JAMlab is a WEEKLY brisbane based band session designed to give you the chance to play music with other people in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

What is JAMlab?
✔ A guided band experience
✔ A musical social space
✔ A chance to learn how to play with others
✔ Low pressure, high value

The focus is community, consistency, and musical interaction — not exams, or outcomes.
Think band rehearsal meets guided jam.

Who It’s For:
• Youth & Adults who may not get to play in bands
• Drummers, guitarists, bassists and vocalists of beginner to intermediate skill levels
• People who want to improve ensemble skills without gig pressure
• 3–6 members per band

Who runs JAMlab?
JAMlab is headed up by Brisbane multi-instrumentalist Ben Mackay (Sheppard, Sahara Beck, The Cairos, etc). Apart from his extensive performance and private teaching career, Ben is also a lecturer at JMC Academy (music university), where he teaches ensemble performance and works closely with students on practical musicianship, collaboration, and confident live performance. Ben’s teaching philosophy centres on developing musicians through adaptability, professionalism, and strong ensemble skills. He is an incredible songwriter, drummer, guitarist and singer - AKA the perfect person for the job.

JAMlab is held on Sundays in the main studio (upstairs) at Matt Gibson Drums Tingalpa:
• 9:00am - Youth band A (60min session, $55 p/p)
• 10:15am - Youth band B (90min session, $77 p/p)
• 12:45pm - Youth band C (90min session, $77 p/p)
• 2:30pm - Adult band D (90min session, $77 p/p)
• 4:15pm - Adult band E (90min session, $77 p/p)

What gear is available at the studio? Do I need to bring anything?
The studio has two guitar combos and a bass combo in house, along with drum kits and a PA system.
Guitarists and Bass players - bring your guitar, cables and pedals (if you want them)
Drummers - bring sticks.
Vocalists - …

Is there a sign up fee?
No, there isn’t fee to register - however a $55 charge is to be paid upon signing up which is used as credit towards your first JAMlab session. After we receive your submission, we will get in touch via email regarding what band you have been placed in. After your first session, if you decide you like it and you’d like to continue, fees are paid in 4-week blocks.