I just recently learned about UMF and went through a "Vagaband" session with them which culminated after 6 rehearsals in playing some of my favorite rock songs live at a local music venue. The whole experience was quite awesome. Our facilitator, Tom E. was great at giving us feedback to make us sound better, individually and together. The other musicians in the group were very focused and committed to practicing between sessions and being prepared for the next session. Everyone who represented UMF was super professional and welcoming throughout the initial registration to the final performance. Not only are they getting musicians together to play music, but they're creating an authentic community that I've felt welcomed into since day one! This was exactly what I needed to get my butt out and playing with other musicians and having fun at the same time. Oh, and two words for the guy who wrote a bad review saying the sound in the rehearsal room was too loud: "ear" and "plugs." read more

Urban Music Farm - Live show at Skylark Cafe - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I relocated to Seattle about 18 months ago, and was once a upon a time an aspiring musician in my early 20's. As a singer, finding a band was always exceptionally challenging, and eventually life gave way to a husband, kids, and a day job. I found UMF on craigslist when we first moved here, and stalked their website for nearly a year. I was interested in joint a Vagaband series, but my travel schedule is hectic, and makes it difficult to commit to anything- even 3-6 weeks. Just before Christmas, a series opened up that I HAD TO JOIN, and I happened to have the 6 weeks to commit to it. You are plunked into a group of people you have never met. You all have the same goal, and a setlist already assigned. The first rehearsal everyone came prepared, and the first song kind of takes your breath away. You just formed a band (albeit short term). The chemistry in my first Vagaband series was amazing, our show was packed, and I formed real friendships beyond the performance. Instant rock and roll fantasy. I'm now in my second series, and to say this is a business would be a gross inaccuracy. This is a community. I have been welcomed into it warmly, made to feel my talent is validated, and definitely see this community as a family of musicians I couldn't be happier to be a part of. What Tom and Matt created and nurture is so much more than a music lesson. read more

See all

I've done two programs with UMF, one one-day "By the Book" session and a Vagaband series. I thought the organization of both was very good. The facilitators were very good at guiding the action without dictating and provided useful feedback that made rehearsals productive. The facility is a rehearsal studio warren and the quality of the space and gear available varied depending on where your group wound up. This isn't unusual in these kind of spaces; bring as much of your own gear as you can. If I had to criticize any aspect of the program, it would be the variation in skill of the musicians. Everybody was not at a similar level, something you get when you throw strangers together. Maybe now that they are getting bigger they can offer programs suited to different levels of player. Overall it was a great experience and in fact we have formed our own band from parts of one of the groups. The effort you put into it will be well rewarded. read more

The Urban Music Farm is a run by a great group of people, each of whom is a strong musician, bringing passion and the love of music to the community. Many of the people joining in have previous band experience and these programs help tickle that "itch" to return to the rehearsal room and the stage. There are three-week and six-week programs, each ending in a live performance at an actual venue (this ain't the same as rockin' out in your grandma's basement). There are also people who play well, but have no live band experience, and they love it too. Sure, you have to pay to participate in one of the bands, but think of it this way: someone else is doing all of the leg work, providing rehearsal space, and getting you a show. Whether you like the Stones, indie music, southern blues rock, or even Hank Williams, there's probably something there for you. If I didn't make myself clear: I'm a very happy participant, and I highly recommend that you check out the UMF web page. read more

Not a student, but as a member of the community of music lovers, this program rocks! As members of the dancing audience we were entertained by some pretty amazing singers and musicians. The performances are held at different locations, doors open at 6pm. Music starting at 630pm which is also a plus to us. There is a cover charge which is well worth the price. Varied ages of musicians and audience makes for a well rounded evening of fun! read more

I recently completed a vocal class series at the Urban Music Farm, taught by Cherie S. I cannot say enough about the class. I was terrified at first, but Cherie put us all right at ease. She taught us a wide variety of physical exercises and vocalese and then we each had to sing our songs a cappella. I am no singer and my only goal was to be able to sing with more confidence as either a backup singer in my band or even just in karaoke. By week six, I could really hear and FEEL a difference in my singing ability. And while I'll never front a band, I definitely learned techniques that have made me a better singer. Cherie lets no one off the hook and has high expectations. But she's always supportive and kind, provides very helpful and constructive feedback, and definitely knows what she's doing. It was clear that everyone in the class (no matter how scared they were, and we were!) wanted to learn from her and that she really wanted to teach us. It was a great symbiosis. I would recommend this series to anyone and intend to take it--and hopefully, other UMF classes--again myself soon. --Heather M. read more

I signed up for the UMF Beatles series and was extremely disappointed in both the venue and equipment. Of three amps available only one was functioning and the room has no sound proofing so you're playing in an echo chamber. After the first session I mentioned that the volume level in the room was intolerable. Tom, the owner assured me that he would resolve the sound issue but actually did nothing. After 4 weeks of leaving with my ears ringing I finally quit. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Tom turned out to be more interested in keeping my $280 than fulling his commitment to provide a suitable environment for the session. read more

