Playing Music in a Group

Playing with others in a group is a great way to improve as a musician. It's also a lot of fun. Photo illustration: www.greencountryirish.com

For many, the idea of playing with a group is a distant possibility. Actually, you’d be surprised how little it takes to start a group or play or sing with a group.

The first thing it takes is your belief that it can happen. Realize that there are so many potential situations out there, that it is very realistic to form or participate in a musical group.

Find other people who share your interests. That’s usually as easy as asking. A next door neighbor plays or played clarinet. Someone who works at the local supermarket plays bass or piano or trumpet.

When you’ve decided on a musical direction and find the people, it’s pretty easy. For example, if it’s country music you like, instruments like guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, pedal steel, fiddle, banjo, dobro, mandolin will work. If it’s classical, think violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, french horn, etc. Jazz usually includes bass, piano, drums, sax. The list goes on and on.

When the people and instruments are together, it’s time to meet and decide on specific songs and a direction for the group. After the song decisions comes rehearsal to turn these ideas into performable music.

Note from LRG: Visit our forum to connect with other amateur musicians. Check the section called: “Find Fellow Players for Practice/Performance.”