Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Lounsbury.
Hi Taryn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My musical journey began in a small town called Rock Hill in the idyllic Catskill Mountains. I grew up just a few miles from the site of the legendary Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, NY; music was in the town’s blood. We grew up covering songs of that era in literal “garage bands,” and I was always fascinated by the way music could touch the soul and communicate in a way no other thing can.
Though classically trained on piano and violin, I quickly developed a passion for jazz, pop, and rock music. Eventually, that inspired me to pursue songwriting. I began my studies at the University of South Carolina School of Music, and finished my education at Berklee College of Music as a songwriter/composer.
I moved to Brooklyn after college, and started my own band as Taryn Lounsbury. I began working for Forbes Music Company as a full-time music instructor, and it was then I realized how much I truly loved tailoring personalized music lessons on different instruments. I was able to build relationships with many clients of all ages and abilities, helping them hone their passion with music they loved, not just playing from “lesson books.”
In 2012 I moved to Los Angeles to expand my songwriting career. I recorded several albums I was proud of while performing out there, and was lucky to do studio work for other artists, shows and video game developers. After working at a couple music studios, I slowly began teaching lessons on my own. Before long, my clientele began to grow. I found a central location off Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood and began Blue Jam Music Studio. For over ten years I was blessed to teach both locals and celebrities, and designed a unique musical experience geared specifically towards the goals and needs of each individual student. Specializing in everything strings, I set forth to offer a safe space to explore the many facets and therapeutic aspects of music.
I recently relocated to Chapin, SC to be closer to family, and am setting forth to achieve the same goals with Blue Jam Music Studio in my new town!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most people, Covid was a major setback for the business, and I had to learn to adapt quickly. Thanks to apps like Zoom, I was able to teach a lot of my clients remotely, and I am very thankful for that. I had to move the business several times after Covid, and I’m proud to say I’m still teaching many of my Los Angeles clients online thanks to growing technological advances.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Blue Jam Music Studio is a private music instruction company. Blue Jam currently offers piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, vocal, guitar, ukulele and songwriting lessons. Students have the option of studying in my Chapin studio or online in the privacy and comfort of their own home.
One of the things that truly sets it apart from other music companies is listening to the needs and wants of the student. Nothing is more important than helping clients meet their goals while enjoying the music that we’re working on. Whether the student wants to learn classical, folk, jazz, pop, rock or rap, I work to tailor the lesson to their specific interests and learning styles. Listening is the most important aspect of music, so why shouldn’t it be the teacher’s number one responsibility to listen to the clients?
Blue Jam caters to all ages and abilities. My clients currently range from 4-85. I have taught numerous celebrities working to prepare an instrumental or vocal part for an upcoming movie or TV show. Some needed to learn to “pretend to play” in order to look as realistic as possible on-screen. No matter what the goal, I always strive for my students to have a therapeutic, creative and positive experience.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
As a former Gamecock, I’ve always been a big fan of Columbia. The campus alone is so beautiful and historic. There is a diverse music scene, with many great established artists like my former classmates the Reggie Sullivan Band, or one of my local favorites Prettier Than Matt. There are a lot of historical theaters and festivals, as well as a diverse and delicious array of eateries. In Chapin my favorite restaurant is definitely Catch 22, but downtown Columbia has quite a lot to offer as well. Main Street has particularly grown since I was a USC student, and The Soda City Market is a great place to wander on Saturdays! My main dislike would be the extreme summer heat, but it’s always a plus living so close to Lake Murray.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluejamusicstudio.com/
- Instagram: bluejamusicstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluejamusicstudio/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-jam-music-studio-chapin
- Other: https://www.tarynlounsbury.com
