Just Jam! The Benefits of Playing with Other Musicians

The first time I was asked to accompany a choir on the piano, I was only 14 years old. Even though I could play the songs quite well on my own, keeping up with the ensemble was a challenge I had not yet experienced. It tested my sense of time and my ability to compensate for mistakes without hesitation or losing the beat. Throughout my high school career, I continued to accompany choirs and other musicians, which significantly improved my musicianship at a much faster rate than ever before. Once I found myself more easily keeping up with the moving music, I started getting better and better at true collaboration. If they took a large crescendo, subito dynamic, or ritardando, I would naturally respond without much conscious thought.

When I got to college, I frequently found myself behind the piano in a choir rehearsal when the conductor would throw a brand new piece in front of me and say, “Corinne, play all four vocal lines at once for the choir to hear!” I had never been a good sight reader until that professor forced me to do it live and in front of the ensemble, over and over. I believe those are the moments when we grow the most as musicians—when we just dive in and do it!

As I’ve illustrated above, there are multiple benefits to playing with other musicians:

1. Most notably, collaborating with others can greatly enhance your musical skills, particularly in learning how to listen to other musicians and respond to their cues accordingly. The synergy that musicians can create by jamming together is a unique and rewarding experience; you can’t achieve that by simply playing along to a recording!

2. Playing with others also allows you to learn new techniques and styles, and can provide you with a fresh perspective on music. You gain access to a whole new realm of songs or genres that may not have had the same impact when played alone.

3. It can help lessen stage fright! Performing in general is nerve-wracking, but the support of your fellow musicians next to you can calm your nerves and make you feel less in the individual spotlight.

4. It allows you to build relationships within the music community.

5. Playing with other musicians is FUN.

If you have musicians in your family or friend groups, no matter what level you are all at, ask your teacher to help you find something to play together. You will be glad you did!