Jammalong in Melbourne
For those who are interested in playing music in Melbourne, Australia. Check out the group on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JammalonginMelbourne/
Traditional Jamming - A Guide (July 2018)
Below is the latest guide to traditional jamming that I wrote to help support not just Jammalong but also to assist participants in workshops I have been conducting.
Below is the latest guide to traditional jamming that I wrote to help support not just Jammalong but also to assist participants in workshops I have been conducting.
If you like you can downline this document as a PDF file.
| traditional_jamming_-_a_guide_pdf.pdf |
'Jammalong in Melbourne' Guidelines
Feb 2014
(this is an older guidelines document, retained for interest)
Feb 2014
(this is an older guidelines document, retained for interest)
So what can I expect at the jam?
You can expect a varied group of individuals who have a common purpose in playing music with others and having fun doing it. Generally, individuals form a loosely shaped circle where they can see and hear everyone else and take turns in leading songs.
What kind of music will be played?
The genres of music played will largely be shaped by those attending the jam and everyone is encouraged to contribute a song or two (or more). The jams will be limited by the types of instruments you can carry to the jam. There are no microphones or electricity for amplification. Music needs to suitable for playing in a public, family-friendly setting (we're in public locations). Generally, one should propose songs that everyone can join along with, avoiding overly complex structures. For these reasons, traditional and traditional-based music forms tend to do well in jams, as they use acoustic instruments not requiring electricity and are based on musical structures that the majority of folk can decipher and join in with.
As the convener, I will not apply a 'hard and fast' rule about genre of music allowed. Good music is good music and no two people can possibly have the exact same taste in defining what is good and what isn't. Chances are you will hear Folk and Folk-related music such Bluegrass, Country, Old-Timey, Contradance, Sixties-Folk, Contemporary Folk, Australian, Irish, Scottish, Celtic, Rock, Classical, Blues, Bush, Roots, Gospel, World, Contemporary and hybrid forms of music.
Rules and Etiquette
Many Bluegrass and Traditional music enthusiasts will already be familiar with the traditions of jamming in those styles and the Jammalong will borrow from those traditions. Groups all over the world have invented various rules and some of these are listed below for comparative purposes. Generally I like to avoid rules but will insist on the following three:
1. Bring a song.
2. Bring a smile.
3. Respect others.
Guidelines for etiquette include:
1. Stay in tune and with the beat.
2. Work with the song leader.
3. Allow others to be heard, particularly during solo breaks.
Format for Song Leaders
Everyone will have an opportunity to lead a song. Also, everyone is responsible for the format of the jammalong but the convener will aim to guide it along so that it operates as smoothly and with as much fun as possible. When it's your turn to propose a song, please propose a song that is designed to allow others to join in and play along with you. There are exceptions to this, as you don't always want to play three chord songs. The key to the successful choice of songs is to put in place ways where others can join in. How others are encouraged to join along in a song include:
1. Stating the Key that it is played in and what chords are used.
2. Providing a brief explanation of the song and its structure: verse, chord, verse?; verse, verse chord, bridge?
3. Whilst ideally songs are verbally described alone, if necessary, provide chord charts, musical notation or advance notice (and therefore allow preparation) for more complex songs.
When leading a song, set a pace which isn't too fast, allowing others to familiarise themselves with the song. You may want to play a complete melody of verse and chorus before playing the full song properly. Where there are opportunities for instrumental breaks, look at the individuals who may possibly want a turn and watch out for a nod or shake of the head, indicating whether they will take the break or not. Do this prior a few moments before entering that part of the song and if necessary, ask someone else or take the break yourself. If the song goes on and on and especially for instrumentals, you can signal the approach of the end by raising one of your legs, to let everyone know that the end is approaching. Ideally when leading a song, you know the song from memory.
