmonic vocabulary for grooving, variations/fills, metronome studies, and a number of feel considerations (tempo vs. feel, playing on top vs. laying back, etc.) that can be considered the "critical subtleties." Recommended for the beginning (if already familiar with basic theory and technique) and/or intermediate bassist seeking to broaden and refine their grooving abilities.
The Art Of Groove - Level 3
This course explores a broad range of musical styles, with a focus upon the idioms (rhythmic, harmonic and/or sonic) that characterize them. Additionally, various phrasing concepts for refining a bassist's grooving and overall "emotive communication" will be covered. It is my goal that you would emerge from this class having a foundational working knowledge of these genres, as well as being inspired to further explore the vast spectrum of other rich and diverse musical traditions. Recommended for the intermediate to experienced bassist seeking to broaden and refine their grooving abilities and ability to speak with their instrument.
Selected Discography
Norm Stockton - Bass
David Owens - Drums; Kevin Rogers - Guitar; Kamau Kenyatta - Keyboards; Larry Williams - Trumpet; Tomoko Stockton - Koto
Release Date - 2001
Record Label - Stocktones Music
David Owens - Drums; Kevin Rogers - Guitar; Kamau Kenyatta - Keyboards; Larry Williams - Trumpet; Tomoko Stockton - Koto
Release Date - 2001
Record Label - Stocktones Music
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. Running Time: 2 Hours 11 Minutes.
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. Running Time: 1 Hour 54 Minutes.
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 ("Is It All In Your Mouth?"), Fretless Bass: Expanding the Pallette, The Grace-case's Perspective on Ministry. Running Time: 92 Minutes.
Grooving for Heaven - Vol. 1 is 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: Warm-Ups for the Impatient, Proper Hand & Bass Positioning, Fingerboard Familiarity Part I, Pre-Groove Studies (Rhythmic & Harmonic Pre-Groove Primer), A Fresh Approach: Diverse Styles, What's Your Concept?, Practice...for Groove's Sake, Effects, The Heart & Ministry. Running Time: 76 Minutes.
This is the much-requested Grooving for Heaven chart book, containing transcriptions (in both standard notation and tablature) for 178 of the exercises and/or examples from all 4 volumes of the Grooving for Heaven bass instructional series. Many of the charts are duplicates of the actual versions Norm read during taping. Additionally, drummer David Owens provided detailed drum transcriptions for 14 of the most drum-intensive examples and exercises he performed on The Art of Groove (Grooving, Volume 3) program. This high-quality, 125-page book features laminated covers and durable spiral binding that will lie flat on a music stand yet not disintegrate upon frequent use.
