How can i find other people to play with?

[Jordon]

I'm not entirely sure where to pose this question, so i'll just throw it in here. I'm pretty new to the bass, couple months or so, no formal classes because I'm not looking to pay for that right now. I can hold my own playing most of the basic stuff though. I hear a lot that playing with other people really helps with the learning process, and obviously its just more fun than playing by myself. Any ideas on a good way to find other people to play with, whether it be other bassists, guitarists, drummers?

[jmattbassplaya]

It depends on a few factors. Age comes into consideration, as does school, transportation, and a few other things. If you`re still in grade school then the easiest thing to do is just talk to people and find out who plays and who would be willing to jam or perhaps start up a small garage band. If you`re older(say college years), definantly going to your local colleges music department is a possibility in meeting people. Also, you could possibly post a craigslist add saying "bassist looking to jam". If you`re a little older(21+) you could go to bars, clubs, etc.. that host live bands and could talk to people in the audience and to the band members themselves. Ask them if they know anyone who`s just looking for someone to learn with. If you`re older than that, then you could definantly ask people at your work. Another thing you could do at any age is if you go to church, temple, etc.. you could talk to the pastor about maybe playing in their band, or ask him if he knows any people in your age range who plays.

Anyways, those are just a few suggestions out of the many I`m sure you`ll soon receive. Best of luck!

[Hawaii Islander]

Grade school and high school age: ask around and check with music teachers at the school. Also check with community youth groups listed in your local newspaper.

College age (or older): What jmattbassplaya said as well as post notices on the bulletin boards on campuses (especially in the music department and campus center): High school students can do this as well (with parents permission).

[ggunn]

If there's a weekly artsy paper where you are (like the Austin Chronicle), there is usually a musicians' referral section of the classifieds section where you can look for people to play with.

[Jordon]

Yeah I'm in college now so I'll try those things.