The Music Scene in Exeter: How to Get Involved

Exeter is a vibrant city in the South West of England, and an absolute goldmine for music lovers too - if you didn’t already know! That’s right, Exeter makes a worthy component for northern rivals such as Liverpool and Manchester for their bustling and eclectic musical market.  

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just someone with a passion for melodies, Exeter offers plenty of opportunities for people of all musical backgrounds to find their niche in the city. Here are some different routes to getting involved in the music scene in Exeter:

Join a Group

If you’re looking to collaborate with fellow musicians, finding a music group or band that’s looking for a new member is the perfect way to get started. But before you go into an audition blind, it’s worth getting some practice with classes conducted by experienced professionals. This isn't to say that you’re not talented enough, but experts can refine your vocal or instrumental technique to suit the musical group you’re auditioning for.

Conveniently, the likes of Pirate.com offer expert guidance: you can find and nurture your unique artistic identity with coaching through in-person lessons. There are various Pirate studios up and down the country, with the closest to Exeter being Plymouth, Bristol and around nine studios dotted around London.
If practicing in studio is not the best option for you,, you can take online lessons instead. The primary takeaway from these 1-2-1 sessions is more confidence in expressing your emotions through music and making your performances authentic.

For further networking, we suggest apps such as Meetup, which are designed to connect people who share similar interests. Just use the app to search for music groups in Exeter, and we’re sure the list will be plentiful!

Open Mic Nights

Participating in open mic nights is a great way to showcase your talent, enjoy other live performances, and simply have a laugh in a friendly and supportive environment.

Nervous to go alone? Don’t be. The number one rule for any open mic night is to never be afraid to go alone, as noted by HuffPost.co.uk. With that being said, Exeter has several friendly venues that regularly host open mic nights. Some popular spots include ‘The Angel Bar & Kitchen’ and ‘The Oddfellows.’

Situated in the heart of Exeter, The Angel Bar is easily accessible from wherever in Exeter you’re based, and the crowd is known for its supportive nature - especially with newbies.

The Oddfellows is a well-established community hub for musicians in Exeter. The venue is also known to occasionally host special music events and collaborations - ask the bar what they have planned so you can stay in the loop!

Volunteer at Music Events

Finally, you could consider offering your time as a volunteer at music festivals and concerts in Exeter. Volunteering not only allows you to contribute to the music community but also allows you to meet people in the music industry and other volunteers that share the same passion. Yonder is a fun end-of-summer dance music festival that occurs each September in Exeter. Just head to https://www.yonderfestival.co.uk/ to see how you can sign up as a volunteer!

Find Your Place in Exeter

Regardless of which path you choose, the Exonians are sure to welcome you with open arms and open lungs into their lovely little city. Whether you aspire to join a music group, volunteer at music events, or get involved with open mic nights, there is a spot for you in Exeter’s robust musical market.