Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Webb.
Hi Heather, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Texas, from a very musical family. I remember my grandparents having music parties when I was a kid, and I would just sit on the floor and listen to the old folks playing old-time country music from artists like Bob Wills, Patsy Cline, Bobby Helms and more. My great uncles played stand-up bass and fiddle, my dad played guitar and sang, and there were always lots of other people there playing various instruments. I was always amazed at how they all knew what to play, and everyone just jumped right in when someone started a song. That’s where my musical journey began.
When I went off to college, my dad gave me his guitar and I started teaching myself how to play it. I tried out for my first band during my sophomore year in college and it turned out they wanted at bass player, not a guitarist. I knew nothing about the bass, I just knew I wanted to be in a band. So, I went home that weekend and talked to my dad about it, and he got me an old Gibson G3 bass from a family friend. I threw myself into learning bass and got myself into the band.
After college, I went into teaching high school math and found out after a few years, that it was not the right place for me. So, I quit public school and started playing bass full-time with a band called Adrian and the Sickness. As an independent band, we did all of own promo, website, videos, bookings, tour management, everything. I learned all the ins and outs to putting on a successful show. I found out just how hard it is to make a living playing music alone, so I supplemented my income by teaching guitar, bass and drum lessons, coaching bands at Girls Rock Camp in the summers, and eventually teaching band classes for women at Girl Guitar. I worked at Girl Guitar for 8 years when I decided to go out on my own and start my own thing. I wanted to take all the things I’ve learned being an independent musician and teach other people the full rock-n-roll experience.
In 2018, I opened Heather Webb’s Jam Room and started teaching adult rock band classes and workshops out of my garage. Students sign up for a band class, that represents a certain genre, year, artist, and we learn songs to perform at a big themed showcase for the public. I teach workshops on audio recording, video production, instrument repair, and pretty much all facets of being a DIY musician.
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?
Life is a constant struggle, but also very rewarding. So you do your best and take the good with the bad. I struggle to not work too much and neglect my partner or my home but also maintain a good balance so I can pay my bills. But I think that’s a very common struggle, especially when you’re your own boss.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Heather Webb’s Jam Room is not just a music school for adults, it’s the ultimate rock band experience. It’s an awesome alternative to taking lessons. Beginners through advanced players can join a band on vocals, keys, guitar, bass, drums or percussion (depending on what is needed). Bands spend 6 weekly rehearsals learning and working on a three-song set. During that time, they come up with their band name, a logo, costuming, do a photo shoot… the whole nine yards.
In addition to the band classes, we recently started a Wednesday night “Campfire Jam” for acoustic instruments. We learn familiar songs that you can pull out at a campfire and have everyone singing along. This is a great place to start as a beginner.
At the end of each session, we throw a party for the public, full of fun for the whole family, featuring live music from the Jam Room bands. Band members get to be a part of a real show, on stage, in the spotlight, and rock out for their families and friends. Each band leaves the session with an incredible experience and a custom show poster to hang on their wall.
There are many things that set the Jam Room apart from others. For one, I keep my prices low to keep it affordable for anyone. Each student can get musical arrangements custom-made and based on their skill level so that it’s an uplifting positive experience for everyone. We don’t care what your sex is, what your experience is, or what your political beliefs are. Music creates a space where people can come together and spread good energy, and that’s what we’re all about in the Jam Room.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
To get more information about current class offerings or to sign up, you can join our social network, The Jam Room Matrix, and download the free app at https://jam-room-atx.mn.co/.
Pricing:
- $175 – 6 week band session
- $15 – Wednesday Night Campfire Jam
Contact Info:
- Website: jamroomatx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherwebb_jamroom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamroomatx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jamroomatx
- Other: https://jam-room-atx.mn.co/
