An interview with the Teachers of Jam Night
Jam Nights at MMW
Students should understand how to play chords as well as the location of notes on their instrument because we do a lot of changes on the fly. - Explained Instructor Alex
What is Jam Night?
We think it's very important for students to get out of the classrooms and have the opportunity to make some music with each other. Spark our teen's creativity with a Friday Night Jam Night.
These are designed for currently enrolled MMW students only.
Last Friday of Each Month
Next Session: March 25th, 2022
From 6:30-8:00 pm
For Ages 9-18
Limited Space
Must Register to Reserve your Spot
Hosted by: Mr. Alex S & Mr. Devin B.
Cost: $20.00 Each Participant
Mr. Alex, Tell us about yourself and a Fun Fact!
My names is Alex I have been playing music since I was 10 years old and have been performing since the age of 15. I guess a fun fact is a memory of my worst performance experience. It occurred when I was 16 years old. I was playing with valley youth theater and the Phoenix symphony. During the rehearsal with the symphony, my guitar strap broke and it caused quite the commotion when my guitar fell on the floor. It all worked out though because I got to play with the Phoenix symphony and watch the Queen of Disco: Donna Summer the same night.
Mr. Devin, Tell us about yourself and a Fun Fact!
What inspired you to start Jam night?
Our favorite thing in the world is playing music with other people. There is no better way to get to know someone than by trying to stay on the beat together. Plus, we believe upcoming musicians should have that opportunity to Jam, especially MMW students.
How many students can attend at once?
5 per Instrument
We noticed at Jam night you have 5 drummers performing at once, how has that been? Any complications?
Alex: Usually it’s 1 drummer for every 5 bands not 5 drummers for one band. We currently have one drummer on the acoustic kit and the other 4 playing along on an E kit with headphones. Then we play the song repeatedly until every drummer gets a chance to lead the band on the acoustic kit before moving on to the next song.
Devin: Drummers are notoriously good at staying on the beat (especially my students 😛 ). Therefore, we can just rotate around and let everyone get their chance in the spotlight.
The students sound really strong! What is the biggest reason this Jam night works? Do students have to have a specific skill set to participate?
Alex: The biggest reason is that Devin and I are geniuses and icons. The second reason is that students are working with their private instructors to learn the songs before we jam on them.
Students should understand how to play chords as well as the location of notes on their instrument because we do a lot of changes on the fly.
Devin: I think the main reason the performances are so strong is because of the accountability it puts on each person attending. if you don't practice a recital piece all that could happen is you feel silly for a bit. But if you don't practice in a group setting such as Jam Night you are letting everyone else down. Therefore it drives accountability and gets a musician to think about others and that selfless mindset really drives a lot of students.
How many songs do you play during one Jam session?
Devin: 3 planned songs and 1 impromptu learn on the fly song.
Who is this program designed for?
Alex: This program is designed for people who want to be good at music.
Devin: Anyone who wants to get more experience playing in a group or anyone who wants to have fun and hang in a musical environment.
Attendees must be active MMW students.
How do you decide on the set-list?
Alex: It’s been based off tunes that students have asked to learn or songs that are just common songs. This month's setlist is all Aries divas. So a little astrology
Devin: We come up with themes and listen to student suggestions.
What has been the most enjoyed song so far?
Alex: I think it is different for every student what they enjoy. My favorite has been Thank u Next by Ariana grande
I really liked Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet because its such high energy that had everyone in the room dancing.
This program is designed for people who want to be good at music.- Alex
What is the benefit of students preparing with a teacher before they attend Jam Night?
Alex: It can be uncomfortable to show up to a jam without being prepared. Knowing the structure of the song and the parts makes the atmosphere of an ensemble setting easier for beginners to manage.
Devin: It really helps with the confidence level and performance is 90% confidence. Knowing that you are prepared and ready to jam just eases your nerves on such a high level.
MMW is such a community-driven studio if you want to get involved in music both privately and publicly this is the place to make that happen! -Devin
Jam Night has limited openings and has been sold out each time? Are you planning on adding more Jam nights in the future?
Alex: We are looking at adding more jam nights during the summer perhaps on a bi-monthly basis
Devin: As long as people want to jam there shall be jam night.
What would you advise to a musician that isn't currently an MMW student but wants to get involved?
Alex: I would advise a musician that wants to get involved to get started with private lessons at the studio. When learning a new skill having an experienced instructor quickens the learning process.
Devin: Just Do It!
MMW is such a community-driven studio if you want to get involved in music both privately and publicly this is the place to make that happen!