Kagoshima Jam Session(Held Monthly / Free Participation)

The Kagoshima Jam Session Circle hosts a regular jam session event every month in Kagoshima City, starting January 2026.

Musicians of all levels—from beginners to advanced players—are welcome! Bring your instrument and enjoy playing jazz standards together. Participation is completely free, so feel free to join us anytime.

Japanese version of this page: Click here or the following link.

Event Overview

This is an open jam session event where anyone can participate for free.
Starting in January 2026, it will be held on a monthly basis.

The main repertoire will be drawn from The Jazz Standard Bible (commonly known as the “Kurohon,” edited by Koichi Osamu, published by Rittor Music), Volume 1.

On the day of the event, participants will be grouped flexibly, allowing everyone to play as much as time permits.
All instruments are welcome—piano, guitar, bass, wind instruments (such as saxophone, trumpet, trombone), drums, percussion, etc. Vocalists are also very welcome!

The session format will generally follow the standard jazz session flow:
Head → Solos → 4 or 2 Bars Exchange → Head Out / Ending.
However, details can be decided flexibly among participants on the day.

Depending on the number of participants and instruments, we plan to rotate parts every 2–3 songs.
Song selection will generally follow this order of priority:
Frontline (horns, etc.) → Piano/Guitar → Bass/Drums.
That said, participants are encouraged to discuss and decide freely together.
If there are beginners present, please be considerate and give them opportunities to play.

There is no fixed session host. Let’s work together to create a fun and musical experience within the gathered group.
The organizer mainly plays drums and guitar but plans to join performances only when there are open parts—our goal is to keep the focus on the participants’ performances.

Date and Time (5th Session: Saturday, May 30, 2026)

The schedule for the next Kagoshima Jam Session Circle has been confirmed:

Saturday, May 30, 2026 — 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Venue (1F Studio, Kakuix Community Center, Kagoshima City)

The session will be held in the 1st-floor studio of the Kakuix Community Center (Kagoshima Kenmin Koryu Center, 14-50 Yamashita-cho, Kagoshima City).

Please note that street shoes are not allowed inside the studio.
Participants are asked to bring slippers or indoor shoes (especially recommended for drummers).

For photos of the venue interior, please see the article (Japanese) linked below.

Eligibility

Anyone is welcome to join.

There are no requirements for playing level or experience.
Beginners, intermediate players, and advanced musicians—all are welcome, whether you’re an amateur, semi-professional, or professional.

This event is perfect for those who:

• Have played an instrument or been in a band but have never joined a jam session before, or

• Are just starting out in jazz and want to experience their first real jam.

Participants from both inside and outside Kagoshima Prefecture are welcome.
There are no nationality restrictions—anyone who loves music can join.

Because the event takes place in the evening, participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participation Fee

Free of charge.
There are no fees of any kind—no participation fees, no facility fees. Feel free to join anytime.

Please note that transportation and parking costs are the responsibility of each participant.

How to Join

To participate, please send a message to the organizer (Furukawa) via Instagram (see link below). English is available.

Walk-in participation on the day of the event is also possible, but if the number of participants exceeds capacity, priority will be given to those who made advance reservations, and some walk-ins may not be able to join.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I’ve never joined a jam session before. Can I still participate?

Absolutely! Beginners and first-time participants are very welcome.
If you’re unsure about how the session works or have any concerns, feel free to talk to the organizer before or during the event.

I’m nervous about jumping in right away. Can I just watch first?

Yes, of course. You’re welcome to come and observe without playing.
If you find a tune you feel comfortable with, you can join in partway through the session.

Can I join or leave in the middle of the session?

Yes. You can come and go as your schedule allows.

I can only play a specific song (or a few songs).

No problem. Let the organizer know in advance, and we’ll do our best to include songs you can play in the session lineup.

Can vocalists join too?

Definitely! Vocalists, singers, and performers are all very welcome.

