What I Want to Tell You After 40+ Years in an Adult Band
You want to start a band as an adult. Or maybe you played in a band during your student days and want to do it again. If that's you, I urge you to take action now.
I've been in a band since my 20s, and this year I'm turning 64. I'm less of a "senior who's been doing this for 40+ years" and more of a "guy who just couldn't quit." During busy work periods, after getting married and having kids, I never let go of the band. Or rather, I couldn't let go of it—that's the honest truth.
More than 40 years ago, I joined a band in Soga, Chiba and practiced every week. I was tone-deaf in my 20s, but I sang anyway. Decades later, I'm still searching for a bassist. I've even offered my bass at home, saying "you can take it." Yet I still haven't found one.
But I think searching is what music is all about. For adult bands, continuing is harder than starting. That's why the first step matters so much.
In this article, I'll thoroughly explain how to start an adult band, weaving in my 40 years of experience and failures. This is written for everyone aspiring to play in an adult band—whether you're a complete beginner with no instrument experience or someone with a gap in experience from their student days.
Five Benefits of Adult Bands — Why They're Actually Better Than Student Days
Some people think "It's impossible to be in a band as an adult," but actually adults have many more advantages than students did.
1. Financial Resources — You Can Buy the Gear You Want
As a student, you had no money and made do with a cheap secondhand guitar. As an adult, you have the flexibility to spend several thousand yen per month on band activities. Being able to choose good instruments, good studios, and good live venues is a huge advantage.
2. Wider Network — Easier to Find Members
Your workplace, business contacts, networking events, SNS. Adults have far more connections than students. "Actually, I used to be in a band" is surprisingly common among coworkers. For someone like me who checks music-related Facebook groups daily, meeting people through SNS is now routine.
3. Emotional Maturity — Fewer Interpersonal Problems
The #1 reason student bands break up is listed as "musical differences," but the reality is usually relationship issues. Adults have communication skills honed by work. When there's a disagreement, they can handle it maturely. This is huge for band activities (see "How to Avoid Conflict Over Musical Differences in Bands" for details).
4. Stress Relief from Work — Ultimate Refresh
You loosen up your body stiff from desk work by moving freely in the studio. You sing loudly. You play drums. You thrash the guitar. Is there any better stress relief? For me, the studio after work was the best place to be.
5. Lifelong Hobby — You Can Continue After Retirement
Golf and fishing are good hobbies, but bands have the joy of "creating something together with others." Plus, they get better with age. The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger is still on stage over 80. I'm 64 and still very much active.
| Benefit | Student Days | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Resources | Depends on part-time work alone | Can invest thousands of yen monthly in hobby |
| Network | Centered around school | Work, SNS, cross-industry contacts |
| Communication Skills | Underdeveloped | Honed through work |
| Time Management | Plenty of time but lacks planning | Can use limited time efficiently |
| Continuity | Risk of breakup at graduation | Can continue after retirement |
How to Start an Adult Band — Five Steps
I often hear people say "I want to start a band but don't know where to begin." Let me explain how to start an adult band in five steps.
Step 1: Decide Your Instrument (Part)
First, decide which instrument you'll play. The basic parts of a band are as follows:
| Part | Difficulty (Beginner Reference) | Initial Cost Estimate | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocals | ★★☆☆☆ | ¥5,000–¥30,000 (microphone) | Lowest initial cost. Easy to start if you enjoy karaoke |
| Guitar | ★★★☆☆ | ¥30,000–¥80,000 | Most popular. Can do singer-songwriter if you learn chords |
| Bass | ★★☆☆☆ | ¥30,000–¥70,000 | Single notes are the foundation, easy to start. Chronically understaffed |
| Drums | ★★★★☆ | ¥50,000–¥150,000 | Need electronic drums for home practice. Also understaffed |
| Keyboards | ★★★☆☆ | ¥30,000–¥100,000 | Piano experience means you're immediately useful. High demand in bands |
If you have no instrument experience, I recommend vocals or bass. Vocals require the least investment, and bass focuses on single notes, so beginners can join a band relatively quickly. See "Complete Guide for Beginners Joining a Band" for details.
Step 2: Practice at Your Own Pace
Once you have an instrument, start with individual practice. Adults don't need to practice for hours every day. 15–30 minutes daily is better than cramming 3 hours on a weekend. It helps you improve faster.
