Open Jam Night

The Toronto Guitar Meetup is proud to announce our Monthly Open Jam Night for musicians of every instrument including all ages and levels of players - guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboards etc.

Moving forward we now have 2 open stages. One for intermediate players and one for late intermediate and more advanced musicians. Each stage will have a minimum of 2 instructors facilitating the jam. Also we will have limits now for each type of instrument so please R.V.S.P. in advance to avoid disappointment.

ABOUT THE TORONTO GUITAR MEETUP'S JAM NIGHTS

Due to our location, right in the heart of the biggest music scene in the country, as well as our access to top of the line equipment for performance and recording, the Toronto Guitar Meetup is uniquely positioned to offer incredible jamming opportunities for the Toronto music community.

In addition our sponsor the Toronto Guitar School been running a highly popular Rock Band and Ensemble program for over 10 years. The program continues to evolve and grow and those interested joining a band that rehearses on a weekly basis can click here and email the school for more information.

If you are new to our Open Jam Nights please arrive early (10-15 mins prior / 7:45 PM) so we can assess your skill level and musical interests in order to place you with musicians of similar skill level and stylistic preference. A brief audition for those new to the open stage will ensure that you are matched with like-minded and amicable band members so that no time is wasted playing in a group that is either too basic or advanced for you.

The jam is very well organized and runs a total of 2 hours in multiple rooms that are perfectly outfitted with everything you will need to rehearse and make great music together.

OPEN JAM SCHEDULE

7:45 PM – Orientation and Auditions for those new to our open stage. For those who have already attended our Open Jams or participated in our Band program wait downstairs and immediately proceed to our band rehearsal rooms at 8 PM and start jamming with others.

8:00 PM - Open Jam Begins

10:00 PM – Open Jam Ends

INSTRUCTOR INVOLVEMENT

The bands that are formed in our open jam nights are intended to function in a self-directed fashion with people sharing the chair for certain instruments (i.e. guitar and bass) so that everyone gets a chance to play. For ease of convenience we have binders with music charts for each specific instrument (e.g. piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice, saxophone, trumpet, ukulele etc.) to make it easier to play the tunes together. We are constantly updating and improving our song lists so if there is a piece you think should be added to our rehearsal binder please let us know and we will do our best to add it in time for the next session.

While music instructors will be present at the jam, they are not there to direct the Open Jam, assign songs, or any other heavy handed roles. Instructors are present at the event in case that a musician or band should want advice or assistance and to make sure things run smoothly without technical glitches or any other major issues.

WHAT IT COSTS

If you are already a student of Mint Music or The Toronto Guitar School the discounted rate for the Open Jam is $10. For anyone else the rate is $15. This amount is paid upfront before you enter any of our rehearsal rooms. You will find that we have many people participating in our jam nights so please bring exact change to speed up the payment process. All fees go towards helping cover the cost of the rooms, upkeep of equipment, and instructor fees for the evening.

WHO CAN PLAY?

Our Open Jam is accessible to all ages. Our band program is primarily geared to adults but if you are a teen we do have a teen band so please contact the school office in advance so we can be sure to connect you to other teens your age at the jam.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

The Toronto Guitar School is proud to organize three live band showcases each year open to our students. A full PA, backline, and sound engineer are provided by the school, again at no extra cost to participants. Our last major showcase was held at the Jazz Bistro in Toronto. Many of our bands pursue their own performance opportunities outside of the school’s involvement as well.

RECORDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Toronto Guitar School features a top of the line recording studio that bands can use to record demos, and bands have also used our facilities to record professional music videos.