Song Master

28/11/2022

Here is part 2 of the Jam Van Journey. I'm extremely lucky to have a brother who works in caravan repairs to lend me a hand and give me advice. I certainly wouldn't have taken this on otherwise! This video shows the re-skinning of the panels and the window install. Unfortunately, most of the original panels were too badly damaged to reuse, as were the windows, so we had to replace them. But in doing so, we will have a better insulated and soundproof studio. Luckily, we could reuse the original porthole frames 😍Take a look...

27/11/2022

1 yr ago today, I thought it would be a great idea to buy a derelict vintage caravan and turn it into a mobile recording studio, having never done any previous DIY or even owning a single power tool 😆 Crazy? Definitely! It's been a lot of literal blood, sweat and tears. A year in, there is still a lot to be done, but I'm getting there. With the help of some amazing friends and family as well. Here is a video of phase 1 - demolishing, cleaning and restoring the chassis. Stay tuned for phase 2 - The rebuild.

05/07/2022

I had a wonderful time last week doing this workshop with the yr 11 & 12 Cert III music students from St Norbert College. They were tasked to write a song in a day, then I recorded each song on day two. Such talent! Super impressed with each and every one of them.

THE Year 11 and 12 Certificate III Music students embarked on a two-day incursion in the Xanten Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, 29 and Thursday, 30 June. The workshop was facilitated by award-winning singer-songwriter Nat Ripepi who shared her expertise, experiences and passion with us.

30/03/2022

I made a simple mock-up of the Jam Van interior. Small, but functional. Can’t wait for the dream to become a reality. Long way to go compared to where it’s at now. Frame is finally treated and painted, new step and stabilisers added. Slowly but surely 😁

19/02/2022

Jam Van update… our mobile recording studio is slowly coming along. Restoring a very weathered 1950’s caravan sure has its challenges, especially when working in this extreme heat, but we are getting there. She now has new roof bars, new stabilising legs, new door frame and the new door step goes in on Monday. Then she’ll be ready for painting and putting back together. In the meantime, I’ve been cleaning all the aluminium panels with help from the very awesome Katie, Gel and Connie, getting them ready to go back on. Can’t wait to see her when she’s finished and the songwriting and recording can begin. Stay tuned y’all. A big thanks to Janet from Strategic Art Services for all the welding and metal work.

26/12/2021

Some before and after shots. Rust removal on the frame is hard, dirty, slow work, but it’s coming along nicely. She’ll be looking like new in no time! Then the rebuild begins.

14/12/2021

Big thanks to my awesome helpers! ❤️🙏🏻 Mandy and Katie. I’d be lost without you!

14/12/2021

The walls and floor are off. Just the roof to go. Then treat the rust and repaint the frame, replace the axle and breaks, clean up the panels, put it all back together and rebuild the inside… not that much left to do! 😳🤪

04/12/2021

04/12/2021

The JamVan Journey has begun!!! Still a long way to go but she’s gunna be one sexy beast when we’re done with her!! Thank you, thank you Gel Renel, we smashed it! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 we also couldn’t be doing this restoration without the help of Mandy for the workshop and tools. (PS There’s a fridge full of beer for you Mandy) 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Nat Ripepi Katie Read

27/11/2021

I’ve been dreaming about this for a while and now the dream has begun! I bought a vintage 1950’s Carapark caravan to restore and turn into a mobile recording studio that I can take to schools and workshops. Follow me to check on the progress. This is going to be epic!

10/11/2020

Turns out Mum and Dad were right: Those piano lessons and the endless hours in school band practice were good for you! From making you smarter to diminishing the effects of brain aging to improving emotional stability, it seems playing an instrument has a hand in reconfiguring your brain and enhancing it — permanently.

In my Song Master workshops, I not only assist students with writing and recording their own songs, but I also teach Guitar and Voice. (And the good news is, it’s never too late to start learning!....)

Here are several reasons why you'll all be glad you delved back into music!
• Enriches connections between the left and right brain
• Boosts executive brain function
• Strengthens speech processing
• Magnifies memory
• Promotes empathy
• Slows brain aging
• Fosters math and science ability
• Improves motor skills
• Elevates mental health
• Sharpens self-esteem

Have a happy day! Get in touch with us if you'd like to get involved, no matter your age or ability... 🎸🎹🎼💛