Saturday 28 Mar 2026, 2:19pm
Hello to all seasoned music lovers and music makers.
I’m a composer, arranger, choir conductor, organist, pianist, multi-instrumentalist living in Esher, Surrey. Having wandered past 70 with a grin, I’m reaching out to fellow 65+ musicians who feel that classical music in all its colours from intimate to grand is one of life’s most loyal friends.
Just a quick word to set the scene: I’m fully aware that posting a classical-music-only invitation on Join My Band is a bit like bringing a harpsichord to a jam session. Yet here we are. If you, too, have found yourself browsing this site in search of something a little more Bach than backbeat, we may already share both a sense of humour and a wavelength. To be clear, I’m thinking of light, small-scale classical repertoire; music with that gentle, unmistakably classical feel (any style within the genre), without anything too heavy, virtuosic or large-scale.
I’m looking for like-minded people who enjoy making art music in a relaxed, friendly spirit:
• Collaborations with singers or instrumentalists (voice, violin, cello, flute, clarinet etc.) – duos, chamber music, lied, small ensembles, choirs
• Projects where music needs to be composed, arranged, transposed, deciphered or gently coaxed into shape
• Or simply the pleasure of playing together without any pressure or performance agenda
Whether in a duo or a larger ensemble, I’m happy to be the one at the piano or organ; you might be with a stream of song on your breath, a violin under your chin, a cello in front of you, a flute at your lips, or any other solo instrument that is part of you, and I’ll be there – as the music calls for, at the piano or at the organ – shaping the music with you.
I'm fluent in reading and writing any music material from complex orchestral sheet music scores with dozens of staves (the sort that require a wide desk, strong tea and a calm sense of ”we’re past the point of no return”) all the way down to the most intimate duo pieces.
Please notice that, importantly, this invitation is not only for professionals. If you’re an enthusiastic amateur, someone who once played or sang and would love to return to it, or if you simply want to enjoy making music in a warm, encouraging environment, you are wholeheartedly welcome. Classical music belongs to everyone who feels its pull.
And just to circle back to the beginning: This is very much a 65+ gathering of musical minds – people with enough years behind them to appreciate a good shared phrase, a well-timed pause, and the luxury of making music purely because it brings joy.
I’m wrapped up in some biggish composition projects for the next couple of months, so there’s no rush at all. At this stage I’m genuinely very interested to see what this invitation sets in motion – not only among people who might want to play or sing, but also among those who simply feel a flicker of recognition, curiosity or imagination when they read it.
I was born in Helsinki, Finland, and have lived in Esher since 2017, and perhaps because of that blend of roots and new surroundings, I’d love to see this area open up musically in ways that reach a little deeper and a little wider than my current circle. Even a small thought, a passing idea or a personal association would be lovely to hear.
Our connection might take many forms: Playing, singing, arranging, composing and shaping new music, or simply sharing a musical idea or two.
I’m not looking for long exchanges. They can easily become a bit much for both sides. A brief thought or a passing impression would mean a great deal. Whatever this invitation happens to stir, however small, is simply lovely to hear. If this speaks to you, or to someone you know, I’d be delighted to receive a short note or reaction.
One small practical point: If you prefer to reply privately, email is usually the easiest – studiomsts@ik.me –, though a private JMB message works, too. But if you’d like your thoughts to be visible to others and to invite others into the conversation, you’re warmly welcome to post a public reply beneath this listing. Thank you.
What might we shape together, friends?
With heartfelt notes
Tapio (Esher)