JamHub: Our stories

Throughout the world, classrooms and lesson studios have adopted JamHub as the heart of their equipment list. Like a tuner or a metronome, JamHub studios help students learn in a way that helps teachers keep their sanity.  The ability to have individual mixes and monitor through headphones make the JamHub useful in groups as well as 1-1 lessons.  It’s cheaper and more effective than sound proofing which means less distraction for students in surrounding rooms.  It also works to control the listening environment which protects students’ hearing.  The benefits are obvious for those who have been brave enough to give it a try.

Today, JamHub Corp is proud to announce a new opportunity for educators in the United States: the 2015 Communities For Technology In Music Education grant program. Schools and educators are eligible to apply, and recipients will receive a JamHub BedRoom, cables and headphones along with the support of JamHub and the JamHub educator community.  We’re looking for teachers who currently incorporate technology in their classroom, or who will be incorporating technology at the beginning of the 2015/2016 school year to apply for this exciting new grant.

At JamHub, it’s our mission to take an active role in the world of music education.  We have many resources dedicated to the support music educators and music education around the world.  The network we try to cultivate is made up of like-minded teachers, and we gather various resources and stories of success from classrooms all over the globe.  From the Europe to Japan to Australia to the USA, JamHub is at the forefront of modern music education revolution.

But we need your help.  We're looking to our network of JamHub fans and users to pass this message along to anyone who might be interested in applying for the award.  Technology is pushing the boundaries of what we can teach and what we can learn, and at JamHub, we’re proud to play a part.

Official submission guidelines are coming soon, so please share this post widely with all your educator friends to help us get the word out that JamHub studios are coming to a school near you! Reach out to our education team by e-mailing [email protected], direct messaging us through Twitter (@JamHubEDU) or FaceBook (www.facebook.com/jamhub).

More Music.  Together.

Dan Spitz (@danspitz) is a legend in the rock world. As a co-founding member of Anthrax, he helped define the tone of metal for more than one generation, and he’s still hard at work pushing the boundaries of music and the influence that music can have on the world.

Dan’s latest project has him playing slide blues on a Weissenborn style guitar, a lap-style instrument with a long, deep scale and a body cavity that extends up through the neck for impressive reverberation.

Slide in hand, Dan has partnered up with Michaela Paige (@FLASinger1) to perform powerful blues and soul based acoustic music with a mission: raising autism awareness around the world. Dan has been heavily involved with autism awareness for many years, raising his twin autistic sons and championing the cause in as many places as he can.

The Paige-Spitz project is ready to hit the road, and they’re taking their JamHub studio with them. Dan has been a long-time Ultimate Ears artist, and was thrilled to discover that JamHub studios were a simple, light-weight alternative to traditional wireless systems. Dan carries two flight cases, each weighing only 47 lbs, so they pass easily through any airport. One holds his guitar gear, like his Axe-FX and Metric Halo units. The other has power, transformer isolation boxes, and a JamHub TourBus.

The quick setup was a huge plus for Dan, who loves that he just has to lay down his monitor cables and plug in. Much faster that it was the old way.

Dan and Michaela were good enough to let us grab some video of their rig at Winter NAMM 2015, so check it out and visit www.DanSpitz.com for more information on the Paige-Spitz project.

by Michael Hayden - Greenfield, WI

As the semester comes to an end at Whitnall High School, students who enrolled in the first ever Rock Band course are packing away their classroom studio, putting guitars back in their cases, disconnecting microphones, mixers, and getting drum kits ready to go into storage for the rest of the year. The inaugural class is also taking the time to reflect on what we have learned over the past four months, the musical friendships made, and the great music that has been created. Students in Rock Band spent first semester learning about music, how to play various rock instruments, and how music shapes our modern society. Class examples were based on the music of rock n roll greats like Bill Haley, Little Richard, Elvis, AC/DC, Kansas, Black Sabbath, just to name a few. What started as a way to reshape what it means to study music during the school day turned out to be one phenomenal learning experience and I hope helped bridge the ever growing disconnect between in and out of school music.

