There is a time in every player’s musical life when you realize that you want to play more, but not quite sure with whom or where to even begin.

The good news is that the ACMP community is at your fingertips. The question is how to actually get to playing and connecting, whether that is something casual or a more regular group.

Here are some ways to get started and begin building a community around you. 

Start with your profile

Before reaching out, make sure your profile is up to date. Add a photo and fill in your profile info. It makes it much easier for someone to respond and get a sense of who you are.  

A few examples of excellent profiles: Frank Song, Ed Bridge, Pat Brown

Use the Find Players page and reach out

Try both search options in the directory. By proximity: lets you find players within a certain distance. In a specific location:  lets you search within a city or area.

Pick several players in the ACMP Directory who seem compatible: 

• Similar playing level and/or repertoire interests
• Instruments that could plausibly form a group
• Or if they just seem interesting

Even in areas with just a few players – the person you reach out to might be able to introduce you to their friends!

Tip: use “proximity” to find players within a certain distance like your preferred travel distance. 

More info on proximity vs in a specific location

Send a simple message!

Reach out via email or through the ACMP system with something low pressure. 

 “Hi Joseph, 

I’m a cellist in Brooklyn and saw your profile. I’ve been wanting to play some cello and bass duos. Would you be interested in getting together to read sometime? Also, down for a coffee and connect otherwise”

Tip: If you send an email include a link to your player profile

Sometimes it helps to meet for coffee or a drink first just to get a sense of who someone is. Try to stay open minded and let things develop naturally. Sometimes people respond quickly and a session comes together right away. Other times it takes a bit longer. Be flexible on the group, instruments and repertoire.

Come to an ACMP event

Events are often the fastest way to meet people.  Come to an ACMP event like the quarterly sessions at Grimm Artisanal Ales in NYC or check out our event page for events happening near you. 

Tip: If there aren’t any events near you, think about planning one! We have grants to help support Play-ins (May is Worldwide Play-in Month) :  Play-In Grants

Reach out to a NAOC/IAC council member

Also, reach out to your local NAOC/IAC council person. Ask them if they wouldn’t mind connecting you to players in their network. If there isn’t a council person near you, think about becoming one and organizing something.

NAOC/IAC council (Click councils in the upper right corner)

If you have questions, would like more tips or have issues feel free to reach out to me directly jbrock@acmp.net.