You have three main practice options:
| Practice Method | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-teaching (YouTube / instructional books) | Free–a few thousand yen | You can learn at your own pace | Easy to pick up bad habits |
| Music school | ¥8,000–¥15,000/month | Learn proper form from a pro | Requires fixed schedule |
| Online lessons | ¥5,000–¥10,000/month | Can study from home | Audio lag in online format |
I strongly recommend music school for beginners. Getting proper form in the first three months dramatically affects your future improvement speed.
Step 3: Find Band Members
Once you can play reasonably well, it's time to find members. This might be the hardest step in starting an adult band. I'll explain more in "Six Ways to Find Members" below, but the key is to start looking once you can play decently, rather than waiting until you can play perfectly.
Honestly, at 64, I'm still searching for a bassist. It's hard to find one. But I believe the searching itself is part of making music.
Step 4: Enter a Studio and Practice Together
Once you have members, book a rehearsal studio and play together. Your first studio session might be nerve-wracking, but the thrill of being wrapped in that wall of sound is unforgettable.
For studio booking and selection details, see "How to Choose a Band Practice Studio". Budget roughly ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person for 2–3 hours.
Also check "How to Run Band Practice — Tips for Efficient Coordination and Time Management" for guidance on your first studio session.
Step 5: Set Goals and Keep Going
Once you're regularly in the studio, set your next goals:
- In 3 months: Be able to play 3 songs all the way through in the studio
- In 6 months: Try an open mic night at a live house
- In 1 year: Organize your own live show
Without goals, band activity becomes routine and members lose motivation. "How to Perform at a Live House" breaks down the specific steps to your first live performance.
Six Ways to Find Adult Band Members — With Comparison Table
There are mainly six ways for adults to find band members. Let's compare each:
| Method | Cost | Ease | Beginner-Friendly | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member recruitment sites | Free | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Filter by criteria. Most efficient |
| SNS (X / Facebook / Instagram) | Free | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Real-time recruitment posts |
| Studio bulletin board | Free | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Find members from your area |
| Music school | ¥8,000–¥15,000/month | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Learn instrument and make friends simultaneously |
| Adult band circle | ¥1,000–¥5,000/session | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Experience band play immediately |
| Jam session | ¥1,500–¥3,000/session | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Meet experienced players. For intermediate and above |
1. Member Recruitment Sites — The Most Efficient Method
Member recruitment sites let you search and filter by region, part, genre, age group, and practice frequency. You can search anytime from your PC or smartphone at home, making it the most efficient method for busy adults.
Let me compare the major sites:
| Site | Fee | Characteristics | Adult-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membo | Free | 8-language support, age and region filters, real-time translation chat | ★★★★★ |
| OURSOUNDS | Free | Operating since 2005. Has adult band and dad band categories | ★★★★☆ |
| Jimoty | Free | Community-focused. Posts mix instruments with other items | ★★★☆☆ |
| X (formerly Twitter) | Free | Search #バンドメンバー募集. High real-time relevance | ★★★☆☆ |
Membo has excellent age and region filters, letting you narrow down to "30s," "40s," or "50+." It's especially recommended for adult band member searches.
2. SNS — Facebook Groups Are Surprisingly Useful
I check music-related Facebook groups daily. Groups like "Band Member Recruitment" and "Adult Bands" attract lots of same-age adults. The X hashtag #バンドメンバー募集 is also very active.
3. Studio Bulletin Boards — Grassroots Connections
Rehearsal studios often have member recruitment bulletin boards. Since you use the same studio as others, you share the same region—no location hassles.
4. Music School — Most Recommended for Beginners
For inexperienced musicians, music school is the most reliable starting point. You can learn an instrument and have opportunities to form a band with fellow students. Look for schools hosting recitals or jam session events.
5. Adult Band Circle — Experience Band Play Hands-Free
Joining an adult band circle lets you jump into band play without the effort of finding members. In session-style circles, everyone practices an assigned song beforehand and plays together on the day. Most circles welcome beginners.
6. Jam Session — Meet Skilled Players
Jam sessions are for improvisation. You need decent playing ability, but you can directly connect with experienced musicians. See "Getting Started with Jam Sessions" for tips on your first time.
Six Recommended Adult Band Circles [2026 Edition]
Adult band circles are the fastest way to start band activities without assembling members. Here are recommended circles currently active as of 2026:
1. Keion R40 — Large-Scale Session Circle with National Reach
A session-format circle designed to "give busy adult musicians easy chances to perform." It runs regularly in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hyogo, with multiple events monthly as of April 2026. It covers J-pop to hard rock.
- Areas: Tokyo (Shibuya Gakki), Osaka (Arc, Vi-code, etc.), Hyogo (Kobe 108, PADOMA, etc.)