Background

The idea for a high school rock band class came after receiving a grant from the Meemic Foundation to purchase rock instruments and to start a creative music improv lab at Whitnall Middle School. What would come to be known as Jam Club is home to two guitars, a bass, MIDI keyboard, electronic drum set, a couple of microphones, and a JamHub Greenroom. The name Jam Club represents what students are doing after school (jamming). The lab is meant to be a safe space for students to get together and make music, more specifically rock music, with old and new friends alike. Additionally, the name Jam Club pays tribute to the JamHub, a sophisticated headphone monitor system that not only allows the students to connect with each other via headphones (think Silent Brass but for an entire band) but also give each individual student the ability to adjust the volumes of what they hear in their “mix.” After school one day per week, a small number of students get together to learn new instruments, be creative, and jam.

I think that most music educators have at least a general idea of what kind of equipment is needed to get a band together and start practicing/playing. In most garage-type bands, you would need various amps and a PA system so that the guitars, bass, and vocals can be heard over the drums. This is especially true with younger musicians who may tend to play on the louder side. Given that Whitnall Middle School’s Jam Club would take place in a classroom (and with other teachers and students around) having amps was not an option. Also, it adds considerable cost and takes up more space then we had available. This is where the  JamHub GreenRoom came in. While doing some initial research on what types of equipment I would need to make the Jam Club happen I came upon the website for Jam Hub and was amazed about the capabilities and how relatively inexpensive the devices were. This would be the device that would make Jam Club and Whitnall High School’s Rock Band class happen. The hardware itself is very user friendly (6th graders are able to use it with ease), allows each instrument input to also be paired with a microphone, has built in effects (like reverb for the vocals), and in the case of the Greenroom model, has a built in USB output that allows students to connect their iPads and record their jam sessions.

From Jam Club to Rock Band

About the same time Jam Club was getting off the ground, Whitnall High School’s Rock Band class had been approved to go in the course catalog for the following school year (2014-2015). However, there was some initial uncertainty on my part as how to logistically make the class happen with regards to gear and setup. With multiple bands playing at the same time, it appeared that there would need to be either a space large enough where students could isolate themselves or we needed to have a system that would allow students to have a more “silent” and portable option. It would be the JamHub that would inevitably help make Rock Band class a reality as it takes away the need for amps and a PA system. With budgeted school funds, I was able to purchase two rock stations for the class. Each station has a JamHub Greenroom, electronic drum kit, two electric guitar, electric bass, and a keyboard. Since the JamHub connects students together via headphones, two groups would be able to practice in the same smaller classroom (our class is held in a computer lab) at the same time. Due to the high enrollment, a third band would rotate in after spending one day working individually or with me on a variety of course topics. This two day on, one day off system worked great for students as it allowed them make music with their band but also gave time to work independently, ask questions, or reflect on some of the class discussions.

Rock Band Structure

Rock Band class has four main units with each roughly following a different time period in rock n roll history, beginning with the 1950’s and ending with modern rock. At the end of each unit, students would put on a class performance in our high school auditorium. In addition to learning to play guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums, all students learn about the fundamental elements of music (such as form, pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, pulse), the different progressions and developments in rock music through modern music history, and take an in depth look at the similarities and differences between various types of rock music.

Students in Rock Band also used the JamHub GreenRoom as a way to make high quality recordings of their sessions. One our the course units centered around basic recording techniques and students were able to use the USB output on the JamHub to connect to either their iPad or one of the iMac’s in the lab. It took some tweaking at first to balance the output levels but students were able to capture high quality audio recordings that they would then send to me for listening and assessments as well as share with their family and friends. A few students even chose to extend this one step further and export the JamHub directly into GarageBand on an iMac so they could add additional effects such as echo, compression, and distortion.

Finally, each student in Rock Band would learn the basics of how to operate a mixing console and use that knowledge to setup, soundcheck, and run live front of house sound during our in class performance that would occur at that end of every unit. Students directly translated what they learned on the JamHub, with regards to instrument levels and balance, and were then able to apply that to larger analog and digital mixing consoles.

The most enjoyable class activity for the students was working with their band members,  making music together. As an educator, seeing my students take charge of their musical and educational journey was very rewarding. Students came to class eager to play and regularly would start to set up their equipment before the bell rang (connecting microphones, doing quick sound checks, and adjusting monitor levels in the JamHub). I can’t help but think about the possibilities of this type of course and how to incorporate small units of alternative-type music making that would benefit all music students.

