It’s never too late to make music

‘Before long, I found myself doing something I never imagined — starting my first garage band at 49 years old.’”

When the Beatles came to America, I was one of countless kids who suddenly decided they needed a guitar. Something about that moment lit a spark in so many of us.

I got my first guitar not long after, and like a lot of beginners, I spent hours trying to learn chords and songs I loved. For a while, music was a regular part of my life. But as the years went on, life got busy. Work, responsibilities and everyday routines slowly pushed music aside. Any involvement I had in music was as a listener, promoter and advocate for professional and amateur musicians. The guitar didn’t disappear, but it spent more and more time sitting quietly in its case.

Years later, a friend of mine who ran a local weekly jam kept encouraging me to come down and sit in. I resisted at first. I told him I was rusty, out of practice, and probably too old to start again in any meaningful way. But he kept inviting me, and eventually I gave in. I showed up, plugged in, and tried to remember what I once knew. Something unexpected happened that night — the spark came back. Before long, I found myself doing something I never imagined: starting my first garage band at 49 years old. That experience taught me a powerful lesson — it’s never too late to make music.

Weekly jams have a way of bringing people back to music, or introducing them to it for the very first time. Having a regular place to play gives you something to look forward to each week. It creates motivation to practice and a reason to keep improving. Playing with others pushes you, challenges you, and helps you grow faster than practicing alone at home. What might feel frustrating in your living room suddenly becomes fun when you're sharing it with others.

But one of the greatest benefits of weekly jams isn’t just musical — it’s social. These gatherings create friendships that often extend beyond the music itself. You’ll find people of all ages and backgrounds standing side by side, sharing songs, trading tips, and encouraging each other along the way. Some people walk in nervous the first time, unsure if they belong, but quickly realize they’ve stepped into a welcoming community. Music becomes the common language that connects everyone in the room.

Another important truth about weekly jams is that they are safe spaces — places where encouragement matters more than perfection. Many people hesitate because they worry they’re not good enough or that others will judge them. In reality, most musicians remember exactly what it felt like to be new or out of practice. They understand the nerves, and they’re usually the first to offer support. Mistakes are expected. In fact, they’re part of learning — and often part of the fun.

Music has a way of reigniting passion — or helping people discover it for the first time. Some folks return to instruments after decades away, while others decide to try something completely new later in life. Learning music keeps your mind active, builds confidence, and gives you a creative outlet that never gets old.

Music doesn’t care how old you are. It doesn’t ask how long it’s been since you last played. All it asks is that you show up and give it a try. If my journey taught me anything, it’s that one invitation, one jam session, or one decision to dust off an old instrument can open doors you never expected.

And the good news is, you don’t have to travel far to find that opportunity. There are weekly jams happening right here in Mount Kisco and throughout the surrounding communities. Many local venues host regular jam nights where beginners and experienced musicians alike are welcome. If you’ve ever thought about joining in, take a few minutes to search social media for “weekly jams” in Mount Kisco or nearby towns. Dust off that old guitar, sit behind a drum kit, or step up to the microphone — because sometimes the best adventures start with simply showing up.

Next month, I’ll introduce you to some of the local musicians who keep our weekly jams alive — and the stories that brought them there.

Duke Covone is a Mount Kisco resident. He is also the founder of Redline Music Stage in Westchester County and an active supporter of the local live music scene. He works with artists and venues to create performance opportunities and build community. His column highlights the people and stories shaping Westchester’s vibrant music culture.