Joe's Academy Of Music (JAM), Mumbai - LTO Happiness Centre

What is the history of the Centre – how did it come into being, its journey in brief?

Teaching has been my passion for over three decades and has always been close to my heart. 

Started playing at age 10 & completed 8 grades from Trinity Guildhall College of London by the age of 18. Extremely proficient in playing & adapting to all genres of music.

Started my own outfit many moons back, and played & performed with bands like Leon & the Chartbusters, Aurora, Sharon Prabhakar, Louis Banks, Bonaventures, High Tide, Liquid Fruit; and a plethora of other pop acts. 

In the studio, my guitar playing has graced many a jingle, audio-visuals and soaps. Composed & arranged music for private albums (Hindi, Marathi & English).  Also played for many Bollywood songs / movies.

With more than 25 years of experience as a Guitarist & Vocalist in the music industry, - at JAM we Instruct students in music theory, harmony, score writing and sight reading, composition, music appreciation, improvisation and provides individual or group vocal and instrumental lessons using technical knowledge, aesthetic appreciation, and prescribed teaching techniques.

Founded in Sept 2010, under the guidance of Joe, we have pioneered the teaching methods, curriculum and philosophy that have become the benchmarks for contemporary music education   JAM – Joe’s Academy of Music – has been operating for more than 5 years.  It has its centres in Mulund (West), Airoli & Naigaon, Vasai.

What does your Music / Dance Centre offer its students?

JAM – Joe’s Academy of Music – brings together a major centre for the music of tomorrow.

One of the first of its kind in Mumbai, JAM brings high-quality musical training for instruments like the Keyboard, Guitar, Drums and Vocals.

The Academy has introduced Classes in Musicianship and Performance along with the above-mentioned instruments. Under the guidance of its founder – Joe D’Souza – JAM imbibes professionalism into the teaching of music. Making the journey fruitful, a syllabus of international standards has already been set up; ensuring students of the highest calibre, fully prepared for the demands of the 21st century. You are open to a world of musical opportunities that will strike a note of success.

We are a music school providing professional music instruction in a motivating and encouraging environment. We have music students at all ages and levels. We constantly renovate and improve our facilities and provide ongoing training to our staff to ensure we are always providing our students and parents with the best experience possible.

Presently our student strength across all centres is 55.

How does your School ensure that the training techniques / teaching style gives individual attention / proper knowledge to students?

                 “Your Aspirations, Our Inspirations”

Like I mentioned JAM imbibes professionalism into the teaching of music. With high standards in ensuring students of the highest calibre, fully prepared for the demands of the 21st century. You are open to a world of musical opportunities that will strike a note of success – we particularly train students for Trinity Laban, Trinity Rock & Pop, & Rock School Graded examinations – across various levels for all disciplines – Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards & Drums.

Students are introduced level wise as per their capability & we ensure that individual attention is given to all students – wherein we have no more than 5 students per batch per discipline.

How are the staff / teachers selected in your school?

With expert tutors and the backing of leading specialists and academics, the quality of our training and our enduring relationships and approachable style give JAM the human touch, designed to encourage and motivate all students to achieve their personal, vocational and professional goals.

Students are encouraged to take the Graded exams & also to participate in Music competitions – to broaden their horizons & also to gain exposure.

Do your students get chance to test their skills / enhance their class-room learning in the real world?

Absolutely! Students are encouraged to take the Graded exams & also to participate in Music competitions – to broaden their horizons & also to gain exposure.

We also organise workshops & clinics & encourage students to attend such workshops – wherein eminent & prominent artists are featured.

We have regular performance workshops throughout the year as well as a yearly recital.  Learning to play for others is just as important as learning the actual instrument, and is even more important for the player’s development, confidence, self-esteem, and enjoyment.

We work in collaboration with True School of Music & Bhargavas music.

Do you have any cases where your students have done the school proud?

Every year we have had toppers in the Graded exams for Trinity, Rock & Pop & Rockschool - & this is across various institutes that offer & train students for these exams.

We have had students who have gone on to pursue music with music maestros in the industry like Mr AR Rahman Sir, etc.

What is the kind of certification / course degree / qualification that the students can hope to get after completing the studies from your school?

Our students are trained for:

1. Trinity Balan College of Music (London)

2. Trinity Rock & Pop College of Music (London)

3. Rock School London

What are the future plans for the school?

Yes, at present we are on rentals at the centres we operate, but we are Looking to have our own infrastructure in place.

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