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The Acoustic College is the premiere independent music school in the north state.

Founded and run by Sid Lewis, the school is unique in its focus on Folk and Acoustic music’s, and offers private instruction in Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle and bass. Classes in songwriting and voice are also offered, as well as Sid's popular "Band Builders" classes which help children learn the art of ensamble playing (see www.myspace.com/chicoschoolofrock)

The Acoustic College uses the “Natural Method” of instruction, developed by Sid Lewis, which emphasizes personalized attention over text book learning and is rapidly gaining recognition as cutting edge. The core philosophies of Sid Lewis’ “Natural Method” are:

• “Student led” curriculum, where the student picks the direction of their studies

• Real life learning, which stresses jamming and performing as a way to build confidence;

• Actualization work, helping the student to find their “Own voice” and achieve their highest potential, from the first chord all the way to albums and gigs and tours (assuming these are the students desires)

• Fun based, by never losing sight of the original spark of excitement and building a “positive relationship” with ones musical instrument.

• Diverse material, exposing the student to a wide variety of music, from bluegrass to jazz to world to rock, etc, so that he or she can discover for themselves their interests.

• And finally, a low-pressure approach, in witch the student is never made to feel rushed or guilty for not “practicing enough”. Breaks are encouraged, and learning is seen as an organic process with ups and downs.

Sid also feels strongly about music being accessible for everyone, from small children to seniors, and encourages intermingling of all ages and backgrounds in his groups. His ....Jamming 101 Workshops, now a staple at such events as the “High Sierra Music Festival” and the “California World Music Festival”, among others. (See links), includes first timers, seasoned players and even interested onlookers in one big “jam”. The participants learn the art of playing together in an entertaining and non-threatening atmosphere, and leave with fresh songs, new friends and increased confidence.

Dan Dewayne, founder of the legendary “Strawberry Music Festival”, calls Sid’s Jamming 101 class “…..a wonderful experience for festival goers…..gives new players the confidence to try out playing music with others in a comfortable setting.”

Beside the Jamming 101 group, Sid also conducts workshops for songwriters and advanced players. And, he also hosts a number of free events, including open mic.s,
Potluck style jams and concerts.
A one of a kind recourse, the Acoustic college offers it all, from your first chords to the big gig, and has created a community of musicians that is growing by the day.
Welcome to the Acoustic community, and have fun exploring the site!
The latest from Sid....


5.15.08 - 1 PM

Jamming 101 introduces "Camp Stop Jamming" at Strawberry!! Yes, that’s right, we have an official camp now, it’s on the Strawberry web site and everything! (see http://www.strawberrymusic.com/camps.asp)

We are near the horse choral (follow your nose), and you’ll see the banner.

Feel free to track us down (see map below) and come on by to pick one!



2.12.08 - 9 PM
Jamming 101’s first ever visit to the islands was a rousing success, thanks to the wonderful hospitality of the locals! After getting a bunch of help finding venues from Caroline Wright of www.bluegrasshawaii.com, Sid decided to try a class on Maui and Oahu. The first class was held on Maui on February 6, at the home of banjo picker Steve Slater. Steve was gracious enough to host the jam and help spread the word (along with his lovely wife and their dog Lincoln). Thanks for the great time Steve, and we cant wait to come back! Then it was off to Oahu, where the local legend Lawson Cannon (of www.celticwaves.net) provided his amazing solar home for the class. At least 20 pickers showed for this class, and included Ukuleles, Harps, Flutes, percussion and even a Tibetan “Hong” drum! Lawson and Susan (the hosts) were incredibly hospitable and showed Sid and Renay where all the cool beaches were, as well as provided some great jamming afterwards. Also a special thanks to Katie (DJ Zoe) for the radio interview, Robert Schornstheimer for the great bass playing, Jamie Winpenny and Jordan Savuka for the kind words, and all the locals who were so generous to Sid and his haupa houle music. What a example of kanikapila (Hawaiian for jamming), and mahalo to all the jammers on Hawaii! We’ll be back in 2009…
aloha sid

11.15.07 - 8 AM
FREE JAMMING SONGS NOW AVAILABLE!! Yes, weve got music, tab and MP3s on the Instruction page...go there and download the Big 3 fiddle tunes (Blackberry Blossom, Soldiers Joy, Red Haired Boy) and be ready for the next Jamming 101 class!...stay posted, as more songs will be added. Feel free to drop us a line with your suggestions as well...Happy pickin!

