Nursing home residents enjoy a change of pace in their sometimes dull lives; playing music for the elderly can brighten their day and enrich your life at the same time. Call your local nursing home; ask to speak to the program manager or the creative director. These individuals are typically in charge of parties, holidays, craft events and other special occasions and will be able to answer your questions and give you permission to play at the facility.
Inquire about any instruments that might already be at the nursing home. Many homes have a piano. If they allow you to use it, you won't have to bring your own keyboard. Keep in mind that elderly ears are not fond of loud, pounding electric instruments. A band comprised mostly of electric guitars and bass will probably need to find a different venue.
Most churches welcome musical talent no matter what the size of their congregation or facility. For instance, Calvary Baptist Church of Lexington, Kentucky, offers church members of all ages to join some type of music ministry at their church, whether it's a small group, children's choir or guitar band.
Music ministry is often easier to coordinate at a church where different types of musicians attend worship. You can organize different types of small groups for separate musical categories. Singers can from trios and quartets or lead the vocals in a praise band. Guitarists are versatile and can accompany almost any other instrument or soloist as well as play in a band.
If you're looking for a bigger responsibility than playing in a worship group, consider becoming a worship leader or music pastor. According to TBBC Music Ministry, a music minister's principal duties are to plan, coordinate, conduct and evaluate a comprehensive music ministry for the church. They are accountable to the main pastor or church leader and are responsible for recruiting, training and counseling members of church music groups.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events in your area that could be enhanced with a little music. Playing Christmas music at your town's Christmas walk can give your band exposure and provide free, wholesome entertainment for visitors. Depending on where you're playing, you could ask permission to raise funds for a youth group trip or a church project.
If your town has a band shell in the park, inquire with City Hall or the director of band events for permission to use it during ice cream socials, Independence Day parades and other city-wide celebrations.