Playing with other people is not only the most enjoyable side playing music, it is also the quickest and easiest way to learn. Yet most people believe that you must "get good" first in order to play with others. We've found the opposite to be true.

You can learn to play music with others in our JamShops. They are divided into graduated levels, from the absolute beginner to the more advanced. C'mon in!

TWO WAYS TO ATTEND A JAMSHOP
(No prior experience required for either option!)

OPTION A: Just come to watch

Simply RSVP and let the organizer know you’re just coming to observe. There’s no charge and no prerequisite for this.

While you're waiting for the JamShop to happen, you can also familiarize yourself about our program and approach through the videos and articles on ToneWay.com.

OPTION B: Watch our online workshop, get a book, and come to play and learn

The Free "Get Started" Workshop Video on our website will get you started using the ToneWay Method to play a simple song or two. Then you can order the book used in the JamShop. Once it arrives, just sign up for the JamShop when you feel ready. To determine which level of JamShop you're ready for—either 1, 2, or 3—please read the prerequisites for each level below.

If you already play music fairly well, an organizer may invite you to 'lead' a song of your choice from the book. This will help verify that the JamShop level you are attending is the right fit for you. If it isn't, the organizer will suggest a better level for you.

Whether you are a complete beginner or already play music somewhat, you'll need to learn the basic procedure followed in mountain music jams. The online videos, the book, and a few JamShops will bring you smoothly up to speed.

Note: Group classes are also offered through this Meetup from time to time. The "ToneWay Get Started Class" is a great place to start; no experience necessary. Check the calendar.

Renting (or buying) an instrument

Sylvan Music (on the corner of Mission and Bay in Santa Cruz) offers affordable rentals of all of these instruments. Better yet, you can apply three months of your rental fees towards an instrument should you choose to buy one. (They'll sell you a tuner too; we recommend a chromatic, clip-on model.)

IMPORTANT RSVP POLICY

Please RSVP if you plan to attend. We only allow so many RSVPs to keep the jam (or class) size to a reasonable level, and we will also cancel if we get too few "Yes" RSVPs. Only those who RSVP will be notified of the cancellation—which is why observers should RSVP too (with a note about wishing to be an observer).

If your plans change, please change your RSVP! Anyone who "no-shows" 3 times (i.e. fails to de-RSVP 3 times) will be removed from the group.

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PREREQUISITES FOR EACH LEVEL

Level 1 Jamshop ("Newbie Jam")

These jams are limited to two keys (G & D) and the ten songs in Get Started. You need to:
Your ToneWay Music Method instruction book, such as Get Started Plus: Core Songs Edition.
Your guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, Dobro, or bass in good working order.
An electronic tuner

Level 2 Jamshop

These offer a bridge between levels 1 and 3. They branch out into other keys as dictated by the singers' vocal ranges, and introduce more songs. Folks in Level 2:

have a ToneWay book, instrument (from the list above), and electronic tuner.
know the basics of their instrument (e.g., a few chords, strumming/chopping).
are familiar with the 10 songs in Get Started and can sing at least one without referring to the lyrics in the book.
can tune their instruments on their own, using an electronic tuner.
can use the Picking Pattern (however slowly/simply is fine).

Level 3 Jamshop

These jams are only limited by repertoire, which reduces scattering and makes it more fun. Jammers can pick from 100 core mountain music songs. We find this is plenty to choose from!

Folks in Level 3:
meet all the requirements of Levels 1 and 2, and...
can play in any key (more or less).

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OTHER ISSUES

Questions regarding specific instrument technique

Most questions are cleared up though careful observation of others, studying with the book, CD, and online videos, and being patient. The jam organizers are not really there to teach, just to facilitate. If you have any irresolvable questions, please email us. We love tackling 'em!

Can I bring my child?

Having children making music in a jam is wonderful! However, disruptiveness is a potential concern in this kind of adult setting. That said, as long as your child:

• fulfills the three requirements above (mainly, bringing an instrument; sharing a tuner and/or book with a parent is ok),
  
• has an active interest in participating in the jam (i.e., they're not just there because they have to be), and
  
• is not disruptive to others in the jam,
  

then they are most welcome to come and play.

Who organizes the JamShops?

Anyone who supports the objectives of the ToneWay Project is most welcome to organize a JamShop, even if they don't play, or are complete beginners. Organizing an event is a significant contribution in and of itself, after all.

So doesn't that make it "the blind leading the blind?"

Not really. The JamShop is a mutual help experience. Each participant helps, and is helped by, the others in the JamShop. What anchors the group is a core set of procedures. This is where our ToneWay Method and Core Songs repertoire come in.

Level 2 and beyond benefit from having people who have learned the basics of playing mountain music through the ToneWay Music Method. The 'blind' become less so each time they play with others!

Finally, consider the fact that everyone has a natural talent. Some keep rhythm naturally; some pick up melodies rapidly; some sing out wholeheartedly; some bake great cookies! It's the mix of talents that is so enjoyable, and so helpful for learning.

Specialty JamShops

Some JamShops are focused on certain areas of music, and are coached by folks with some solid experience. The "ToneWay Get Started Class", for example, is focused on teaching beginners the basics. Other special JamShops might focus on singing harmony, consolidating a set of songs, or be devoted to one instrument. Check the calendar to see if any special JamShops are scheduled, or contact us if you have an idea for one!

JamShop Overview

Please see this page.

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(For an overview of what The ToneWay Project is all about, go to ToneWay.com.)