On February 12th, during the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, something truly special happened.
At the Hard Rock Cafe, we sponsored the very first Curated Jam of its kind, and it was an absolute blast.
This event brought together music teachers, students, and community members for a night of live music-making in a format that was both exciting and unique. Participants signed up for songs weeks ahead of time, prepared their parts on their own, then took the stage to perform with other musicians they had never met before. What followed was a powerful reminder of what can happen when we create the right conditions for people to make music together: connection, risk-taking, joy, and community.
The room was full of energy all night long. Musicians stepped into new combinations, trusted each other in real time, and created something bigger than any one individual could have done alone. It was collaborative, spontaneous, and deeply musical. This was the kind of experience that reminds us why community-based music-making matters so much.
This jam also reflected the growing momentum of the popular music education movement on a national level. We were thrilled to have representation from across that community, including friends and leaders connected to Music Will and APME. Seeing that network represented in one room, making music side by side, made the evening feel even more meaningful.
The event was hosted by TxAPME (The Texas Association for Popular Music Education) and generously sponsored by the Willis Wonderland Foundation, whose support helped make this innovative gathering possible.
We were also honored to have special guest Tom Zlabinger, whose outstanding charts helped make the night run so smoothly. His materials were an important part of the event’s success, and they continue to be an incredible resource for music educators and performers alike. You can find Dr. Tom’s charts here.
More than anything, this night felt like a glimpse into what is possible when educators, students, and community musicians come together around creativity, collaboration, and a shared love of making music.
Below, you’ll find a gallery of photos from the evening. We’re so grateful to everyone who participated, supported, played, and helped make this event such a memorable success.