Helping people learn to play music together can be deeply satisfying. As a jam coach, you are a powerful catalyst for the musical growth of others. Just as importantly, helping others helps you discover steps you have overlooked in your own musical journey.
Not a teacher, you say? No problem. Most ToneWay jam coaches have no teaching experience—in fact, most of our Santa Cruz jam coaches only have a couple years of music experience themselves! Yet the service they provide for beginners is highly valued. Just listen to some of the actual feedback these Santa Cruz jam coaches have received:
The environment at the JamShop is wonderful. Thanks so much for leading us all! —Shannon
It’s wonderful to play with others like this. —Marilyn
We were encouraged to experiment and also got to play along on a song we didn’t know. It was a great experience. —Suzanne
What a wonderfully fun, welcoming place to share music. A very safe place to be a beginner! —Lanakila
[You] were very patient, encouraging and helpful. I really appreciate the opportunity to play together and get feedback. —Sue
Excellent non-obtrusive leadership. Gave us confidence to “try” in spite of goof-ups. Had a lot of fun. —Harriet
Playing music with others is something that I always wanted to do. Now I’m doing it. —Eric
As a Jam Coach, You Can Lead JamShops
The most valuable service jam coaches provide is to organize JamShops in their communities. JamShops are not classes but guided jams, divided into three levels to suit everyone, from the absolute beginner to the more advanced. These create a safe and easy path to “real-world” jamming. Check out the JamShop video if you haven’t already:
And, You Can Introduce Music to Others
Jam coaches can also teach ToneWay “Get Started” group classes in their community. We’ll give you our easy, “no-brainer” curriculum and all the materials you’ll need. For an example of this, see our online “Get Started” workshop video—this presentation models a real-life “introductory class” very closely.
Our Goal: A Jam Coach in Every Community!
Our proven framework, which has been in constant development for past few years, is being made available free of charge to interested volunteers. As a jam coach for the ToneWay Project, you will receive:
- All the materials you’ll need to lead JamShops and teach ToneWay “Get Started” classes, plus general guidelines compiled from years of hands-on experience with jam coaching and teaching.
- A Meetup.com page to help organize your meetings.
(See the Santa Cruz JamShop Meetup page for an example.) - Our continued commitment to your success.
Support is always just an email away!
Interested?
The rest of this article describes the ins and outs of what jam coaches do. It also covers a lot of subtle points about JamShops and ToneWay classes that would not be otherwise obvious. Use the “Pages” selector below to continue reading…
