Q&A for How to Start a Band when You're in School

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

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

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.

It really depends on what you already have and what you think you'll need. Pool your resources with your band mates (instruments, amps, songwriting materials, costuming, etc.) and add up the costs of whatever you are missing.

Try doing a cover of a song you already like. To write a song, one has to have a thorough understanding of music theory, poetic meter, harmonies, etc. It's much easier to look up a prepared tablature online, though you might run into copyright issues if you're trying to sell a cover of a song.

You'll probably only need a basic PA, for the purpose of rehearsing. Most places you would play will have their own sound system.

Use an app called BandLab where you can record and share music. I have used it to send my part of a song to my band mate across the country and they recorded over it.

You could use social media and bulletin boards in music shops to find people in your area who do share your taste in music with whom to form your band instead. You could also compromise with your friends to either play songs from genres that each member enjoys or play songs that are mutually-agreeable by all members.

If you can't find a trusted friend, ask your mom or dad to volunteer. If run out of options, talk to all your band members and take decisions.

You could try looking online and trade something for a bass instead of spending money. Or ask others if they may know someone who has a bass and is willing for it to be borrowed.

You don't need much. As long as you're willing to learn and you have a good group of friends, then you should be good. No musician starts with experience. The biggest part about forming a band is finding people who are dedicated and committed to the band's success.

You can try using premade drum tracks or making your own drum tracks. Apparently, All American Rejects started out that way.

Instead of asking around, you could hold interviews or tryouts for your band. You could even make a flyer, get permission first before you put it throughout the school.