ABOUT Montreal JAMS
Ever dreamt about playing in a rock band?
Always wanted to play a show for your family and friends?
Need an excuse to dust off that instrument you've got packed away?
Well, here's your chance!!
Montreal Jams gives recreational adult musicians the opportunity to jam and perform
with others in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
As long as you can play an instrument or sing, you can participate!!
HOW IT WORKS
Located in the historic RCA Victor recording studios, Montreal Jams provides and coordinates:
Weekly rehearsals (2hrs each)
Clean, equipped jam space (amps, drums, keyboard, PA)
Fan-favorite song selections
Band coach at each rehearsal
Guidance on playing together as a band, instrument sounds and effects, arranging songs and set lists, and performing live
A live, professional-quality show at a Montreal venue, featuring bands from the current session
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How can I be sure whether my playing is good enough to participate?
Simple: if you can learn to play the songs, even in a basic way, then there's a spot for you in the band. Montreal Jams intentionally chooses projects that can accommodate players of various levels. Private lessons are available outside of rehearsal times at an additional cost. Still unsure? Just send us an email and we'll be more than happy to help you out.
Do you provide sheet music or do I have to learn the songs on my own?
We DO NOT provide sheet music. If, however, you are not able to learn the songs for your specific project on your own, there are many resources available online (e.g. YouTube).
I'm interested in joining a project, but my instrument isn't part of the original recordings.
Our goal is to create great versions of great tunes, not perfect-copy tributes. So, if a woman wants to sing a man's part, or vice versa, no problem. If we want to add a keyboard or horn part to songs that don't originally have them, not an issue. The coaches at Montreal Jams will fit you into the band!
What if my friend and I would like to join together?
No worries. You can each fill out your own registration forms, then add a note in the "Additional Comments" section of the form letting us know the name of the person you'd like to be grouped with.
How old do I have to be to participate?
Because the end-of-session shows are held in venues that serve alcohol, the minimum age to register for Montreal Jams is 18.
What if I can't make it to a rehearsal?
Joining a band is a commitment, and so your band will expect you to do your best to attend each rehearsal. However, we realize that life happens sometimes. In such cases, the show must go on! So, if you must miss a rehearsal, just let us know ahead of time so that we can coordinate a substitute if necessary.
Can I join more than one project?
Of course! Just make a note in the "Additional Comments" section of the Registration Form, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What if there are not enough registrants in my preferred project?
Montreal Jams will work to accommodate as many projects as possible, regardless of the number of registrants. However, in certain cases, too few registrants may result in a project not launching. In such cases, and if there isn't an alternate project that you are willing to join, your registration fee will be refunded in full prior to the start of the session, and we will do our best to accommodate you in the next session.
When is the end-of-session show?
Our aim is to host the show on the weekend that follows the final week of rehearsals, providing the venue is available. Official dates and location will be confirmed prior to the start of session.
What if I'd like to participate once the session has already started?
It may be difficult to fit you in once a session has already begun, but don't hesitate to contact us and if there's space we will do our best to get you in the band.
What if I change my mind about participating after registering?
If we are unable to place you in a band project, you will receive a full refund. However, withdrawing from a band after the band has been confirmed could leave your bandmates in a bind. Therefore, once “band confirmation” emails are sent out prior to the start of the session, and your spot has been confirmed, no refunds will be issued should you decide to not participate.
COACHES
Scott Cook
Having started his first band when he was only 12 years old, Scott has been performing for almost 40 years. He has performed rock, pop, and jazz with many talented musicians. He has recorded full-length albums and EPs, and has toured.
Holding a PhD in music, Scott is now on faculty in the music department at Vanier College, where he teaches music theory, ear training, music history and sound design. He has also taught guitar to students of various levels for over 20 years. He is the author of Referential Playing for the Guitar: A Practical, and Musical Approach, to Learning the Fretboard (ebook available for download through his website).
Scott continues to compose and perform with his own original projects.
Justin Saladino
Justin is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from the West Island of Montreal. He began taking lessons at the age of 6. By 11 years old, he started performing songs by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Led Zeppelin for large audiences. He has fronted a number of blues/rock groups that went on to perform at festivals, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Tremblant International Blues Festival, and, most recently at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.
Justin majored in Jazz Guitar at Vanier College and McGill in Jazz Performance. He has an original EP “No Worries” and a full length album “A Fool’s Heart” under his belt with his project the Justin Saladino Band.
NICOLAS LADOUCEUR
Nicolas Ladouceur is a Canadian guitarist with over fifteen years of international performance experience. Shaped by both classic rock and contemporary influences, he has toured extensively throughout Western Europe, performing repeatedly in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria, and the United Kingdom at festivals, theatres, and club venues. In North America, Nicolas has toured performing arts centres and theatres across Canada and the United States as the lead guitarist for a classic rock ’n’ roll outfit, as well as performing and recording with original hard-rock projects. His versatility has also occasionally extended into jazz as he has toured nationally playing occasional jazz festival circuits.
While Nicolas has taught guitar for many years, his main focus has always been performance. When Nic is not playing or teaching guitar, he is repairing, modifying or designing guitar audio gear and circuitry, never steering far from his earliest passions for electronics and music.
PROJECTS
(Click on Image to Register)
1050 Rue Lacasse, Suite C-312 H4C 2Z3
If you have any questions, please send us an email at: