From Expert
Build a skill
Family Jam Session Night
Overview
Create a regular family jam session night where you and your teenager can explore music together. This activity fosters teamwork, encourages positive risk-taking, and strengthens your emotional bond through shared creativity. It’s an opportunity to express yourselves, learn new skills, and enjoy quality time while making music.
1 year 4 months
Expert
Mercan
Introduce yourself and help people get to know you after saving the plan.
Steps
1
Gather Instruments
Start by gathering any instruments you have at home, or visit a local music store to explore what you might want to try. This could include guitars, keyboards, drums, or even simple percussion instruments like tambourines or shakers. Encourage your teenager to think about what interests them and what sounds they’d love to create.
Gathering instruments sets the stage for creativity and excitement. It allows your teenager to take the lead in choosing what they want to play, fostering their sense of autonomy.
1 day
54 min
2
Set a Regular Schedule
Choose a day and time that works for everyone and mark it on your family calendar as 'Family Jam Night.' Consistency will make this a special event that everyone looks forward to. Let your teenager have input on the schedule to help them feel invested.
Establishing a regular schedule helps cultivate a habit. It also gives your teenager something to look forward to, reinforcing their commitment to the activity.
3 months
4 min
weekly
3
Warm-Up Together
Begin each session with a fun warm-up. This can include clapping rhythms, vocal exercises, or simply jamming on your instruments without any rules. The goal is to get comfortable with each other and the music. Encourage laughter and playfulness!
Warm-ups help create a relaxed atmosphere and ease any pressure. This aligns with Dan Siegel's advice on being present, allowing everyone to feel comfortable before diving into the music.
3 months
13 min
weekly
4
Explore New Genres
Each week, pick a new music genre to explore together. Listen to a few songs, and talk about what you like or don’t like. Consider trying to play a song from that genre during your jam session. This encourages open dialogue and helps you both learn from each other's tastes.
Exploring new genres promotes a growth mindset by challenging both of you to step out of your comfort zones and learn together.
3 months
27 min
weekly
5
Compose a Family Song
Collaborate on writing a simple song together. Start with a theme that resonates with your family or something funny that happened recently. This can be a great way to express your family's values and bond over shared experiences.
Writing a song together fosters teamwork and creativity, allowing your teenager to feel empowered while reinforcing family values.
1 month
54 min
monthly
6
Record Your Sessions
Use a smartphone or computer to record your jam sessions. Afterward, listen to them together and discuss what went well and what could be improved. This reflection helps both of you recognize progress and keep a record of your musical journey.
Recording and reviewing your sessions fosters self-reflection and growth, allowing your teenager to learn from their experiences without fear of failure.
3 months
27 min
weekly
7
Celebrate Progress
At the end of each month, hold a mini family concert where each member can showcase what they’ve learned. Celebrate everyone's efforts with small rewards or recognition, reinforcing the idea that growth is a journey.
Celebrating progress cultivates a sense of achievement and reinforces the value of consistent effort, helping to motivate your teenager for future sessions.
3 months
54 min
monthly
Duration
Dates
1 year 4 months