Please note that to ensure smooth communication with other participants, we generally focus on jazz standards from The Jazz Standard Bible, Vol. 1 (“Kurohon”).
We kindly ask vocalists to choose songs they can sing in the same key as written in the book.

If you’d like to sing songs not listed in The Jazz Standard Bible, please bring 3–4 copies of the sheet music and consult other participants on the day.
If everyone agrees and it’s feasible, you’re welcome to perform.
However, since this is a hostless session, there may be cases where coordination is difficult, and we may have to decline.
For a smoother experience, we recommend selecting songs from The Jazz Standard Bible whenever possible.

Can I join with [my instrument]?

In principle, any instrument is welcome!
Even if your instrument isn’t commonly used in jazz, you can participate as long as it blends well with the group.

I want to play a tune that’s not in The Jazz Standard Bible.

That’s fine too—just bring 3–4 copies of the sheet music and discuss it with the other players.
If everyone agrees and can support the tune, you can perform it.
However, since there’s no fixed session host, please understand that some pieces may not be possible to coordinate.
Again, we recommend choosing tunes from The Jazz Standard Bible whenever possible.

Can I bring friends or family to watch me play?

Yes, friends and family are welcome to attend!
If you’re bringing children, please make sure they don’t disturb other participants during the session.

What equipment and instruments are available at the venue?

The studio is equipped with:

• 1 upright piano

• 1 drum set

• 1 guitar amplifier

• 1 bass amplifier

• 1 keyboard synthesizer

Additionally, the organizer will provide a few dynamic microphones, music stands, and The Jazz Standard Bible.

Please bring your own personal gear such as instrument cables, effects pedals, picks, drumsticks, brushes, etc.
There is no upright (double) bass provided, so bassists should bring their own instrument.

Please note that the available amplifiers are for general use, and their sound quality and performance cannot be guaranteed—if you have specific preferences, you may bring your own equipment (also snare drum, cymbals, etc.).

Also, the upright piano at the venue is not freshly tuned before each event, so please keep that in mind.

Can I leave my bags or valuables with the organizer?

Unfortunately, the organizer cannot take responsibility for holding personal belongings or valuables.
Please keep your items with you at all times to prevent loss or theft.

Can I eat, drink, or smoke inside the venue?

Eating, drinking (including alcohol), and smoking are not permitted inside the studio under venue regulations.
However, non-alcoholic beverages for hydration may be allowed—details will be announced on the day of the event.

Please note that participants who arrive under the influence of alcohol or in an intoxicated state may be refused entry at the organizer’s discretion.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Participation is at your own responsibility, including for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Please consult a physician in advance if necessary to determine whether you can safely participate.
The organizer cannot be held responsible for any health issues or accidents that occur during the event.

If you have symptoms of infectious diseases such as cold, influenza, or COVID-19, please refrain from attending to avoid affecting other participants.
If the organizer determines that you show signs of illness (e.g., persistent coughing), you may be asked to leave the venue.

Can I take photos, record, or stream during the session?

The organizer does not prohibit photography, recording, or streaming in general.
However, if other participants may appear in your photos/videos or be heard in recordings, you must obtain their permission in advance.
Without explicit consent, recording, filming, or streaming is not allowed, even for personal use.

If you post about the event on social media, blogs, etc., please do not include personal information (such as names, SNS handles, or tags) of other participants without their prior consent.

Can I promote or hand out flyers for other events?

Yes, you may promote your own live shows or related events and distribute flyers to participants, but please get the organizer’s approval first.
The organizer will be happy to help support your announcement whenever possible.

However, political, religious, or commercial solicitations that the organizer deems inappropriate for this event are prohibited.

What if I have a trouble with another participant?

If you cannot resolve an issue on your own, please consult the organizer.
Anyone who causes serious trouble or disrupts the session may be asked to leave immediately, and future participation may be refused.

Contact & Inquiries

For questions, participation requests, or collaboration proposals,
please feel free to send a message to the organizer (Furukawa) via Instagram (link below).
We also welcome inquiries about co-hosted or joint events.