Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustie Shelton.
Hi Dustie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sometimes the best things start with a push from someone who believes in you.
At age 48, our founder Allan Cole was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. A few years later, his daughter Meredith, who sings and plays piano, encouraged him to go after something he’d always wanted to do but never had: learn to play an instrument.
He picked up the bass guitar. And something clicked.
It wasn’t just about learning notes and technique. Music gave him energy when he didn’t expect it. It opened his eyes and gave him joy. And it connected him to people he never would have met otherwise.
Allan wants others to have the same experience. So he’s built something that didn’t exist in Austin: a music school designed from day one for people of all abilities, all ages, and all backgrounds.
An Austin original, built the Austin way. Authentic, personal, unique, and fun.
Whatever your age or circumstances, music can change your life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any new business it’s been a slow start, but we are excited for our Grand Opening Party this Saturday to showcase what we do to the community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Every Body Jams?
Every Body Jams is an independent music school and welcoming creative community located in the heart of East Austin at 1602 East Cesar Chavez St. We provide a space where people of all ages—from twelve to eighty years old—can learn to play instruments, write music, get stage-ready, or join a band. Built on the core belief that music should be joyful, welcoming, and a little bit loud, the school focuses on experiential learning by getting students to actually play music together rather than just practicing alone in a bedroom.
We specialize in inclusive group music programs, including dedicated Adult Groups and Kids Groups (Ages 12-18). We are known for our absolute versatility in musical styles, refusing to restrict students to a single genre. Instead, we embrace and teach a massive variety of music that moves our students.
Every Body Jams stands out as Austin’s only independent music community intentionally built for individuals of all abilities and experience levels. Unlike traditional, rigid music schools, we focus heavily on the social and emotional aspect of music-making, ensuring total beginners and accomplished artists feel equally at home.
Our core philosophy is that the absolute best way to learn music is through collaborative, hands-on play with an understanding and like-minded community.
We are most proud of our commitment to “Music WITHOUT LIMITS.” We take immense pride in fostering an environment where identity, age, or skill level present no barriers to creativity. We are deeply rooted in the local, independent Austin heritage and are proud to build a culture where people look out for one another and surprise themselves with what they can achieve.
We want readers to know that whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or returning to a lifelong passion, you instantly belong to this community from your very first lesson.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
All of our instructors are working musicians, so they know what it’s like to practice, go on tour, and live the life of music.
Pricing:
- EBJ Bands (1-hr weekly private lesson + 2-hr weekly band rehearsal) $500/mo
- Songwriting Course (8 weeks) $800
- Band Coaching (2-hr session) $375
- Audition Prep $175/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.everybodyjams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/every.body.jams?igsh=dDFxdWZ5bTJrZ29k
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/196ZwdCmm2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TikTok @everybodyjams
