Song Group in Truckee
Guided Group Jam Sessions in Truckee
Play music with others in a fun, supportive environment
Weekly guided jam sessions
All skill levels welcome
All instruments welcome
Drop-ins welcome
Make friends who love music
Song Group has been described as a fun guided jam session featuring Leaders who are professional musicians. Songs covered include many genres depending on the Leader. Musicians playing guitar, bass, keyboards, flute, drums, saxophone, etc. are all welcome. Vocalists too!
3 Ways to Get Started with Song Group
1: Fill out this form to get on our Song Group email list. We’ll email you with a the set list so you can see the songs and chords before the group meets.
2. Drop-in on any session. The drop-in fee is $20. You can bring cash to or sign up through Parks & Rec here ahead of time. Their site is a little clunky the first time, but once you register and enter your payment, it’s much easier moving forward.
3. Sign up for monthly sessions and save 25%. Song group meets most Mondays and you save 25% by registering for the whole month ($15 per session). From the Rec Center Catalog page, click “Art | Dance | Music” then “Tahoe Truckee School of Music.
Winter / Spring Schedule
5:00pm-6:15pm every Monday from Jan 6 to June 16 (excluding Jan 20, Feb 17, Apr 14, May 16)
Community Arts Center: Sagehen Studio
10046 Church St, Truckee, CA 96161
Song Group Benefits
Develop Musical Skills: Regular practice in a group setting helps individuals improve their musical skills and learn from others.
Express Your Creativity: Music offers a creative outlet for expressing emotions and ideas, fostering a sense of personal fulfillment.
Make New Friends: Playing music together provides a regular opportunity to socialize and build friendships with like-minded individuals.
Build a Sense of Community: Participating in a music group creates a sense of belonging and community, as members work together towards common goals, such as performances or events.
Relieve Stress: Making music can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind and reduce stress from daily life.
Have Fun: For many, the sheer joy and fun of making music with others is a primary motivation.
Become a Lifelong Learner: Engaging in music offers continuous learning opportunities, keeping adults mentally active and engaged.
Stimulate Your Mind: Playing music engages the brain, improving cognitive functions like memory, coordination, and concentration.
Improve Physically: Playing instruments can have physical benefits, such as improved hand-eye coordination and respiratory health for wind instrument players and vocalists.
Song Group is a Great way to Form Bands Too!
Success Story: Fresh Trax
Members of Fresh Trax first met at Song Group, then started playing together at Open Mic Night. They became a high-energy cover band playing favorites spanning genres and generations. Fresh Trax has performed at venues like Palisades, Cottonwood, Tahoe Donner, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost
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Individual drop-in fees are $20 per class. You can pay in advance on the Rec Center registration page (below), or just bring cash.
Sign up for the month and save 25% ($15 per class). Sign up via the Rec Center page
Sign up for the season and save 50% ($10 per class). Contact the Rec Center to pay by season.
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You can do a single drop-in for $20. If it’s a fit, you can either continue to do weekly drop-ins, or you can sign up by month to save 25%. There are no additional sign up fees, etc.
Skill Level & Confidence
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Song group leaders usually send out a setlist before the session, sometimes with keys. Make sure you get on the email list so that you receive the Song Group. During the session, chords are written on a dry-erase board so that it’s easier to follow along. Also, sometimes NOT knowing the songs is part of the fun.
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The group welcomes all skill levels. Everyone starts somewhere, and you'll find that others are happy to help and support you.
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No group playing experience is necessary. You can learn a basic instrument to start and gradually build your skills as you get more comfortable.
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The group is open to complete beginners. You can start with a basic percussion instrument like a tambourine or shaker then gradually learn more as you go. Everyone is there to learn and have fun.
Group Dynamics (and Anxiety)
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Playing music with others is a joyful experience. If you’ve only played by yourself, you'll find it’s a fun and enriching activity to share with others.
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The environment is friendly and supportive. Trying it out for the first time can help you see if it's a fit without any long-term obligation.
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There's no pressure to perform. The focus is on enjoying the process and making music together, not on perfection. Jump in when you feel like it, or sit back and listen until you’re comfortable.
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The group culture is supportive and non-judgmental. Everyone is there to enjoy music and learn together.
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Everyone makes mistakes, and they are a natural part of the learning process. The group is supportive, and no one expects perfection.
Time & Preparation
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There's no strict commitment; you can come some weeks and skip others. It's all about what fits your schedule.
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While the songs (and often chords) are provided ahead of time so you CAN practice, you can also just show up and play. If you’d like to receive info before, make sure to sign up for our email list.
Instruments
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No problem! The Tahoe Truckee School of Music has a free instrument loan program. Let us know what instrument you’d like to borrow. You can use it at song group and also keep it at home to practice as well.
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All instruments are welcome, and having a variety makes the music more fun and interesting.
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You can start with any instrument of your choice. If you’re worried about your skill, just borrow a percussion instrument to get started and take it from there.
Other Concerns
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The group is flexible and understanding of individual needs. You can participate as much or as little as you're comfortable with.