Ideas for Extension

The JamHub has many capabilities and possibilities for extension outside the realm of rock band classes and after school jam groups. Since both Whitnall Middle and High School are 1:1 iPad schools, the JamHub could also be used as a tool to connect multiple students together to use their iPad as a musical instruments. Additionally, there are a wide range of free, cloud based recording projects that have hundreds of synthesizers, drum machines, and other types of virtual instruments that students could use to create music together (these could be accessed via a laptop or Chromebook). Throw in a couple people on vocals and a student or two playing their saxophone, violin, or banjo and you have a truly unique school music experience.

Capitalizing on your students interest in music by incorporating some of the 21st century musical experiences they see and hear outside of school are a great ways to bridge the disconnect between in and out of school music as well as explore what it means to make music, all while  providing your students with music making experience they may see as adults. I hope that educators around the world embrace some of the new and more relevant ways of teaching music. The model of solely basing our music curriculums on performance is one that, while very valuable to some, is not working for a large majority. By incorporating more modern music making experiences, such as rock band, jam clubs, iPad band, and so on, we can reach a wider range of our student populations and reignite passions for music.

Biography

NAMM is always a fun, and frantic, time for our team. We fly 3000 miles to hang out in a sea of cool. Cool gear. Cool people. And warm weather. Sorry, lost it the trifecta at the end. Point is, we get a lot out of NAMM. We get to connect with new dealers, and see old friends from around the world. It’s one of the few places where people can come up, shake our hands, and say, “Thank you!” And that’s a pretty cool feeling. 

This year, we met teacher after teacher who had incorporated JamHub studios into their private lesson programs and into the school systems, bringing the joy of music to more kids than ever. Because when we’re young, it’s all about the social experience. Almost universally, the people we meet who picked up an instrument at a young age and stuck with it were the people who played in a band, and that’s what JamHub studios are best at. Giving you time to be a band. Time to practice. Time to learn. Time to laugh.

The other big group we talk to is folks who have been able to affordably enter the wild world of In-Ear monitoring thanks to JamHub studios, and man is that an ever growing army. There’s just no other way to so economically control your own mix from the stage, making JamHub studios the perfect tool for working bands who need a reliable way to get sound to a different FOH setup every night, but still want control over their own monitoring.

All in all, it was a great NAMM, and we’re grateful to all the incredible people who made it that way. Especially GWAR. Members of which were walking around in full costume the entire show. 

A private lesson school is in the business of letting their students make music and noise.

When the Massachusetts-based Real School of Music opened the doors to it’s second location in April 2013, the other tenants in their building were welcoming to a new progressive music community, however they were wary of the noise.  Software developers need quiet and musicians need noise.  

Decibel meters, sound dampeners, customized doors and rooms were just some of the tools that were built in to the school.  By the summer of 2014, smaller amps and PA were being used and the acoustic drumsets were packed with foam but to no avail.  Despite careful planning and using the best technology available, the sound that was escaping and leaking to the upstairs was still well above the previously agreed levels.  “We had to make a drastic change or face the potential long range outcome of actually losing our lease,” says Andrew Clark, Managing Partner and teacher at the Real School in Andover, MA.  

Shortly after the school opened, a JamHub studio had been brought to the school and set up as a demo for students and teachers.  Since musicians like making loud noise the prospect of an enclosed “silent” rehearsal got a mix of reviews.  “We didn't consider using it for rehearsals because we were still trying to make the old ways work,” said Clark after his introduction to JamHub.  The old ways were “the only way we knew,” he went on to say.

A year later with the existing noise problem, Clark says, “It became clear that we had to switch to electronic drum kits and it seemed like the JamHub might help our cause.”  With the decision to install JamHub studios, Clark says he “spent the better part of the summer setting up nine electronic drum kits, twelve stomp boxes, twenty-four sets of headphones and eventually four JamHubs.”  His biggest stumbling block -- managing the various cables.  Clark was “pleasantly surprised with the sound quality of the gear and the ease of use of the JamHub.”  As the calendar turned to September, Real School hit the ground running with the newly renovated rooms while the teachers got a crash course in how to use their new equipment.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive, Clark said.  “First and foremost the complaints from upstairs ended,” he said.  In the ensemble rooms, teachers were able to communicate with students better, the ability to record and playback became a valuable education tool and the custom mixes were a hit with students.  In fact, one adult student was already familiar with JamHubs because he used them with his own band to compensate for his tinnitus.  

