​Free Learning Jams

Ukulele Learning & Advancing Players Jam

This is the jam that was the launchpad for the Durham Ukulele Orchestra. It's so popular that we've had to move it to a bigger venue. Beginners are welcome, especially during the first 30 minutes when basic chords and strums are taught and then incorporated into familiar tunes. After that it gets faster and the music gets a little more complex, but everyone is welcome to try their hand at the tunes; there are shared books of music to use so it's not completely by ear.
​There's a lot of singing at the Ukulele Jam so you might want to brush up on the lyrics to Maxwell's Silver Hammer, You Are My Sunshine and Pinball Wizard.
​
When: First & Third Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.          
Where: Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse 2700 N. Roxboro, Durham NC 27704
Who: All ukulele players, from complete beginners to pros.

Always free, always will be (except for occasional guest artist workshops). 

Jazz Jam ​

​Using tunes mostly from The Real Book 6th Edition, Volume 1 and 2, this jam teaches the fundamentals of playing jazz together. Open to all ages and all levels, and led by Billie Feather, this jam is open to acoustic and electric guitarists, drummers (there is a drum kit on-site), singers (vocal mic provided), bassists, and pretty much any instrument you can name.
​
Everyone plays the melody/head together unless the tune is led by a singer. Then, the singer will take the lead. Note to singers, please bring your own lead sheets (at least 5) in the keys you feel comfortable singing in.
Solos are passed around among players, and a player can "pass" if they don't want one.
Everyone plays the melody/head after solos are finished unless the tune is led by a singer. Then, the singer will take the melody/head out.
When the tune ends, players switch positions with other Jam attendees. 
 
When: Not meeting due to COVID-19
Where: Not meeting due to COVID-19
Who: Anyone comfortable on their instrument, who wants to learn to play jazz in a group

Always free, but tips to the leader are welcome. 

Irish Learning Jam​

Jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas and slip jigs. Designed to build a common repertoire of tunes you'll hear in local Irish sessions; phrase by phrase, with a call and response technique and time set aside to explore bowing and ornamentation. We begin each jam with tunes that have been previously taught, and then a new tune is taught. If you are new to the jam, let us know any tunes you already play, and we will play those with you. A link to a recording of the week's new tune will be sent out to current participants. We usually end with a lovely waltz or other slow tune.

When: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church at 1902 Perry St. Durham, NC 
Who: All players who are comfortable enough with their instrument to play in G major, D major, A major, and the occasional E minor. Fiddle, guitar, mandolin, flute, and tin whistle are the most common instruments you'll find at this jam. 

Classic Country/Honky Tonk Jam ​​

All experience levels and all ages.

​We cover everything from old blues, cowboy songs, mountain music, and Grand Ole Opry, up to George Straight and Garth Brooks; nothing too modern. Chord charts and progressions are provided and explained.

​When: Not meeting due to COVID-19
Where: Not meeting due to COVID-19
Who: All instruments (including singers) are welcome. We encourage acoustic instruments, but we understand that pedal steel guitar and piano require amps. 
​
The only requirement is a supportive, good attitude.