- For: Adult musicians (beginners welcome)
- Format: Session format
- Official site: keion-r40.net
2. Scramble Point Tokyo — Three Session Types to Choose From
An Akihabara-based band circle with three formats: jam sessions, practice cover sessions, and copy sessions. Choose the style matching your skill and preference. It welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced players with a gap.
- Areas: Tokyo (Suehiro-cho, Akihabara)
- For: Beginners to experienced
- Format: Jam session / cover session / copy session
- Official site: scramblepoint.jp
3. Soulmates — Nagoya Adult Band Circle
An adult band circle in Nagoya. People who join solo sometimes form bands within the circle and perform live three months later. It emphasizes "performers and audience creating the show together," making it ideal for live-focused adults. Currently recruiting new members.
- Areas: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
- For: Adults
- Format: Form band within circle → live performance
- Official site: 758soulmates.com
4. Powerythem — Osaka Band-Formation Circle
An Osaka-based circle that focuses on forming bands within the group and performing live, not session format. It emphasizes "creating a band," perfect for adults wanting steady member-based activity.
- Areas: Osaka
- For: Adults wanting to form a band
- Format: Band formation → live performance
- Official site: powerythem.jimdofree.com
5. Dooooor — Kobe Session Circle
A Kobe adult session circle with the motto "Play what you really want in a professional setting." It holds events at proper live venues every two months. Known for a calm atmosphere and that you can really play your favorite songs—better than any other circle, they say.
- Areas: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
- For: Adults
- Format: Session (live venue every two months)
- Official site: kobemusic-dooooors.studio.site
6. ColoRiff — Fukuoka Music Circle
A Fukuoka music circle run by Light Guitar Music School. It supports band play plus singer-songwriter and solo singers. Free to join, open to all ages with members from their 20s–50s. It covers pop to metal, anime songs, and enka.
- Areas: Fukuoka
- For: 20s–50s (no age limit)
- Format: Band / singer-songwriter / solo
- Cost: Free to join (paid when attending events)
- Official site: lightmusicschool.jp/bandclub
Age-Specific Advice for Adult Bands
Adult bands differ by age. Here's tailored advice for each:
| Age | Strengths | Challenges | Recommended Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20s | Physical energy and learning ability. Time flexibility | Limited finances. Inexperience | Combine music school + member recruitment sites. Build solid fundamentals now |
| 30s | Growing financial resources. Workplace credibility | Work is busy. Juggling family and kids | Join adult circle for 1–2 sessions monthly. Get family's understanding first |
| 40s | Peak finances. Rich connections | Physical decline. Managerial work eats time | Reunite with student bandmates or join same-age circle |
| 50s–60s | Growing free time. Life experience deepens playing | Few same-age members. Physical considerations | Join age-matched circle (like Keion R40). Pace yourself |
If you're in your 30s hesitating about starting a band, read "Guide to Restarting a Band in Your 40s and 50s." If people can do it at 40 or 50, 30 is no problem at all.
Adult Band "Common Stories" and Tips to Avoid Failure
Adult bands face unique challenges. Here are common issues and how to handle them based on 40 years of experience:
Common Story #1: Scheduling Conflicts
This is the #1 wall. Work overtime, family plans, business trips. Finding a day when everyone can show up is nearly impossible.
Solution: Fix a monthly practice day (e.g., second and fourth Saturday mornings). Keep practicing even if not everyone attends. If you cancel repeatedly, activity dies in 2–3 months.
Common Story #2: Mismatched Commitment Levels
Some want to perform live; others just want casual studio fun. This always creates friction.
Solution: Confirm everyone's goals when forming the band. Enthusiasm, covers vs. originals, and whether you'll perform live. This one conversation prevents 80% of future problems.
Common Story #3: Bringing Work Stress to the Studio
A bad day at work can make you vent frustration in the studio instead of releasing it.
Solution: Make it an unspoken rule not to discuss work at the studio. Music should be a healing place.
Common Story #4: Money Conflicts
Studio fees, shared equipment, live performance costs. Money causes trouble.
Solution: Create a shared band fund (joint account, PayPay, etc.) and go monthly dues. Transparency prevents conflict. See "The Real Cost of Band Activities" for details.
Common Story #5: Sudden Member Departure
Transfers, job changes, family matters. Adult member loss is inevitable.
Solution: Always keep an eye out for recruits. Stay registered on Membo and other recruitment sites so you can react quickly when needed.