9.19.07 - 8 AM

Local jams in Chico...Whether you just want to listin to some strumming while you sip your cappuccino, or your wanting to dive in and test your pickin skills, local monthy jams are the ticket:

Sid's Pick: 2 PM - 5:30 PM at Augie's: Bluegrass Jam on the 4th Saturday of the month. While the jam will be from 2 to 5:30, the first hour is a SLOW JAM (for those who like to hear and/or play ALL the notes). The regular jam starts at 3 PM. We encourage folks to bring songs and tunes of the "founding fathers" of bluegrass-- Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Stanley Brothers, Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse. For more info contact Lucy Smith at lucyinchico@hotmail.com

-Butte Folk Music Society sponsors a free Acoustic Jam the 1st Saturday of the month, 2 PM - 5PM at the Upper Crust Bakery (130 Main St., Chico).   Everyone welcome (including children) to come play music, share songs, sing-along and get acquainted with others who love folk music and Americana. Call the Butte Folk Music Society at (530) 895-8560 for more info.

-Music Circle at Augies (230 Salem St, Chico) every 2nd Saturday of the month. Bring your instruments and musical energy to the acoustic music circle -- folk, bluegrass, old timey, etc. Meetlocal musicians to play, sing or just enjoy. Tell your friends!!! For more info contact David at 530-872-2084 or Augies Cafe at 530-894-3764

-Old Time music jam, at Augies Cafe hosted by Michael Springer, old time fiddler. This event is set to happen on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Encouraging those who play clawhammer banjo, fiddle, or guitar to comeparticipate. Of course listeners are always welcome. For more email Michael Springer at springerms@juno.com

-Every 4th Sunday of the Month: 1 PM - 4:30 PM: The Oldtime Fiddlers Association holds an open mic/jam at the Thermalito Grange Hall,Oroville. Information at 530-589-5841 or 589-4844. Membership encouraged but you don have to be a member to join in or come listen.

(Just added!) -New "super easy" slow-jam is every other Wednesday evening, 6:30 til 9pm. Will be using the songs from Jamming 101 (see charts on the instruction page here). For more info cantact bevpence2003@webtv.net, be sure to mention "slow Jam" in your email title. 

........Dont wait, start your own Jam! Contact Sid at the Acoustic College (530-894-2526) for free Jamming 101 booklets, song lists, and visual aids to help your jam be the talk of the block...

 

 

 



3.02.07 - 11 AM
STUDENTS OF SIDS PLAY ON NATIONAL TELEVISION!Sid Lewis, along with help from rock-n-roll dad Dan Goodson, recently played on the Rachel Ray Show! After studying with Sid at his Chico School Of Rock for less than two years, Sids students Evan and Sawyer Goodson formed the band Jet Fuel Only and began playing around Chico. Check them out at Sids upcoming CSOR recital on September 22 (2007),Cafe Coda , at 6pm. Call (530) 894-2526 for more info, or to get your children onstage!

7.17.06 - 9 AM
Fan Letter from Sids Jamming 101 class:Hello...Just wanted to let you know that I and whoever else attended Sid Lewis Jamming 101 at the Kate Wolf festival this year, had a great time! He is SO entertaining, a regular stand-up comic, while teaching us the basics of jamming. My past experience with workshops at festivals is that they start off great, but within about 15 minutes I am lost in the dust, so frustrated and demoralized that I am ready to give up ever playing my instrument again. Sids workshop is the first one I have ever attended where I was actually inspired, it was a real confidence-builder. He has a definite gift and a great system going. He was actually able to teach us all together, no matter what instrument we were playing (there were fiddles, guitars, banjos, harmonicas, a clarinet, and accordion), and no matter what level of expertise! The success of his workshop was evident in that shy ones were taking breaks (soloing), everyone was smiling during the sessions, and people stayed after to jam on their own. Very educationally enjoyable. I hope you have him sometime to teach at your festival!:) Susan Thompson, Vista, CA

7.06.06 - 4 PM
FREE MUSIC now at the online school!! Thats right, pickers and grinners can now visit the FREE library of tabs!!!! Read them off your computor screen or print them out for keeps...

5.10.06 - 12 PM
Hey, check out the new Festival Network chat room!! (go to go to forum, then click on Summer Music Festival network, then welcome, eply, etc)Now you can spread the word about what music festivals you e going to this summer, find ride pools, meet new pals to camp and jam with!! Lets make summer 2006 the funnest ever..Ph, and while your there, please add your name to the Jammers Board, so we can build the best network ever for folks wanting to pick!-Sid