About Mountain Music JamShops in Santa Cruz

Playing with other people is not only the most enjoyable part of 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 guided JamShops and "Get Started" classes. They are divided into graduated levels, from the absolute beginner to the more advanced. C'mon in!

TWO WAYS TO JOIN THE JAMSHOP
(No prior experience requried for either option!)

OPTION A: Watch our online workshop, get a book, and sign up

The Free "Get Started" Workshop Video on our website will get you started using the ToneWay Method to play a simple song, Shady Grove. 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, the coach 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 coach 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.

OPTION B: Attend a "Get Started" Class

If you are a beginner, sign up for the ToneWay Get Started Class to learn the basics you will need to know to participate in the JamShops. Look in the calendar for a "ToneWay Get Started Class". Bring:

A ToneWay Music Method instruction book, such as Get Started Plus: Core Songs Edition
A guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, Dobro, or bass in good working order

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 (and only those who RSVP will be notified of the cancellation).

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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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 guides are not really there to teach, just to facilitate. If you have any irresolvable questions, please email us. We love 'em!

More Info on Level 3 JamShops

See this page.

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 is hosting the JamShops?

Level 1 and Level 2 JamShops are being led by people who have recently learned to play mountain music through the ToneWay Music Method. They have been in the Level 3 JamShop for some time, and are now anxious to help others get started.

Level 3 JamShops are coached by Billy Pitrone, who has played and sung professionally in Santa Cruz for nearly 30 years. He is a bluegrass singer and guitar player in the band Bean Creek.

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