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How does an old-noob find a hobby band/jam group?

Old_Noob

Old_Noob

Oct 9, 2020
809
1,582
Madison, Wisconsin
#1
Started playing bass in September 2020. Have prior music background and can read music/basic charts. Would very much like to play with other people and find a hobby/weekend warrior-type group. Most of the stuff on local craigslist is for professional musicians. I am a middle-aged dude with a full-time job/family/kids etc. and not at all plugged into the local "scene." Looking for something casual where we jam on the weekends with maybe the hope of playing in poopy bars. Where/how does one go about finding such a thing?
 
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#4
You might consider playing music at a local church if you're okay with that. Some churches need good musicians and if you can read, that's a bonus. The commitment would be weekly, but you'd learn new material and you'd get to "gig" on weekends. Depending on the church, pay is good - probably better than the poopy bar scene. You might not be playing "popular" music, but you probably will get a deeper musical workout depending on the type of church you findand the type of music they play. (Churches can also be good for networking - musically and in general.)

Just another option.
 
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#6
If they are using CL, odd are "professional" means weekend warrior at best. Don't be afraid to respond and audition. They audition you (as you are auditioning them).

But like any situation, you have to meet as many people as you can:

- put your own ad on CL, and Bandmix
- check any local music stores, or places that give music lessons
- local open mics
- music department of any local colleges.
- etc.
 
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#7
I've never had any luck at open jams or open mics, but others have, so it's worth a shot. I see way more ads for amateur groups and start-ups on CL than for real pros. It can take a while to find a fit, but I've done it. Putting up your own ad will definitely help it along, but there will still be more misses than hits.

Don't be too picky about genre or how good everyone else is. You're just trying to get out there and gain some experience.
 
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#9
buldog5151bass said:
If they are using CL, odd are "professional" means weekend warrior at best. Don't be afraid to respond and audition. They audition you (as you are auditioning them).

But like any situation, you have to meet as many people as you can:

- put your own ad on CL, and Bandmix
- check any local music stores, or places that give music lessons
- local open mics
- music department of any local colleges.
- etc.
Click to expand...

This. I just pulled up the Madison CL and the ads I'm seeing don't look like they're for bands that are as professional as all that. Same range of weekend warriors and delusional wannabes as anywhere. I would try a few and just see if anything clicks. And also, yeah - post your own "bassist available" ad and see who bites. You can include the same info you posted here and you'll probably get some replies. Just be frank about your abilities, boundaries and goals.
 
#10
Old_Noob said:
Started playing bass in September 2020. Have prior music background and can read music/basic charts. Would very much like to play with other people and find a hobby/weekend warrior-type group. Most of the stuff on local craigslist is for professional musicians. I am a middle-aged dude with a full-time job/family/kids etc. and not at all plugged into the local "scene." Looking for something casual where we jam on the weekends with maybe the hope of playing in poopy bars. Where/how does one go about finding such a thing?
Click to expand...
Two things I think people often overlook.

1 go to those "poopy bars" you want to play and socialize. Might be folks that go there that are looking for a bass player or at least someone who knows of a band looking for a bass player. Musicians that support the local scene are great bandmates to have because a lot of musicians return the favor and will show up to see them play when they get a band together.

2 make some videos of yourself playing and post them on your social media and if your local music scene has fb groups like mine, get involved, share your videos on those groups and mention that your looking for people to jam with. As the saying goes, talk is cheap, show them where you're playing level is and the kind of stuff you're interested in playing.

Have played in bands for over 20 years. Never once have I found a band through Craig's list or some musicians wanted thing. In my area I hear nothing but horror stories about that kind of stuff, typically it's players who either have never done anything or if they have they are looking on those sites because they've already burned all their bridges.

Another tip is to at first play in any band that'll take you. Look at it as getting your foot in the door. Even if the band sucks it's a good way to people you might end up playing in bands with later.
 
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#11
buldog5151bass said:
If they are using CL, odd are "professional" means weekend warrior at best. Don't be afraid to respond and audition.
Click to expand...

After years of reading wantads for musicians I've developed a pretty good BS meter. The bulk of what I see in the Boston area CL ads is not professionals, far from it...and Boston is a big music city. It might just be in my age group, but most pros around here simply network with other pros to line up gigs and find band members. 90% of the CL ads are basement bands hoping to become weekend warriors.
 
#13
Nobody who is truly playing at the professional level is advertising for gigs on Craigslist. What they mean by that is that they have played some shows in local bars for money and they show up on time and have decent gear. I wouldn't let that deter me from answering ads.

As others have mentioned, your best shot at finding musicians to work with will likely be open jams and open mic nights. If you attend these as a player you'll meet other musicians who are also there to network. It can be the fast track into a local scene, if you choose the right jams. Ask around if you can to see if you can find out where the quality players show up. Or just start going to them and listening to who shows up, and be prepared to play if you feel like you want to showcase your own skills. Good luck!
 
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#15
I've had good luck with BandMix.com--both finding bands and finding musicians for my bands. You can specify your experience/skill level, genres you're interested in playing, background, equipment, location, etc. You can pay for a subscription (so people can contact you within BandMix's messaging system) or you can just use it for free and put some contact info in your description/profile. Most importantly, you can upload audio and video samples of your playing--which I think is essential.

Also local musician groups on Facebook are useful. For example, a quick search on FB turned up this one: MUSICIANS COMMUNITY WISCONSIN
 
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#16
Nephilymbass said:
make some videos of yourself playing and post them on your social media and if your local music scene has fb groups like mine, get involved, share your videos on those groups and mention that your looking for people to jam with. As the saying goes, talk is cheap, show them where you're playing level is and the kind of stuff you're interested in playing.
Click to expand...

This. Always have videos of your playing available. There are some videos on YouTube with me playing with different bands. Any time I speak with someone, I can just point them to the videos so they can see/hear my playing. Saves both sides some time.
 
#20
Old_Noob said:
Started playing bass in September 2020. Have prior music background and can read music/basic charts. Would very much like to play with other people and find a hobby/weekend warrior-type group. Most of the stuff on local craigslist is for professional musicians. I am a middle-aged dude with a full-time job/family/kids etc. and not at all plugged into the local "scene." Looking for something casual where we jam on the weekends with maybe the hope of playing in poopy bars. Where/how does one go about finding such a thing?
Click to expand...

Any community bands around? My son got his first taste of working with adults in a community band. Reading music is a huge plus for bass players they might want.

Secondly, network. Visit every music store in your area talk to the employees, put up a card on their built in board. Finally, there is (gulp) Craigslist. Best wishes.
 

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