What’s a Jam?
A “jam session” generally means a group of people playing music together at the same time. A jam doesn’t need an audience because it’s for the players themselves.

There are many kinds of jams for a variety of genres. For our purposes, a QCUkes jam is a social gathering of people with a variety of musical skills and experience – from total beginner to expert – playing ukuleles and singing together. Although it’s not a performance we do welcome and encourage grinners (listeners).

How does a QCUkes jam look?
We sit in a group, usually a circle of chairs around some tables. We show a list of songs on the screen and someone picks a song they’d like to play. Our tech-person puts that song on the screen, so everyone can see the words, the chords to play and when to play them, and chord diagrams. The person who calls the song usually sets the tempo (speed) and key, then starts off the song; but if they’re shy, they can ask a more experienced member to start the song. We all strum the chords and sing together at the same time. There are no solos or performances. 

Then we go around the circle with each person having the opportunity to choose a song from the list. When it’s your turn, you can lead a song, request a song for someone else to lead, or pass to the next person. We keep going around the circle in that manner.

What if I don’t feel comfortable calling a song?
If you are not comfortable with making a song choice you can always pass. Over time you might make a note of songs that are picked that you do like and that everyone seemed familiar with, and then one day you might be comfortable enough to call a song. But no pressure ever to do so. 

Jam Etiquette / Guidelines
The most important things are to have fun, don’t worry, do your best. Ukers are the kindest and most welcoming people.

There are a few key expectations (a.k.a. jam etiquette), mostly from the theme of, “It is a team sport, not a concert.” 

  • Tune your uke beforehand – easy to do if you arrive a few minutes early. If you’re late, just pause to tune up before you join the circle.
  • Listen to others. That allows everyone to be on the same tempo (speed) and play as a group.
  • Try to play about the same volume as others. If you can’t hear the other musicians, then you’re likely playing too loudly. 
  • No “noodling” between songs (playing your uke while others are choosing or discussing a song). Please just don’t – not even quiet little chords.
  • The person who calls the song can set the tempo (speed) and key. They can ask someone else to lead the song if they like. 
  • It’s OK to skip when your turn comes around if you’re not comfortable choosing a song. 
  • Save chit-chat for before and after the scheduled jam time. We often linger a little to chat after the circle. 
  • If arriving late, just sneak in (after tuning in the hall), grab a chair, and join in when you’re ready.
  • If you have to leave early, please do so gently between songs.