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September News at JAM: open house party, Halloween Song Slam and new merch!
SEPTEMBER 2026 Janesville Academy of Music Newsletter Issue 13, Sept 2026 IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY! Come celebrate FIVE years of JAM with live music by our very own Carly Cooper, enjoy sweet treats, make your own instrument, and enter our free giveaways! All are welcome at this free event. booked and blessed Isla Mayer awarded her first professional contract Isla was cast as Randy in A Christmas Story, The Musical at Fireside Dinner Theatre. Since 1964, the Fireside in Fort Atkinson

Jen Shanin, Founder
Sep 13 min read


From the Piano Bench to the Dugout, Max Matson Shines
Meet Max Matson, JAM’s September Student of the Month! This talented third grader has been bringing his love of music to the piano for the past year with his teacher, Jacob Krueger. Max loves learning how to make music and always has a blast with Mr. Jacob. A fan of all kinds of music, he’s already looking ahead to his next musical adventure: learning to play the drums. Rock on, Max! When he’s not at the piano, you’ll likely find Max on the baseball diamond. He plays travel b

Jen Shanin, Founder
Aug 311 min read


Student of the Month: Tina Baumgartner | Finding Joy Through Beginner Guitar Lessons
At 61 years old, Tina Baumgartner decided it was finally time to learn something she had always wanted to do: play guitar. Her journey is a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to start music lessons, try something new, and rediscover the joy of learning. Meet Tina, JAM’s Student of the Month Tina is a beginner guitarist who has been taking guitar lessons at JAM for about four months with her teacher, Carly Cooper. While she originally signed up with a simple goal of l

Jen Shanin, Founder
Aug 83 min read



Jen Shanin, Founder
Aug 10 min read


It's a big month at JAM!
AUGUST 2026 Janesville Academy of Music Newsletter Issue 12, Aug 2026 Join us for an afternoon of pop, country and Broadway tunes performed by JAM students and teachers. All donations will be used to support our upcoming collaboration of Seussical Jr with No Limits LDA. JAM Fam in the wild Spring Awakening on July 31-Aug 9 featuring Brad Cartwright, Caitlyn Dickman, Lo Villarreal-Black & Aidan Villarreal-Black get tickets here Beetlejuice Jr on July 30-Aug 2 featuring Jemma

Jen Shanin, Founder
Aug 12 min read


Meet Sequoia
Our June Student of the Month had a very special life event last weekend. Sequoia got married and we are so excited for her! Sequoia is 23 years old and has been studying voice with Parker Rundquist since January 2024. Sequoia has performed in multiple JAM concerts and showcases over the last few years. In her spare time, she loves to go out and have fun, sing, and dance! She says “I love that voice lessons have taught me not just how to sing, but how to perform with confiden

Jen Shanin, Founder
Jun 251 min read


Adventures in Adaptive Music
When I was first approached by a client about adaptive music lessons, I will be the first to admit that even though my heart was definitely invested, I had no tangible training in how to do that. However, anyone who knows even a little bit about me knows that I love continued learning and that I really don't like being told "that's not possible." So I set out to learn and WOW, did I ever learn. Watch me set up before an adaptive music lesson at Janesville Academy of Music Mus

Jen Shanin, Founder
Jun 254 min read


JAM Spring Concert 2026
Here is our virtual playbill for the JAM Spring Concert on Sunday, May 31 at 2:30pm at the Woman's Club Association in Janesville. Enjoy performances from musical theatre, pop, and original compositions. Donations gratefully accepted. All proceeds will go to funding our community project of Seussical Jr with No Limits Dance.