I took the Urban Music Farm Vocal Series this past winter and it was wonderful. Cherie is such a superb instructor, that it feels more like jamming with your friends, than a class. The series was well paced, with a great structure and everyone got ample chance to participate (no one was allowed to hide in the shadows). I learned a ton about my voice that I hadn't known before: I'm most comfortable as a level 1 Soprano, I have a higher range than I though, and I'm usually in tune, even though I like to change key mid song. After the series, I could not only hear the change in my voice, I could feel it. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in doing vocal work. It's a bargain. No question about it. read more

I love these guys. It's important to understand what it is and what you're getting into, this is partially in response to the negative review. There is no UMF "facility" as of this writing. When you sign up for a UMF vagaband, you are joining a band, period. You rehearse in a studio that is the same as most musicians who are in band rehearse in (it is, at least in March of 2015, just a regular room at a facility that rents rehearsal studios for bands). Yes, it can get loud in a band rehearsal room. You are playing rock n' roll (usually) with a live, acoustic drummer in a relatively small space with electric guitars, a PA, etc. This often means high volume, though in my experience, nothing painfully loud. Also, in my experience, guitar players bring their own gear. Like most rehearsal studios, a drum kit and PA is provided, and there are bass amps, but every guitar player I've played with brings their own rig. Anyway, back to my review. Caveat, I've only participated in the UMF vagabands. I've gone through three vagabands, and each one has been a positive experience. First off, the UMF vagabands are designed to give adult, recreational musicians and outlet for performing. Using myself as an example, I am middle aged, have 3 children, a mortgage and a full time engineering job. Trying to find 5 or 6 other folks, presumably my peers, who not only have the same musical interest, but can commit to regular rehearsals long enough to actually gel as a band and book and perform at a show is very, very difficult. I've tried several times to join or establish bands and nothing has been sustainable, due to the busy lives and commitments of my peers. This is where UMF comes in (for me). There is no organizing, no getting everyone to commit to a place and time for a rehearsal, no endless emails debating what material to cover, no dealing with venues to try to get booked, no promoting of the show, etc. You just learn the songs you're supposed to learn, show up - once per week for rehearsals, and at the end of 3 or 6 weeks, perform a show. All the organization, booking details, etc are provided by UMF, including a sort of 'band coach' to help you get your sound together as quickly as possible and to mediate between a group of strangers (who, by the end, feel like and sometimes have become, friends). Whether this kind of a service is worth the money is something only the individual participating can answer. For myself, it's been worth every penny. I've performed in 3 shows in the past six months, and each one was a fun experience, and I'm learning a lot about playing in a band and playing live - something that really only be done with experience. The shows themselves have been very fun, with crowds ranging from 50 or so to over 200 spectators, always vocal, always supportive and into the music. I've made friends in the community that have persisted outside of UMF. The venues have been good, decent stages, professional sound, etc. There are other places in the area that provide this kind of a staged "show", but unlike those, this doesn't feel like a kids talent show where you're performing G rated to a room full of mom's waiting for their kid's "band" - these shows feel real, maybe better than real for this level of musician, as the crowds are larger and more supportive than you'd probably find on your own, just starting out. As far as the fees, I think they are very reasonable considering what you get (e.g. rehearsal space, mentoring, organizational support, booking and finally, a show with pro sound, etc). In a nutshell, if you are an adult, hobbiest musician and want to experience what it is like to play in a band, and play a live show for a real audience, this is probably the quickest way from point A to point B. There are some drawbacks, this is a fairly new organization and like any new organization, there are some growing pains to work through and can feel a bit grass roots or amateurish. That just comes with the territory - it's a new organization and things are smoothing out. It is an inclusive community, meaning that there is a lot of variability in the skill and talent of the musicians involved. For the most part, everyone I've played with has at least been competent, with some being exceptionally talented, and some maybe not quite ready for prime time. The former have greatly outnumbered the latter, fwiw, but everyone has been good to work with. I have not personally experienced any difficult personalities, everyone I've played with have been good people and fun to play with. Last thing, Tom is a great guy. He really cares about the program and everyone who participates. He loves music. The implication in the negative review that it's only about money (what money? For what they charge vs what they provide, I doubt anyone is getting rich here) is way off base, imo. read more

The UMF provides an exceptional opportunity to play music in a relaxed, positive environment. The facilitators are pros, and have the necessary interpersonal skills to provide support while helping individuals/groups improve no matter what level they are at. If you are looking for people to play with, this is truly one of a kind program, with all elements in place: fun people, positive, creative environment, expert facilitators, and several program options, from jams to performances. Th UMF is not just a program, but also an avid community of recreational musicians. I have met new friends and learned a great deal from this experience! read more