One of the newest additions to our network is The Jam Factory, here to revolutionise the way we learn to play music. Founder and director Ben Tilley has transformed the largest subterranean space at Deben House into a musical creche for children and adults alike. Without further ado, over to Ben:

The JAM Factory is a new community music space offering an alternative to pricey one-to-one music lessons, solitary bedroom practicing, uninspiring teach-yourself books, and exclusive music ensembles. We are creating a space where anyone can learn, share, and enjoy music through a combination of accessible group classes, drop-in practice space, peer supported learning, all included in an affordable monthly membership. We emphasise building a fun, group-focussed learning environment, which, combined with our flexible membership model, makes everything from picking up an instrument to mastering music theory as fun and affordable as possible.

Carefully structured classes create a fun, social, and relaxed atmosphere, in which you can learn and practice the foundations of playing and writing music. Our group lessons offer much more support and motivation than learning alone, and give everyone the opportunity to practice playing together from day one; a pretty important musical skill! At the JAM Factory you can currently learn how to play keyboard or guitar, about music theory or songwriting, or how to read music. You can even just come along to one of our jams to practice and enjoy playing together. We are currently working to introducing classes for singing, ukelele, and a drum circle, so watch this space!

Our ambition is to provide musical education that is accessible to everyone, to promote connection and collaboration across the diverse backgrounds that make up the musical community, and to provide a purpose made space for the practice of music.

– Our flexible membership provides a more affordable alternative to one-to-one music lessons, and provides people with the freedom to explore a range of classes and choose what they want to learn.

– Group classes and social workshops offer the perfect opportunity to make new relationships and connect over the shared experience of learning or playing together, as well as being a source of support and encouragement.

– The existence of a space especially for the practice of music increases the visibility of music making, and increases the possibility for musicians to learn and share their music with each other.

Head to the website to see our membership options, lessons schedules and descriptions, and to register as a member. We are also looking for music teachers, particularly guitarist and singers who might be interested in working with the Jam Factory!

If you have any questions or queries, then send them over to contact@jamfactorybristol.com, or call us on 07784 700224.