Jen Shanin, Founder
May 301 min read


Meet Sawyer Dodd, JAM Student of the Month
"I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Sawyer in vocal coaching for the last three years. Sawyer is one of the most motivated and dedicated students I've ever encountered, always taking what he's learned in lessons and going home to 'download' it over the next week so that when he returns, he's mastered that new skill. In addition to becoming a seasoned vocalist, Sawyer is a very skilled, self-taught guitarist who uses his talents regularly to encourage others and

Jen Shanin, Founder
May 21 min read


Announcement: JAM and No Limits LDA to produce Seussical Jr.
The cat (in the hat) is out of the bag! The first of many No Limits/JAM collabs is coming your way this fall! Seussical JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), and all authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI (www.mtishows.com). Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty; co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty & Eric Idle; based on the works of Dr. Seuss; with mus

Jen Shanin, Founder
Apr 101 min read


Maximize Your Summer Fun: Join Group Music Classes at JAM and Make New Friends
Summer is the perfect time to try something new, have fun, and meet people who share your interests. If you want to enjoy your summer while learning a new skill, group music lessons at JAM offer a great way to do just that. These classes are designed to be low pressure, cost effective, and a fantastic way to connect with others. Whether you want to sing, strum a ukulele, or explore other musical talents, JAM’s group classes provide a welcoming space for everyone. Sarah Parker

Jen Shanin, Founder
Apr 102 min read


Spotlight on Rowan MacPherson, JAM's April Student of the Month
A member of Craig Spotlighters, Rowan delivers a rousing vocal performance. I knew the moment I met with Rowan and her Dad that she was going to excel in her voice study. Rowan is incredibly motivated, dedicated to achieving her vocal goals and most of all, I could tell she LOVES performing. I'm especially excited to feature Rowan this month as she prepares to take on Audrey, the leading lady role in Little Shop of Horrors at Craig High School on May 1-3. Rowan's spunk and o

Jen Shanin, Founder
Apr 11 min read


March 2026 JAM Newsletter
Follow the link to go to JAM Spring Concert registration: https://www.jamjvl.com/service-page/jam-spring-concert

Jen Shanin, Founder
Mar 81 min read



Jen Shanin, Founder
Feb 60 min read


Overcome Performance Anxiety with These 3 Mindfulness Techniques
Performance anxiety is a challenge many musicians face, no matter their skill level. I’ve been there myself: standing backstage, heart racing, hands trembling, wondering if I could deliver the song as I imagined. Over time, I discovered that mindfulness helped me manage those nerves and improve my performances. If you struggle with anxiety before or during music performances, these three mindfulness techniques can offer practical support. Mindfulness practice before a perform

Jen Shanin, Founder
Feb 23 min read


5 Simple Strategies to Build a Consistent and Inspiring Music Practice Habit
Building a regular music practice habit can feel overwhelming, especially when life gets busy or motivation dips. Yet, consistent practice is key to improving your skills, whether you play instruments or focus on singing. The good news is that creating a manageable and inspiring routine is possible with the right approach. Here are five practical strategies to help you practice music regularly without burnout or frustration. A cozy music corner with guitar and sheet music 1.

Jen Shanin, Founder
Jan 262 min read


JAM for All: Customize your music journey from Classical to Rock to Pop
Music is for everyone, but not everyone wants to follow the same path. At Janesville Academy of Music (JAM), your lessons reflect your unique interests and goals. Whether you dream of mastering classical piano, becoming a pop singer, or rocking out on the guitar, JAM helps you build a strong foundation and then encourages you to explore beyond the rules. A guitar ready for a rock lesson at Janesville Academy of Music Tailoring Your Music Lessons to Your Style Many music schoo

Jen Shanin, Founder
Jan 213 min read


January JAM Newsletter
Our newsletter this month is a quick one but does highlight our very special Student of the Month, Adalynn, and gives you all the details to catch your JAM fam members in Sister Act at JPAC! Do you have a performance coming up? Send us an email so we can feature it!

Jen Shanin, Founder
Jan 191 min read


🎤 5 Myths About Adult Voice Lessons—Debunked
Ever caught yourself thinking, “I wish I could sing… but it’s probably too late for me”? You’re not alone! So many adults dream of singing but hesitate to take that first step because of a few stubborn myths. At JAM, we see it all the time — and we love helping people discover that it’s never too late to find their voice. Let’s bust some of those common myths together. Myth 1: “It’s too late to start singing as an adult.” The truth: Your vocal cords don’t have an expiration d

Jen Shanin, Founder
Nov 25, 20252 min read
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