If you’re stuck in a creative rut, nothing gets you out if it like connecting with other artists, many of whom might be needing to scratch the same itch as you. For musicians, that means getting together and jamming. There are many reasons why you should leave your comfort zone and jam with others. Here are five.  

–It helps you become a better musician. Even if you know your blues scales backwards and forwards and can play them in your sleep, jamming with a jazz sideman can challenge you, as he begins playing complex chords you didn’t even know existed. Or, perhaps some Irish session musicians are sitting in on the jam, playing gripping songs you’ve never heard before but want to learn inside and out. When you’re playing with others, you’re learning. Even if the others players aren’t up to snuff, they are learning also, and can remind you of what not to do.

–It’s how you can find new band members. A main reason people come together to jam in open sessions with other musicians is to find other musicians to jam with privately. It’s sort of like speed dating for musicians. And it’s a great way for future band members find each other.

–It’s good for networking and a sense of community. You live in a community. Other musicians live in that community. Jamming with musicians in your community leads to a greater sense of community. If somebody has a lead on a great paying gig, they’re more likely to share it with a friend in their jam session than with outsiders. If you aren’t a church goer, but crave the type of togetherness often found in religious circles, perhaps you’ll find it in a jam circle.

–It’s a good way to take a break from the routine. The converse to the finding of new band members mentioned above is taking a break  from current band members. Bands are like families. We love and support each other, but we also get sick of each other from time to time and need a break. Nothing cures that ill like jamming with strangers and friends. It reinvigorates the spirit and gives you a much needed respite from your loud drummer and self-indulgent lead singer.

–It connects beginners and mentors. The Catch-22 of needing a place to get experience gigging but not being able to start because you don’t have gigging experience is solved in a jam session. Many clubs, coffeehouses, churches and other types of venues regularly host open jam sessions where all are welcome to join in. These sessions are usually hosted by experienced players and attended by novice players. This makes for the perfect setup of the classic mentor/student scenario.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about playing your chosen instrument, or share your ample performing wisdom with newbies, an open jam session is the friendliest environment to do it in.