MUSIC, NOT LIMITS
Music Builds Connection, Confidence and Joy
Sometimes the best things start with a push from someone who believes in you.
At age 48, our founder Allan Cole was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. A few years later, his daughter Meredith, who sings and plays piano, encouraged him to go after something he’d always wanted to do but never had: learn to play an instrument.
He picked up the bass guitar. And something clicked.
It wasn’t just about learning notes and technique. Music gave him energy when he didn’t expect it. It opened his eyes and gave him joy. And it connected him to people he never would have met otherwise.
Allan wants others to have the same experience. So he’s built something that didn’t exist in Austin: a music school designed from day one for people of all abilities, all ages, and all backgrounds.
An Austin original, built the Austin way. Authentic, personal, unique, and fun.
Whatever your age or circumstances, music can change your life.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MUSIC
ALLAN COLE, FOUNDER
Allan first picked up a bass guitar at age 55. Seven years after being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, his daughter Meredith challenged him to pursue a lifelong dream of learning to play music.
What he discovered was unexpected: music builds confidence, creates connection, and deepens understanding of both oneself and others. It can change how you see the world and expand what you believe is possible.
Allan founded Every Body Jams so that others, regardless of age, background or ability, could experience these transformative benefits for themselves.
TRAVIS FOSTER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Travis is the kind of musician who makes everyone around him better. He’s spent over 20 years performing, teaching and leading music programs, including touring with the Ian Moore Band and the Blue Man Group and playing stages across the country. He’s also a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a focus on arranging, percussion, songwriting, and guitar.
Travis brings extensive experience in music education, performance, coaching, and leadership. He’s directed elite student ensembles that performed at storied events such as Austin City Limits and Summerfest. He’s taught and directed adults from beginners to accomplished musicians. He cares deeply about music and even more about people.
Dustie Shelton, GenERAL MANAGER
Dustie Shelton is an experienced office management professional with over 20 years of success supporting operations, teams, and business growth. Throughout her career, Dustie has earned a reputation for reliability, adaptability, and a people-first approach that helps organizations run smoothly while fostering positive workplace environments.
Her passion for music was sparked by her son’s journey, when he picked up the guitar at 5-years-old. Seeing the transformative impact music had on his confidence and growth, Dustie became deeply involved in the local music community. She managed her son’s band as they recorded an album and performed across Austin, and went on to create and run the “Kids Who Rock Fest.”
Dustie is committed to supporting and growing opportunities that empower young artists and strengthen creative communities.
Ian MacDougall, GUITAR & BASS INSTRUCTOR
Ian is the kind of guitarist who's done the work on stages, in studios, and in the rehearsal room with students finding their sound. He's spent over 20 years performing and recording, including a decade touring the world with Denton punk band The Riverboat Gamblers—one of the 25 Greatest Live Bands in 2006 according to Spin magazine. He went on to work as Assistant Tour Manager for the Foo Fighters before joining Grammy-nominated Band of Horses as lead guitarist, contributing songwriting and guitar to their 2022 album Things Are Great.
Ian currently performs with Broken Gold and the Riverboat Gamblers and gigs regularly around Austin. He brings deep experience in performance, production, and instruction. He's as comfortable with first-chord beginners as he is with players prepping for their first real gig. He loves the craft, and he loves helping other people find their way into it.
OUR MISSION
Every Body Jams (EBJ) believes music transforms lives.
Our mission is to be a hospitable, creative community where people of all abilities and experience levels learn, collaborate, and grow through music—gaining confidence, strengthening connection, and experiencing joy.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
BELONGING | You have a place here. From your very first lesson, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. This is a community first.
GROWTH | We place progress over perfection. We meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
JOY | Music should feel good. When learning is joyful, growth is inevitable.
