Jam Sessions are social music groups for individuals with special needs. Now offered year-round at various locations in San Diego county, Miami and online.
We hold 3 seasons per year - Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer with 6-8 sessions per season. Registration opens approximately 1 month before each season starts. Click below for more information.
We need additional funding to help us keep all locations running. Want a virtual option? Want to help us open a new location? We need your donations!
Stay connected for up to date information and Banding Together news.
Since 2012, Jam Sessions have been making a difference in the lives of San Diego and Miami rock stars with special needs.
We're proud to have:
- Served over 2100 individuals with special needs aged 13-38.
- Hosted over 600 Jam Sessions
- Increased services from 1 location to 4 in San Diego County (Point Loma, Carlsbad, Chula Vista and El Cajon) and 1 location in Miami, Florida plus now online.
- Trained 1200+ Volunteer Mentors
- Worked with notable musicians including Jason Mraz, Ozomatli, G. Love & the Special Sauce, Shaun White, Ziggy Marley, Michael Franti, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Elvin Bishop, Steph Johnson, The English Beat, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, and Tolan Shaw.
To register and participate in our Jam Sessions, click here.
To volunteer as a mentor for a Jam Session season or just one-time, click here.
The number of teens with special needs is on the rise--it has increased by 28,000 in the past 10 years in California--and funding for special needs and programs has been cut. There is a huge need in the community for social skills programs. Jam Sessions serve those individuals whose families have to prioritize numerous therapies and other financial demands. Often after age 22 the number of supported services decreases significantly.
Jam Sessions are one-hour music therapy groups at a local community venue to promote socialization, emotional expression, community inclusion and communication. During this group, the participants join together to sing and play instruments with a different guest artist musician each week. Participants are paired with volunteers in the community who act as mentors in the program. We are committed to making sure that Jam Sessions are provided free to all participants. Learn more about the program by watching the videos above.
Individuals with special needs frequently have difficulty with communication and emotional expression, both of which are naturally assisted through music.Through Jam Sessions, we strive to make a lasting impact for the individuals we serve by helping them reach their best potential. We accomplish this by helping them develop essential life skills, including social and communication skills, needed to be included in the community and be as independent as possible.