Clark went on to say that “Overall I would have to say I am very much in favor of using JamHubs. They make rehearsing much more civilized!”  Going forward, The Real School of Music is considering using JamHubs in their future locations -- even if noise is not a concern.  Clark says that “the educational benefits are obvious and the health benefits are valuable to our students, too.”  Listening at comfortable volumes and headphones is much healthier than a room with live amps and PA competing to be heard.  

JamHub studios have helped The Real School not only keep their lease, but also reinforce education methods and promote health awareness as well.

Private lessons and traditional school music programs would do well to learn a thing or 2 from each other.  Modern instruments like drums, guitar, bass or piano taught through private lesson teachers have the “cool” factor but lack the “community” aspect, while a more traditional band or chorus program have very strong “communities” but often times lack the “cool.”  In part 1 of this 2 part series, we’re going to take a look at how to bring the “cool” factor to the traditional music program and what it can do for your program.

Band and chorus programs fulfil a very important role in music education.  They provide a dedicated practice period and the ability to have a large number of students interacting and collaborating.  This community within a school music program is unlike any other because they often start in start in middle school, meet nearly every day throughout high school, have the consistent teachers and leadership and keep the same group of kids together for sometimes up to 9 years!  Musicians of all skill levels work side by side because it is not about celebrating individual accomplishments, it’s about the shared goal of making music as a team.  Even still, a strong traditional music program reaches probably only about 20% of a given student body.  So how do you reach the other 80%?  

At a recent music educator conference, I had the chance to catch a very impassioned presentation by a music teacher named Brian Franco on this very subject.  He converted his existing curriculum, which was basically a single music appreciation class for non-musicians, to a multi-leveled 4 year curriculum track.  He renamed topics like classical music, Bach and composition to rock music, The Beatles and song writing.  Thanks to technology and fresh subject matter, the “Music Industry” track was so successful that the local community center now hosts an after school offshoot to meet the demand.  

If you want to know more about this program, you can visit www.weedsportMI.com to see Brian’s program in action.  He fully and openly encourages people to view his site and improve on his concept.  He isn’t claiming originality for his ideas.  In fact, he lists a great number of books on his site that he used for inspiration and ideas and is fully aware that other programs like his exist.  He’s just an great example of a technology driven education model that I happen to be familiar with.

At the core of this program, Brian credits his JamHub studios as a huge reason for his success.  He utilizes digital recording stations and iPads too, but since his classes have students working on performance and songwriting simultaneously, the JamHub allows each group to work on their projects without distracting or being distracted by each other.  It also allows some added rehearsal time for bands that would otherwise be too loud to practice during school hours.  

The modern classroom, combining technology with learning, can draw students in that would not normally be interested in the traditional music program.  They might not all be able to play or understand music in depth, but that’s not the goal for these students.  They get the opportunity to explore making music and, if they choose, also have resources available to dig deeper into music theory or even join the band or chorus.

The way WeedsportMI works within the school district may not be ideal for everyone, but there are many ways scale this and similar programs to fit the needs of any classroom.  Many teachers seem to agree that the best way to start is to make your plan and set several short attainable goals.  For example, Brian was able to take an existing class and rework it with a more modern slant, and then added a rock band to and kept growing from there.  Maybe in your school, you can start with a recording class or song writing workshop.  It can be a slow progression and with the right personnel, can become so much more.  Be confident and rely on the vast resources of the music community for help!

*** The picture is a concert poster from "MayFest 2014," the Weedsport Music Industry concert from May 2014  ***

Neil Johnston's Store Van Music has exploded onto the scene as a thought leader for music educators interested in technology for 2014. Neil uses tech to get young students interested in, and successful with, music in schools and has partnered with some great companies, like Apogee who gave him a nice write-up here

http://www.apogeedigital.com/blog/linchfield-primary-school-records-song-using-apogee

And, of course, Neil makes extensive use of JamHub studios! You can see one of his incredible setups on the Tablet Ed page of our website

http://www.jamhub.com/tablets/

Tone is one of those things we all take very personally. They way our instrument sounds is somehow tied to who we are, the product of many choices and refinements. I'm a big fan of modding and tweaking, as anyone who's seen my guitar can tell you. They'll also tell you she's a dream to play. I spent a long time crafting a big, beefy, bad in the best way tone, going through pickup after pickup and amp after amp. It's half the fun. It's a hobby within a hobby.