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Gordon Harvey, Australia

Ruth, making music with others is one of the greatest things to do. I have had a few opportunities that have made a huge difference in my life, neither of which may suit you but I thought I would mention in case it helps someone.

I write and record my own music of various kinds and have engaged many musicians to help. That includes hiring professionals to either play parts I’ve written or improvise over my backings, or inviting friends of various skill levels to try playing with my tracks. The important and rewarding thing is finding people who understand what you’re trying to do. It’s profoundly life-affirming to hear what someone else’s creative input can bring out in your work.

I have found opportunities to play live in low-key and relaxed public settings. Interestingly for me that has drawn me out of town. Melbourne prides itself on its active music scene but it has worked out for me that regional communities have been open-minded enough to accept music that might be a little more free-wheeling (and less rehearsed) than some punters would expect. That includes things like open mic nights and jazz jams, but these can be found all over the place really.

It helps to have at least one person to work with on a friendly basis with simple expectations. Through a community choir (another fantastic musical outlet) I started working with a member who was a good amateur singer with me on double bass or piano. We’ve created a few opportunities to perform, for example at the launch of an art exhibition of hers, but really we’d be content getting together at home and just playing.
I actually think a choir is a great place to start and to make connections. Singing together in the same room is deeply rewarding, emotionally and physically. Ours is a soul choir with a great leader. It’s an open-to-all choir which makes it very low pressure.
Just some initial thoughts.

Leeanne I., Australia

I think you need to join a band or start a band of your own!

Cate R., Australia

I play ukulele in several groups. Two are performing groups, I love it.

Scott J., Australia

Start small find a singer and maybe a guitarist who have the same music taste as yours . I see you go to church there should be some people in your congregation who are into it

Rebecca K., Australia

I play for a singing group twice a week. there are 40 songs which I have had to learn and we are starting to put together another folder of 40 worship songs for another group to enjoy. It is really for just the fun and love of singing. One hour only – in and out. Great fun.

Un Mani, Australia

Ruth this is a great question. I had the same idea a few months ago and with limited time and a distance factor involved, I found a duet mate that I get on well with (we laugh a lot). We have a grand project with no fixation on the completion date.It’s to play this for a local Carols by Candlelight. I love how our bodies have to trust and breathe and work together. We manage a ‘practice ‘ when i get into town.

A Christmas Medley | Piano Duet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_2-8nbwmWA

Maureen K., California

I started in folk music before teaching piano, and that is where I find my jamming partners. What kind of music do you enjoy playing the most?

Ruth P., North Carolina

Maureen I’ve mostly played classical from the page – so I have some insecurities about jumping into some sort of jam. I do like folk music a lot but would also enjoy playing tunes from the 60’s.

Maureen K., California

Ruth Ah! Ok. A couple of advanced adult students and I have gotten mileage from this book [photo of The Real Pop Book Volume 1], if you want to read from lead sheets. One person can play a bass line, another chords, another the melody, or someone can sing. You can do arrangements like, play the tune, then improvise for a section (the pentatonic—CAGED—is always good), then play the tune again.

Or, you can pick up a songbook with full piano parts and chords, so you can read music or chords or a combo.

Ideas for where to reach out: other piano teachers who may want something similar, advanced adult students of yours or others.

Oh and picking up an inexpensive instrument adds fun to the jam. It’s easy to learn a few uke chords. I also enjoy my $100 melodica.

If you have an interest in doing folk of some sort, the communities are typically very welcoming. You could learn a new instrument. Folk music is easy to break into… it is played by people who are not trained formally as musicians and who have day jobs. You would learn quick. It’s fun to be free of the page! (Hey one big reason we all like Simply Music.)

You can Google to find Irish, old time, Cajun, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, salsa, Tex Mex, swing… group near you. Whatever catches your fancy. sorry so long. Playing music together is a passion of mine. Have fun!