Finding Musical Community as an Amateur Musician

There’s nothing more fulfilling as an amateur musician than playing with others, whether it’s experiencing two violins in harmony, the support of a pianist filling out the texture, or immersing yourself in the music while playing a string quartet, there are ample ways to find musical community as an amateur musician.

Recently, I met up with a fellow amateur pianist to read through some Mozart and Little Summer Music by Pēteris Vasks, a folk-influenced contemporary piece I’ve had on my wish list. This experience reminded me how important it is as a musician to make music with others, and how I want every amateur musician to have that same chance to play and connect through music.

Whether you’re a classical, folk, or contemporary musician, playing music with others is at the heart of what it means to be an amateur: someone who plays for the love of it.

But it isn’t always easy to find others to play with. Whether you’re looking for a duet partner, a string quartet, a pianist, an orchestra, or a folk ensemble, it feel intimidating.

As an amateur violinist and violist, I’ve tried many ways to connect with other musicians. This guide offers some tips and ideas based on what’s worked for me, that also might work for you too.

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Participate in Chamber Music Workshops

Joining a chamber music workshop for adult amateurs is a great way to improve your ensemble skills, and meet other musicians at your level.

I’ve attended several over the years. While I haven’t found a permanent ensemble through a workshop, I have made musical connections that have led to occasional meetups.

Where to Find Chamber Music Workshops

• Community music schools often host adult chamber music workshops or may know of others nearby.
• ACMP (Associated Chamber Music Players) is a global network that connects amateur chamber musicians. Their website includes workshop listings and a member directory.
• Local string shops are an excellent source of information and are connected to what’s happening in the local music scene.
• Ask your teacher. Many music teachers have coached at workshops and can suggest one for you. Even if they don’t know of any workshops, if they know you’re looking, they may find an opportunity for you in the future.
• If you have already found a local workshop or a chamber music camp to join, read more about how to prepare for the experience here.

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Join a Community Orchestra

Community orchestras are a fantastic way to meet fellow amateur musicians. One of the orchestras I currently play in even has a chamber group that occasionally hosts sight reading parties outside of regular rehearsals.

Even if your orchestra doesn’t formally offer chamber music, it’s still a great place to network. If you’re an intermediate player, don’t be intimidated, many community orchestras include musicians of varied levels.

How to Find a Community Orchestra

• Search “[your city] + community orchestra” online.
• Look for audition or membership info on the orchestra’s website to determine if the group is amateur or semi-professional.
• If you aren’t sure about the membership requirements, reach out to the orchestra director or membership contact to ask about the level, repertoire, and expectations for musicians. Some of the more casual orchestras don’t even require auditions.
• I’ve written a more extensive guide about joining a community orchestra here.

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Ask Your Teacher

If you take private lessons, your teacher can be your first duet partner, and is also a great resource for finding others.

While I didn’t play many duets with my teacher growing up, I now bring short duets to my lessons when I want to work on ensemble playing. It’s a great starting point if you haven’t played with others before and a great way to continue building ensemble skills if you have.

Your teacher might also know other adult students or colleagues whose students are looking for partners. (Tip: piano and cello studios often have a greater number of adult students than violin studios, and violinists are always in demand for chamber music!)

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Host a Musician Meetup or Casual Performance

If you enjoy organizing, consider hosting a casual performance night or “classical open mic” for local amateur musicians. You don’t need a formal venue, someone’s living room or a local community center are great spaces for a casual event.

I recently attended one of these events organized by a local piano studio. It was a fun, low-pressure evening where musicians took turns playing for each other, and many just showed up to listen and support their friends. Events like this offer a great way to gain performance experience and to find like-minded amateur players.

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Explore Folk Music Jams and Sessions

If you’re curious about folk music, joining a jam or session is away to play with others in a friendly, casual setting.

Some jams are “slow sessions,” geared toward beginners or intermediate players, and are a great place to start if you’re new to the style.

Where to Find Folk Music Sessions:

• Local folk or bluegrass societies
• Irish pubs (many host weekly traditional sessions)
• Some community music schools
• Local chapters of Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, English Country, or contra dance organizations

You don’t need to be an expert in folk styles but it’s good to just listen the first time you go, talk to the organizers, then start playing when you feel ready.

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Playing music with others is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an amateur musician. Whether you’re reading duets with a friend or teacher, rehearsing with a quartet, or discovering new music in a folk jam, these experiences deepen your connection to music and to your community.

I overheard someone at the casual music night I attended say that joining a community orchestra helped them find a sense of belonging after moving to a new city and brought them some of their best adult friendships.

Even if you don’t feel like you’re ready, there are such a wide variety of people to play with, ensembles, and classes, that there’s bound to be something that’s a great fit for you, even if it takes you a little while to find it.