Our Programs
Learn From Legends.
Create Your Sound.
Our programs connect students and young musicians directly with world-class artists who have shaped the sound of generations. Step in, listen deep, and find your groove.
Syllabus 1111
The Time Band Masterclass
“Playing by Ear and Feelings to Create Your Sound”
By JTMF
Step into the legendary world of The Minneapolis Sound and beyond with four of the industry's most iconic musicians. This masterclass is designed for musicians who want to learn how to play with soul, groove, and confidence — developing their ear, feel, and stage presence while performing as part of a live band.
“Discipline is the Key to Greatness”
Your Instructors
With the Legends Themselves
Kirk Johnson
Drums
Monte Moir
Keyboards
Dr. Fink
Keyboards
Tori Ruffin
Guitar
Ricky "Freeze" Smith
Bass
Curriculum
What You'll Learn
The Art of Playing by Ear & Feel
- Train your ears to recognize melodies, harmonies, and rhythms without sheet music.
- Learn how to translate what you hear into what you play — instantly.
- Develop your own voice as a musician by connecting emotion to your instrument.
Finding Your Place in the Groove
- Understand how to lock into a groove so your playing feels natural and unshakable.
- Discover how to blend and complement other musicians while still standing out.
- Learn the subtle art of dynamics and expression to make every note count.
Building Confidence & Discipline
- The habits and practice methods that separate good musicians from great ones.
- How to "stay in the pocket" and never rush or drag your parts.
- Tips from the pros on performing live with ease and charisma.
Creating Your Own Sound
- Explore improvisation, solos, and how to "play outside the lines" while staying connected to the music.
- Blend different genres — from funk to soul to pop — to build your signature sound.
- Learn how to make your instrument sing in any style.
Instrument-Specific Training
Every Instrument. Every Role.
Each instrument section breaks down technique, listening skills, and performance tips — showing you how to collaborate with the full band to create music that moves people.
Drums
Learn the foundation of timekeeping, the pocket, and how to set the pace for the entire band.
Jaw-Dropping Drummer
Bass
Lock in with the drums to create a rock-solid groove that drives the music.
Funky Bassist
Guitar
Explore rhythm, lead, improvisation, and how to add textures to a song.
Tuneful Guitarist
Keyboards
Use piano, synthesizers, and sound design to bring a spectrum of colors and moods.
Maestro Keyboardist
The Philosophy
Why 1111?
Jaw-Dropping Drummer
Maestro Keyboardist
Tuneful Guitarist
Funky Bassist
Together, these elements create the ultimate band synergy — the kind of magic that happens when each player steps fully into their role and connects with the others.
Program 01
Live Instrument Presentations
Students experience the power of live music up close — watching and learning directly from legendary musicians performing on real instruments. These sessions bring the stage into the classroom, showing young people what mastery looks and feels like in real time.
- Up-close performances by world-class musicians
- Instrument demonstrations across drums, bass, guitar & keys
- Q&A sessions with the legends themselves
- Hands-on time with instruments after each session
Who It's For
Students of all skill levels — from beginners picking up an instrument for the first time to advanced players looking to elevate their craft. Schools, community centers, and youth programs welcome.
Book a PresentationTrain Your Ears
The ability to hear music deeply — to feel the groove, recognize the harmony, and respond in real time — is what separates good musicians from great ones. This program builds that skill from the ground up.
Program 02
Ear Training
Rooted in the 1111 philosophy of playing by ear and feel, this program teaches students to listen deeply, recognize musical patterns, and translate what they hear directly to their instrument — no sheet music required.
- Recognize melodies, harmonies, and rhythms by ear
- Develop your internal sense of groove and timing
- Learn to play what you feel — not just what you read
- Build musical vocabulary through deep listening exercises
Program 03
Youth Recording Programs
Students step into a real recording environment — learning the fundamentals of music production, studio technique, and how to capture their sound professionally.
Studio Fundamentals
Learn how a professional recording studio works — from signal flow and microphone placement to mixing basics and monitoring.
Music Production
Explore beat-making, arrangement, and production techniques used by the legends — and apply them to your own original music.
Record Your Sound
Students leave with a recorded track they created — a real, tangible piece of music that reflects their voice and artistic identity.
Masterclass
No Hats Allowed Masterclass
Artist: Tracey Blake
This course explores the value of artistic versatility and the importance of staying true to your creative identity. Students will learn how blending genres can strengthen originality, while understanding how voice and production serve as the foundation of a consistent artistic signature.
Learning Objectives
Understand the benefits of exploring multiple genres as an artist
Understand how your voice is an instrument and how to use it across different genres
Analyze the role of production in shaping genre and mood
Develop confidence in creating music that reflects authentic influences
Key Topics
Breaking the "single-genre" mindset
Artistic identity vs. genre labels
Using your voice as an instrument across genres
Production techniques across genres
Blending influences while maintaining cohesion
Assignments & Activities
Create a short piece in two different genres using the same vocal style
Analyze an artist known for genre versatility and identify common elements
Produce a track that blends at least two genres while maintaining a clear identity
Outcome
Students will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate multiple genres without losing authenticity, using their voice and production style as unifying elements.
Ready to Find Your Sound?
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