How to Start a Band when You're in School

Co-authored by Tanisha Hall

Last Updated: June 26, 2024

Whether you are either 12 or late into your teens’ range, you can start a band at any age. Most importantly, you need bandmates - you can recruit people that you are already friends with, or reach out to people at school who you know are musically inclined. Read on to learn more about the process of starting your own band.

1

Get your bandmates together.

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You can also ask people at school who you know play music. Choose people you know and trust.

2

Practice a lot.

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Before writing your own songs, try performing songs by other bands. If you can do it, you're ready to make your own.
- Learn and feel comfortable with the basics of your instruments.
- Start by covering songs. Have a band manager (someone in the band, normally the most responsible person) who plans practices.

3

Create your first song.

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There are a number of ways to do this. Normally, though, your lead singer will write the songs because they are the one singing and know how it would sound. It could be something funny, happy, sad or imaginative; whatever takes your group's fancy.
- If you don’t play an instrument, use a website like BeatStars to lay down an instrumental track.

4

Prepare your first album.

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You need about maybe 5-10 songs, then you have to decide on your album name. Record it on a cassette or CD. You can add the approximate running time and the age levels of this album. Then give it out to people around school. But make sure not to record any of the songs that may have included bad words, swearing, strong/vulgar language, violence, and inappropriate content in them. Same goes for stealing and claiming it’s yours. That’s considered copyrighted content.
2
Plan gigs. Your band wants to get a gig at the school. Ask the principal or dean if you can plan a show in the cafeteria, gym, or similar area. If they say yes, start preparing and pass out flyers or make posters and TV commercials to advertise the event, depending on how much the admission fee costs.
- Have your band manager find someone to let you play a gig somewhere where lots of people go. While it can seem hard, this is good management and communication skill building for this person.

5

Play your first gig.

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It's the big night, your crowd is excited, you're ready to make history in your school. Don't be nervous; if you practice enough, you'll be fine.
- Before you play: it always helps for the singer to take a sip of water to get his/her vocals flowing. And don't practice much on the day of the gig, you don't want to be worn out when it's time for the real deal.
- Pass out some merchandise. Make CDs of the songs you've covered, and pass them out at your gig. Band t-shirts, toys, books, tableware, mugs, furniture, and other items would be good too. Clothing and shoe sizes may vary depending on the item. Each sold separately.

6

Continue in the same way.

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For band life afterwards, keep practicing, keep planning gigs. Play a few more gigs. Get a relatively large fan base. A feature in the local newspaper is a really good thing to happen.
- Make a kit of your music and stuff, and send your demo to record labels. This is how some school bands manage to get signed.

7

Hit success.

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Be prepared. After getting a label, you will be playing concerts everywhere. People at school are going to be fawning over you. Don't give out your phone number unless you are really good friends with the person. Be careful if anyone asks you to be their girlfriend/boyfriend, because if they didn't know you before, they probably just want you for the fame.

8

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fame.

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You will still have to work, and although it may be fun, keep putting effort into it, and you'll need to start writing songs now. But, if you keep working at both school and the band, you are well on your way to success.

Community Q&A

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Question

What should be my band name?

Community Answer

Anything you'd like! Be sure to talk it over with your band mates and try to pick something that isn't already taken.

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What is a good way to make money for the equipment?

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Washing cars, mowing lawns, raking leaves, and shoveling snow are good ways to make money in general.

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What are the best instruments to play in a band if I can't get a bass?

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There isn't really a group of "best instruments" to use in a band. Depending on the genre, you may not have even needed a bass in the first place. An EDM band is going to rely on a synthesizer more than, say, a country band.Many major-label artists use a variety of instruments, often rotating between them depending on the song. That being said, it's hard to go wrong with a guitar, keyboard, drums, and a singer.

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Tips

Always be sure to practice at least once a week. You're not a true band if you don't spend a lot of time together! Check the calendar for details.

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Always remember that all of your band mates are there for you. You have their back and they have yours.

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Check the flyers to see how much the admission fee costs.

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Warnings

Don't get self absorbed. The band is deciding together. You all help each other out. Do not act like you're the leader and you're the best! Everyone counts.

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Do not use weapons, firearms, and others, because they are strictly prohibited to bring weapons into public places.

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Don’t record any of the songs that have included bad words and foul language, which may be inappropriate and not suitable for kids (13 and under).

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