Okay, you want to get into making music! Just like with any other pursuit, the first step is the most important – and can be the most difficult. Where do you start? The fact is, there are a lot of opportunities within arm’s reach – some of them right in your own school or hometown.

School

Finding the right people to play with and the means to accomplish the right kind of chemistry in a group of individuals is easier said than done. School is probably the best place to meet people who have the same tastes in music and similar ideas of what they want to accomplish as a member of a band. School music programs are an ideal place to pick and choose between players of instruments. It's basically like shopping for a band.

School Music Club
If your school does not have a platform in which students can learn music due to budget cuts and/or disinterest then the next step is to start a club. Starting a music club can be beneficial to both the student and the faculty. Finding sponsors and getting enough votes to have the club officiated will be simple, even if there are a small number of members. Student government is the best way to get the word out that a club is going to happen for people who want to play music. Depending on the platform the club is run upon, all genres and players of different abilities should be allowed to join. This way you avoid ostracizing any who feel the club isn't all-inclusive. Most retail stores will set up a group rate for instrument rental and surely there is a member of the school faculty that would be honored to head up orchestrating the music club. If you can't find a sponsor at your high school, check with the local community college's music department. They might have student teachers that your school will allow to earn additional credits by working with your club. Some colleges also have community outreach departments or college radio stations that will be willing to help organize. Check with local music stores as well, they will also be willing to provide some materials for the club.

After School Programs

Boys and Girls Club
http://www.bgca.org/
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Retail Music Store

When it comes to getting started, there is no better place than your local music store. Besides just selling gear, the typical music store has a complete line of instruction books, books that feature specific styles of play such as blues, jazz, country or metal, and sheet music and tablature for almost any song you'd want. Of course, they're also going to have all of the other stuff you need, such as drum sticks, guitar strings, reeds, instrument cases, electric tuners and learning aids, such as metronomes. Basically, if you need to play music, they'll have it or know where to get it.