Adult Band Monthly Cost Guide
"How much does an adult band cost?" is the most common question. Here are realistic monthly figures:
| Expense | Budget | Standard | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (2x/month) | ¥2,000 | ¥4,000 | ¥6,000 |
| Strings and consumables | ¥500 | ¥1,000 | ¥2,000 |
| Music school | ¥0 | ¥0 | ¥10,000 |
| Circle participation | ¥0 | ¥3,000 | ¥5,000 |
| Live costs (monthly average) | ¥0 | ¥2,000 | ¥5,000 |
| Travel | ¥1,000 | ¥2,000 | ¥3,000 |
| Total | ¥3,500 | ¥12,000 | ¥31,000 |
Budget option is ¥3,500/month—cheaper than one night out. Standard is around ¥12,000. Whether you see that as high or low depends on your values. For a hobby you can do for life, I think it's amazing value.
Upfront costs (instruments, gear) are detailed in "The Real Cost of Band Activities".
Cover Band or Original Band — The Adult Band Choice
One key decision when starting an adult band is "cover or original?"
My conclusion: I strongly recommend covers for adult beginners. Three reasons:
- Easier to recruit: "We're doing this band's songs" gets more applications than vague recruitment
- Clear practice targets: The original song is the goal, making personal practice easier
- Live reception: Playing songs the audience knows gets better reactions, even for first-timers
For cover band basics, see "Getting Started with a Cover Band". Lost on first song choice? Check "How to Choose Your Band's First Song". Once stable, try originals using "How to Create Original Band Songs".
Five Tips for Long-Term Adult Band Success
Adult bands face a different challenge than student bands: continuing. Let me share five tips from 40 years of never quitting.
1. Set an Achievable Pace Everyone Agrees On
Twice monthly is the sweet spot. Monthly means you forget too easily. Four times is hard to balance work and family. Decide a sustainable pace when forming the band.
2. Practice Even When Not Everyone Shows Up
Show up with whoever can. Canceling when someone's absent kills the band in 2–3 months—the #1 cause of adult band death.
3. Set Regular Live Goals
Even just twice yearly. "Our next gig is in (month)" motivates practice like nothing else. Aimless bands fade.
4. Respect Members' Other Lives
Kids' sports days, parent care, work crunch. Adults have priorities outside the band. Support each other, don't judge.
5. Value Non-Music Connection
Post-practice meals, group chat chat, annual trips. Bands are about people. Music-only bonds break when music suffers. Deep friendships survive everything.
Find Adult Band Members with Membo
Membo specializes in band recruitment. It has features perfect for adult band member searches:
- Age filter: Search 20s, 30s, 40s, 50+
- Region filter: Narrow to prefecture or city
- Genre filter: Rock, pop, jazz, metal, etc.
- Part filter: Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals
- 8-language real-time translation chat: Connect with international members too (see "8-Language Real-Time Translation Chat")
- Completely free
If you're looking for adult bandmates, try **searching on Membo** first. You'll find someone in your region, age group, and musical taste.
FAQ — Common Adult Band Questions
Q. How old can I be and still play in an adult band?
No age limit. The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger tours at 80+. I'm 64 and still active. Adjust pace with age, and you can play forever.
Q. Can I join an adult band as a complete beginner?
Yes. Many adult circles are "beginner-welcome." After 3–6 months, you can play simple songs together. Even if imperfect, wanting to play together matters. See "Complete Guide for Beginners Joining a Band".
Q. How often should an adult band practice?
Twice monthly (every other week) is most common. Once monthly makes forgetting too easy. Four times becomes too demanding with work and family. Individual practice is ideally 15–30 minutes daily.
Q. What's the monthly cost?
Budget option: ¥3,500. Standard: ¥12,000. Serious: ¥31,000. Studio (¥2,000–6,000/month) is the biggest cost. Excluding upfront instrument purchases, it's comparable to 2–3 dinners out.
Q. What if I can't find members?
Don't rely on one method. Use recruitment sites (Membo, etc.) + SNS + studio boards + circles simultaneously. Revise your recruitment message too. "Five Reasons Members Aren't Found and How to Fix It" covers typical problems and solutions.
Conclusion — Start Your Adult Band Today
Here's a summary of how to start an adult band:
- Decide an instrument and start practicing (vocals or bass for beginners)
- Find members using Membo, circles, and music schools simultaneously
- Enter a studio and play together
- Set goals and practice regularly
- Keep a sustainable pace for the long haul
I'm 64 and still searching for a bassist after 40+ years. It's still unfinished. But that searching is what music is.
There's no "too late" for adult bands. 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s—doesn't matter. The day you pick up an instrument is day one of your musical life.
Start by searching Membo for bandmates in your region and age group. Your future musical friends are out there waiting.
