East Austin welcomed a new community‑focused music school this spring when Allan Cole opened Every Body Jams in the historic Wolf House. The school’s mission is simple: provide a welcoming space where anyone—regardless of age, experience or physical limitation—can learn to play an instrument and make music with others.
Founder’s story
Allan Cole didn’t pick up an instrument until he was 55, after his daughter Meredith, a singer‑pianist and one of six instructors at the school, encouraged him. “One of my life regrets is I never learned how to play a musical instrument,” Cole recalled. “Dad, it’s never too late,” Meredith replied, prompting him to start bass‑guitar lessons despite a recent Parkinson’s diagnosis. He says the experience broadened his outlook, helped manage his symptoms and deepened his empathy for others.
Programs and pricing
Every Body Jams offers a range of instruction options. Students can enroll in one‑hour weekly private lessons for $400 per month, with the ability to add additional instruments for $150 per month. Available instruments include drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and vocals. For those seeking a group experience, the 16‑week Rocklab program costs $100 and culminates in a public showcase. A two‑hour band‑coaching session is priced at $375, and the school also provides audition coaching and songwriting lessons.
General manager Dustie Shelton described the impact of a first lesson: “We have people that come in not knowing how to play anything or sing anything and after that first lesson, they walk out with a huge smile, saying ‘holy hell they got me to play part of a song.’ That’s pretty awesome.”
Community impact
Located in the 19th‑century Wolf House, a designated landmark, the school was deliberately placed in East Austin. Cole praised the neighborhood’s “creative spirit, grit and history,” noting that the area has historically lacked robust support for arts education. He hopes the school will serve as a catalyst for cultural enrichment and personal growth.
Looking ahead
In December, Every Body Jams will debut Rocklab Foundations, a program tailored for absolute beginners or those returning after a long hiatus. Participants who complete the foundation will transition into the traditional Rocklab curriculum. Cole invites newcomers to try a free first lesson with no obligation, confident that the experience will be transformative.
By offering affordable, inclusive instruction and fostering a supportive community, Every Body Jams aims to enrich East Austin’s cultural landscape while giving residents of all backgrounds the chance to discover the joy of making music.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
