How to Start a Band in Middle School and High School: What You Need

Starting a band can be fun, difficult, and very rewarding – or a flop! What direction the band takes can depend on a lot of things. So, it is best to be careful in making decisions, especially in the early stages of the band.

What Do You Need To Start A Band

• First, find musicians: a lead singer, a bassist, a lead guitarist, and a drummer.
  Finding a musician who is also a song/music writer is great for the band. If it is difficult to find musicians who you know personally, try searching at local bulletins/newspapers or the internet.
• In picking the musician to join the band, it is best to consider
  • Talent
  • Gender – is it an issue with the other members of the band?
  • Musical taste
  • Equipment
  • Band playing experience
  • Temperament
  • Compatibility with other members
• Decide what music genre to play. This will affect a lot of things in the band, especially the songs the band will write and play.
• Decide on the name of the band.
• Decide on who the leader will be.
• Decide on who should do what. Someone might be multi-talented and know how to play different instruments and could sing, too! It is important to determine who the lead singer will be.
• Decide on the practice place – it should be in a place where the neighbors can tolerate the noise or there are no neighbors very close to the area.
• Decide if the band would need to buy certain instruments.
• Practice a lot.
• Make a demo and promote.

How to Start a Band in Middle School

• Follow the steps above.
• It might be necessary to find a band adviser.
• Ask permission from all the parents of the band members.
• Choose a practice area that is convenient and safe for all members.
• Promote the band in school.
• Keep practicing and putting up shows for school events. This will make the band known in the school and the community as well.

How to Start a Band in High School or College

• Follow the steps above.
• Promote the band in school.
• Promote the band in the community. Who knows? The band might be discovered by a talent scout and make it big someday. Remember, a lot of well known bands began as high school bands.
• Keep practicing.