It’s never too late to join the jam

After writing about my own experience learning music later in life, I realized something important — my story isn’t unique.

Every week at local jams and music gatherings, I meet people who picked up an instrument well into adulthood. Some started in their 40s, others in their 50s, 60s, and even beyond, and nearly all of them share the same thought: “I wish I had started sooner — but I’m glad I finally did.”

So for this article, I talked directly with several musicians who found their way into jam sessions later in life, and their stories prove that music has no expiration date.

Keith Fulsher, now 71, remembers his first jam session clearly. It took place at Lucy’s in Pleasantville, where he showed up with a small practice amp and a lot of curiosity. After realizing he couldn’t be heard over the group, he upgraded his equipment the very next week — a small but meaningful step into the world of live playing. What keeps him coming back, even now, is the camaraderie and the chance to grow.

“Playing with different people pushes you to new places,” he said. “You stretch out musically and try things you may not ordinarily try.”

Over time, jam sessions taught him one of the most valuable musical skills — listening. Learning to adapt to different musicians and skill levels helped him appreciate effort just as much as talent.

Nick Grippo, 34, described himself as once being a “bedroom guitar player,” unsure of what would happen when he finally stepped on stage. His early jam experiences helped him transform from someone who simply played at home into someone comfortable performing in front of others.

“I knew how to play, but jams helped me learn how to perform,” he explained.

Today, he credits the jam community with helping him build confidence, develop stage skills, and even form bands with musicians he met along the way. His advice to beginners is refreshingly honest:

“When you do anything for the first time, chances are you’re going to struggle — but if you stick with it, you’ll be surprised how much you improve.”

Frank Calderone, 71, looks many years younger than his age and credits his 50-plus years as a musician for his health. He didn’t attend his first jam until his 50s, even though he had played music for years. At first, the experience felt uncomfortable and unfamiliar, but persistence paid off.

“Jam sessions are a learning experience,” he said. “It’s not an audition. It’s a place to play and make mistakes and learn.”

He believes the most important unspoken rule at any jam is respect — respect for other musicians, their effort, and their courage to step on stage.

For longtime jam host Mani Cregan, jam sessions represent something even bigger than individual improvement — they represent community. After years of attending and running jams, he has seen firsthand how quickly musicians grow when they step into a room full of others willing to share the stage.

“There’s no quicker way to improve than playing with others,” he said. “You can learn more in a year by being out jamming than you would in your room at home in five.”

He believes the real magic of jam sessions comes from connection — friendships forming, musicians finding their people, and moments when everything just clicks.

What these musicians share is not just a love of music, but a willingness to try something new, take risks and keep learning. Jam sessions aren’t about perfection — they’re about participation, growth and community. And for many musicians, especially those starting later in life, they become more than just a place to play — they become a place to belong.