Where
Kids
Become
Rock Stars
What we create with kids today shapes who they become tomorrow.
About Woodland Jams: Rock Academy
Woodland Jams: Rock Academy is more than music lessons — it’s a place where kids become part of a real band. Founded by Patrick Jordan and Luke Zavala, the academy gives young musicians the chance to collaborate, learn, and perform together with the support of experienced mentors.
Patrick and Luke bring decades of combined performance and teaching experience to every rehearsal. Patrick, a guitarist, songwriter, and longtime performer, helps kids connect with songs they love and build confidence through early success. Luke, a drummer, bassist, trombonist, trumpet player, and multi-instrumentalist, draws on his wide range of experience as a touring artist and improvisation specialist to guide students in rhythm, collaboration, and creative expression.
At Woodland Jams, the focus isn’t on drills or endless scales — it’s on the joy of making music with others. Each rehearsal is designed to:
Equip students with practical skills they can use immediately.
Build confidence through recognizable songs and early wins.
Teach discipline through practice and teamwork.
Inspire creativity through improvisation and collaboration.
The result? Students don’t just learn music — they live it, growing into confident performers and teammates who know what it feels like to be part of a band.
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Founder
🎸 Meet Patrick Jordan — Guitarist, Songwriter & Band Coach
Patrick Jordan is the co-founder and guitar coach at Woodland Jams: Rock Academy, where the focus isn’t on private lessons but on creating real bands. Patrick helps kids experience the excitement of playing songs together, guiding them as they learn, collaborate, and grow as musicians.
Patrick’s own journey with music started at age 10 when he picked up a guitar for the first time. Since then, he has spent over 25 years writing songs, performing, and teaching. His career highlights include a residency at the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard, being pursued by Sony Music talent scouts, touring in Los Angeles, and performing at churches, schools, and public venues from Washington, DC to California. He has also taught music, acting, and performance in schools and community programs, and served as a Worship Pastor and School Outreach Educator for the Woodland Opera House.
At Woodland Jams, Patrick’s role is to:
Help students play songs they know and love as a way to build skills naturally.
Guide bands in choosing and learning music that motivates practice.
Foster confidence through early success and discipline through practice.
Create an environment where kids leave each rehearsal feeling equipped and ready for the next step.
Patrick believes music isn’t just about learning chords and scales — it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and joy through shared experiences. Together with Luke Zavala, he has created Woodland Jams: Rock Academy to give kids a space where they don’t just take lessons, but truly become part of a band.
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Founder
🎶 Meet Luke Zavala — Band Coach & Jazz Improvisation Guide
At Woodland Jams: Rock Academy, Luke Zavala helps young musicians discover the thrill of playing in a band. With over 20 years of performance experience, Luke brings his passion for collaboration, improvisation, and creativity to every rehearsal.
A Woodland native and graduate of San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s in Music (trombone), Luke has spent the past decade touring nationally with Royal Jelly Jive, performing at festivals like Outside Lands, Bottlerock, SXSW, and High Sierra, and sharing the stage with world-class artists. His career spans jazz, funk, soul, rock, ska, and beyond, giving him a broad palette of sounds to draw from as he guides students.
At Woodland Jams, Luke’s role isn’t about drilling scales or teaching individual instruments — it’s about guiding bands:
Helping kids listen to one another and find their place in the music.
Introducing improvisation concepts that spark creativity across instruments.
Encouraging collaboration so every student feels confident contributing to the group.
Making sure rehearsals balance structure with fun, freedom, and discovery.
Luke believes that improvisation and band experience give kids more than music — they teach teamwork, confidence, and the joy of self-expression. With Luke and Patrick working together, Woodland Jams: Rock Academy gives kids the chance to not just learn music, but to live it as part of a real band.
Q: Do kids need any prior musical experience to join Woodland Jams: Rock Academy?
A: We accept students from beginner to advanced levels and will match them into bands accordingly. For very new students (absolute beginners), we recommend starting with some basic private lessons until they can comfortably play simple chords or keep a steady beat. That way they can fully engage in band rehearsals with confidence.
Your TOP 8 Questions, Answered
Q: How are students placed into bands?
A: Students are placed into bands based on age, skill level, and musical interests. We want every band to feel balanced, fun, and challenging without being overwhelming. Our coaches take the time to get to know each student’s abilities and goals, then match them with peers who are at a similar stage. This way, every band has the right mix of rhythm, melody, and energy to grow together and sound great.
Q: What if my child already takes private lessons elsewhere — can they still join Woodland Jams?
A: Absolutely! Woodland Jams is designed to complement private lessons. Many of our students take individual lessons with other teachers and join us to experience the excitement of playing in a band. Band coaching builds skills that private lessons can’t — like collaboration, listening, stage presence, and improvisation. Together, both experiences help your child become a well-rounded musician.
Q: How often do bands meet, and how long are rehearsals?
A: Bands meet once a week for a 90-minute rehearsal. This gives students plenty of time to warm up, learn new material, and practice as a group. The format is designed to feel like a real band rehearsal — structured, but also fun and creative. Consistent weekly sessions help kids build momentum and grow steadily as musicians.
Q: Will the bands get a chance to perform live?
A: Yes! Performing is a big part of the Woodland Jams experience. Each session builds toward a live showcase where bands take the stage and share what they’ve been working on. These performances give students the thrill of playing for an audience, build their confidence, and provide parents and friends with a chance to celebrate their progress.
Q: What ages can join Woodland Jams: Rock Academy?
A: Woodland Jams is open to kids and teens ages 8–17. We group students by both age and skill level so that each band feels comfortable, balanced, and inspiring. Younger students benefit from learning alongside peers their own age, while older students get the chance to play more advanced material and even explore improvisation or songwriting.
Q: How much does Woodland Jams: Rock Academy cost, and what’s included?
A: Tuition is $165 per month. This includes weekly 90-minute band rehearsals, professional coaching from our instructors, access to rehearsal gear (amps, drums, PA system, etc.), and participation in live showcases. For absolute beginners, we encourage starting with private lessons first so that students come in confident with basic chords or beats. Woodland Jams is designed to complement individual lessons by giving kids the experience of playing in a real band.
Q: What instruments can my child play in Woodland Jams: Rock Academy?
A: Our bands are built around the core instruments of a rock group — guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. But we also welcome other instruments! Students who play brass, woodwinds, or strings can often be incorporated into songs with creative arrangements. Our goal is to give every student a meaningful role in the band, regardless of their instrument.
🎸 Woodland Jams: Rock Academy Application
Welcome to Woodland Jams: Rock Academy!
We’re excited to give your child the chance to experience what it’s like to be in a real band. This application helps us get to know each student — their background, musical interests, and availability — so we can place them in the band where they’ll feel most comfortable, motivated, and challenged.
Please complete the form carefully. The more detail you provide, the better we can ensure your child has a fun and successful experience. After reviewing your application, we’ll contact you with placement details and next steps.