The Importance of Musical Peers

During one-on-one lessons with a private instructor, it’s common for music students to get comfortable performing in front of their instructor after a short time. The confidence that students gain through sharing music with their instructor is one of the great benefits of private music lessons, and that confidence plays a huge part in creating a capable musician in the future. Once students are comfortable performing in the lesson room for their instructor, it’s important for them to take the next step to share and make music with their peers whenever possible. No matter a student’s age or experience level, every developing musician can benefit from making music along with others, especially those in their age group. I’ve found that students who have fellow musicians in their social circle become more confident performers, discover new music more easily, appreciate a wider variety of music, and often become more inspired to practice. Because of this, I recommend all music students seek out other musicians at their schools, sports teams, church groups, as well as in their own families, and begin sharing and making music as soon as possible.

Here are a few tips for the music students interested in connecting with their musical peers: Are you a beginner only comfortable with a few songs or riffs? No problem. Chances are your fellow music students only have a few pieces of music ready to share also and would be happy to hear what music you are currently working on. Feel intimidated by a more experienced peer? That’s normal. Oftentimes seeing more experienced musicians in their age group is exactly the motivation students need to get more out of their own practice. Can’t seem to find any other musicians to jam with? Consider a SAMA Ensemble program. It’s a great way for students to get the benefits of making music with other musicians in their age group.

Students, whether you have 1 musical friend or 100, remember to get out there and share your favorite music with each other, perform for one another, teach each other music on your instruments, play duets and ensemble music regularly, attend concerts together, and always remember to encourage each other along the way while you enjoy your growth as musicians. Not only will you end up a better musician, you just might make a few lifelong friends along the way.