As a teacher I am all about building community, especially in the music world, it is valuable to create a network of musicians you know you could work together! One thing I enjoy doing with my students is Jam Time Lessons. I collaborate with the drum teacher at my studio space, Party Marty, so our students get to have a full band experience. My voice and guitar students get to work with his drum students. Read the reasons why I find Jam Time to be so purposeful.
Preparedness
When it comes to Jam Time, students have to come prepared with the assigned songs. We work on these songs in lesson and then students practice them outside of lesson to be ready to work with others. This kind of preparedness is not the same as performance. Most students do not need to be memorized, but are encouraged to memorize if they would like. Students must know the song well enough to adjust because of working with other students and instrumentalists. Jam Time teaches students what it is like to prepare for a band practice if they ever choose to go the live music route.
Teamwork
Jam Time causes students to work together to play the assigned songs! Some students may know each other and this might be the first time they meet. Jam Time causes them to figure out how to work together to achieve the end goal. It is really great to see students work hard with other instrumentalists in order to create something cool. We work on teaching students how to communicate with each other while performing which is an extremely valuable skill. Jam Time causes students to build their communication skills with others!
Community Building
In addition to the teamwork aspect, students meet other students who have a common interest in music. I find this to be extremely important because students are able to network and build relationships with other musicians. This is valuable later on because in the music world, it is so important to know other musicians to form bands, recording options and many other opportunities.
Enjoyment
One thing I have noticed about Jam Time is that students have fun! They leave smiling. Many students chime in and suggest about the next set of songs. My students ask me when the next Jam Time will be so they can add it to their calendar! I love that students are enjoying working with others and working on their craft!
Interested in voice or guitar lessons? Click here and let’s connect!
Comments