Format for those not leading
You will not always be leading a song and for most of the time, you will be joining in on someone's proposed song. Listen and look at the song leader to make sure you are in the right key and tempo. Ask questions before the song starts and not during the song (generally). Once the song starts, it's off and running and you just join in. Don't stop it. Don't speed up and don't take over the song! Play or sing in a style which occupies the background portion of the song, unless it is your turn to sing lead or play lead. Know how to vamp and play dynamically - softly and loudly. If you can't hear the lead, then you are too loud.
What the Jammalong isn't
The Jammalong isn't a concert performance where you 'strut your stuff'. The Jammalong isn't a place where perfection is required and everyone plays in a set piece, pitch-perfect, technique perfect manner.
The Jammalong is all about collective musical fun and learning
Jammalong is about playing music together and allowing everyone to join in with you in a fun way. It is a place for encouragement, learning, friendship and laughter. It's OK to make mistakes.
If you are a beginner, take note of the more experienced players and see how it's done. If you have problems following the chords, find a guitarist who seems to be coping OK and watch their left hand. Try to anticipate the chord changes by ear if possible. If you don't know all the chords or all the parts of the songs, just play the parts you can and try and build on it the next time the verse and chorus repeats.
For the more experienced, provide the best explanations you can for those joining in and make appropriate song selections. Allow others to take breaks, they don't need to be complex. Be encouraging and good humoured.
What shall I bring:
Apart from an excellent attitude, bring your instruments and if you like, a music stand and music to share (optional - some jams have no sheet music whatsoever). Have lunch prior, or if you like have it at the jam, there is a cafe there. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent. Venues such as the Australian Garden provide chairs in the best spots. For other locations such as Jells Park, it's better to bring a chair.
Resources for common songs:
* You and your personal experience/resources
* Jammalong in Canberra & Toneway: http://parkmusic.weebly.com/music.html
* SLOJAM: http://bobshomepage.com/page1/page1.htmlSources for Songs
* Wendy's List: http://www3.telus.net/On-LineMusicWorldofWendy
Jam Etiquette:
* http://www.s-w-b-a.com/pickerscorner_docs/etiquette.htm
* http://www.folkjam.org/resource/jam-guidelines
* http://www.jamming101.com/library/charts/Jammandments%20text.pdf
* http://www.superiormusic.com/page129.htm
* http://www.bluegrassguitar.com/tenjammandments.html
* http://www.bluegrassfun.com/jammandments.html
Have fun!
José
Convener J.I.M.
(Feb 2014)
You can expect a varied group of individuals who have a common purpose in playing music with others and having fun doing it. Generally, individuals form a loosely shaped circle where they can see and hear everyone else and take turns in leading songs.
What kind of music will be played?
The genres of music played will largely be shaped by those attending the jam and everyone is encouraged to contribute a song or two (or more). The jams will be limited by the types of instruments you can carry to the jam. There are no microphones or electricity for amplification. Music needs to suitable for playing in a public, family-friendly setting (we're in public locations). Generally, one should propose songs that everyone can join along with, avoiding overly complex structures. For these reasons, traditional and traditional-based music forms tend to do well in jams, as they use acoustic instruments not requiring electricity and are based on musical structures that the majority of folk can decipher and join in with.
As the convener, I will not apply a 'hard and fast' rule about genre of music allowed. Good music is good music and no two people can possibly have the exact same taste in defining what is good and what isn't. Chances are you will hear Folk and Folk-related music such Bluegrass, Country, Old-Timey, Contradance, Sixties-Folk, Contemporary Folk, Australian, Irish, Scottish, Celtic, Rock, Classical, Blues, Bush, Roots, Gospel, World, Contemporary and hybrid forms of music.
