Finding others to play with

[Trayster2]

I hear it over & over how important it is to play music with other musicians. My question is what is the best way to find them? I would like a decent (& a bit older) crowd, & being a female, I also don't want to place myself in any dangerous situations. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[SilverFlame46]

....... & being a female, I also don't want to place myself in any dangerous situations. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I suggest you start with friends who may play an instrument, which is what I did. I was lucky enough to have several friends that
played different instruments and was able to jam with them. Even if you only have ONE friend that plays (drums, guitar or bass) it
will help. If you do not know any friends that play an instrument then I would check with your local music store to see if they
allow people to get together in their store to play. I know of some music stores that encourage their customers to jam in their store. If
that doesn't work out then you may have to pursue other avenues. Good Luck!!!

[ghsky1]

The easiest and most efficient way to reach out to other musicians is through the internet. Sites such as Craigslist and forums such as this. Unfortunately, that leaves you vulnerable as you had mentioned. The people I play with are friends of a mutual friend and he introduced us. It seems the best approach would be to put yourself in a situation to make friends with other musicians then go from there. That could be done by attending local concerts and festivals, or even just hanging around music stores (particularly ones that offer lessons).There are great musicians who only play in their church on Sundays. Look for local jam nights. In my area there are a few night clubs and even a music store that have weekly jams. You don't necessarily have to get up and play, just hang out and make friends. Like you, I too was looking. When I least expected it, it just happened. Turned out to be a great fit. It doesn't always work out that way but it never would have happened if I hadn't made friends with someone who deeply enjoys music and knows many people that have similar interests. I suppose you could call it networking. Good luck.

[Elmeaux]

You can put the word out at work, or church, or any other place where you already have a bit of a relationship with people. If you're a church goer, you might ask the minister to put your request in the announcements or weekly bulletin of news.

Ask family to play (or recommend friends or co-workers). Anybody still in school? Young people just getting into lessons themselves can be great companions to other beginners.

[line6bassman]

The easiest and most efficient way to reach out to other musicians is through the internet. Sites such as Craigslist and forums such as this. Unfortunately, that leaves you vulnerable as you had mentioned. The people I play with are friends of a mutual friend and he introduced us. It seems the best approach would be to put yourself in a situation to make friends with other musicians then go from there. That could be done by attending local concerts and festivals, or even just hanging around music stores (particularly ones that offer lessons).There are great musicians who only play in their church on Sundays. Look for local jam nights. In my area there are a few night clubs and even a music store that have weekly jams. You don't necessarily have to get up and play, just hang out and make friends. Like you, I too was looking. When I least expected it, it just happened. Turned out to be a great fit. It doesn't always work out that way but it never would have happened if I hadn't made friends with someone who deeply enjoys music and knows many people that have similar interests. I suppose you could call it networking. Good luck.

Man!! I'm going to have to keep remembering about this craigslist why didn't I think of that??? I've sold so much stuff on craigslist lately!!
I just looked on it and someone is looking for a bass player I'M THINKING I'M THINKING!!!

Bass Player Needed (Metairie)
Bass player needed for established variety band. Please be able to learn bass parts correctly and sing harmonies and lead if you want to.
Must be able to play 6 to 10 times a month.
(playing Casinos, Mardi Gras Balls, Festivals, Night Clubs and riding in parades.
Send me your number and I will get back to you immediately.