Rediscover the joy of playing an instrument and join Jonathan Williams in learning the jamming essentials to unleash your musical potential. If you once relished your time in the school band or orchestra but have drifted away from regular play, this three-session course is designed just for you. Say ‘yes!’ to the opportunity to learn the art of jamming – playing along with popular music recordings or fellow musicians without the constraints of notation.

This course unveils the organizing conventions and shortcuts that fuel the musical fun found in genres like pop, folk, rock, country, and soul. If you can play a C scale in 10 seconds and have a functional instrument, you’re ready to dive into the world of jamming. No need to worry about improvisation or playing melodies by ear; pop musicians rely on lead sheets as a general guide to the tune.

Join us in this fun way to reignite your passion for playing music. Jonathan Williams is here to guide you through the transformative experience of unlocking your musical potential, leaving you equipped to harmonize, improvise, and enjoy the sheer joy of jamming with others.

What to expect:  Learn how you can play popular tunes with other music lovers using the instrument you played in school or have discovered since. Jonathan is convinced that by the end of this three-session course, you will be able to use a lead sheet to accompany a simple vernacular tune.  You will learn how to use You-Tube to find popular recordings in suitable keys to play along with, and be able to jam with a guitar or piano player playing a simple song like “You are my Sunshine,” “Chain of Fools” or “Hallelujah.” Hopefully, you will also be able to play solos using a combination of lead sheet, knowledge of jamming practices and notation, and be able to modify lead sheet keys to better suit your instrument or the requirements of other musicians.

IN PERSON course at the Easton Family YMCA (no recording) | 3 sessions | Mondays | May 6, 13, 20 | 1 – 2:30 pm | $40