Rules and Etiquette
Many Bluegrass and Traditional music enthusiasts will already be familiar with the traditions of jamming in those styles and the Jammalong will borrow from those traditions. Groups all over the world have invented various rules and some of these are listed below for comparative purposes. Generally I like to avoid rules but will insist on the following three:
1. Bring a song.
2. Bring a smile.
3. Respect others.
Guidelines for etiquette include:
1. Stay in tune and with the beat.
2. Work with the song leader.
3. Allow others to be heard, particularly during solo breaks.
Format for Song Leaders
Everyone will have an opportunity to lead a song. Also, everyone is responsible for the format of the jammalong but the convener will aim to guide it along so that it operates as smoothly and with as much fun as possible. When it's your turn to propose a song, please propose a song that is designed to allow others to join in and play along with you. There are exceptions to this, as you don't always want to play three chord songs. The key to the successful choice of songs is to put in place ways where others can join in. How others are encouraged to join along in a song include:
1. Stating the Key that it is played in and what chords are used.
2. Providing a brief explanation of the song and its structure: verse, chord, verse?; verse, verse chord, bridge?
3. Whilst ideally songs are verbally described alone, if necessary, provide chord charts, musical notation or advance notice (and therefore allow preparation) for more complex songs.
When leading a song, set a pace which isn't too fast, allowing others to familiarise themselves with the song. You may want to play a complete melody of verse and chorus before playing the full song properly. Where there are opportunities for instrumental breaks, look at the individuals who may possibly want a turn and watch out for a nod or shake of the head, indicating whether they will take the break or not. Do this prior a few moments before entering that part of the song and if necessary, ask someone else or take the break yourself. If the song goes on and on and especially for instrumentals, you can signal the approach of the end by raising one of your legs, to let everyone know that the end is approaching. Ideally when leading a song, you know the song from memory.
Format for those not leading
You will not always be leading a song and for most of the time, you will be joining in on someone's proposed song. Listen and look at the song leader to make sure you are in the right key and tempo. Ask questions before the song starts and not during the song (generally). Once the song starts, it's off and running and you just join in. Don't stop it. Don't speed up and don't take over the song! Play or sing in a style which occupies the background portion of the song, unless it is your turn to sing lead or play lead. Know how to vamp and play dynamically - softly and loudly. If you can't hear the lead, then you are too loud.
What the Jammalong isn't
The Jammalong isn't a concert performance where you 'strut your stuff'. The Jammalong isn't a place where perfection is required and everyone plays in a set piece, pitch-perfect, technique perfect manner.
The Jammalong is all about collective musical fun and learning
Jammalong is about playing music together and allowing everyone to join in with you in a fun way. It is a place for encouragement, learning, friendship and laughter. It's OK to make mistakes.
If you are a beginner, take note of the more experienced players and see how it's done. If you have problems following the chords, find a guitarist who seems to be coping OK and watch their left hand. Try to anticipate the chord changes by ear if possible. If you don't know all the chords or all the parts of the songs, just play the parts you can and try and build on it the next time the verse and chorus repeats.
For the more experienced, provide the best explanations you can for those joining in and make appropriate song selections. Allow others to take breaks, they don't need to be complex. Be encouraging and good humoured.
What shall I bring:
Apart from an excellent attitude, bring your instruments and if you like, a music stand and music to share (optional - some jams have no sheet music whatsoever). Have lunch prior, or if you like have it at the jam, there is a cafe there. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent. Venues such as the Australian Garden provide chairs in the best spots. For other locations such as Jells Park, it's better to bring a chair.
Resources for common songs:
* You and your personal experience/resources
* Jammalong in Canberra & Toneway: http://parkmusic.weebly.com/music.html
* SLOJAM: http://bobshomepage.com/page1/page1.htmlSources for Songs
* Wendy's List: http://www3.telus.net/On-LineMusicWorldofWendy
Jam Etiquette:
* http://www.s-w-b-a.com/pickerscorner_docs/etiquette.htm
* http://www.folkjam.org/resource/jam-guidelines
* http://www.jamming101.com/library/charts/Jammandments%20text.pdf
* http://www.superiormusic.com/page129.htm
* http://www.bluegrassguitar.com/tenjammandments.html
* http://www.bluegrassfun.com/jammandments.html
Have fun!
José
Convener J.I.M.
(Feb 2014)
