How to play well with others

We all live and breathe amongst an ocean of energy - we are always interacting and relating with other people. Making beautiful music together is more than a metaphor - when we are literally "in concert" with another or others, when we are creating sounds together with others that are harmonious, that are complex and dependent on each voice or instrument, we are addressing at a profound level each person's need and ability to be in relation to another.

Ok, enough of the cosmic point of view! On a practical level, I have my students begin playing with others within the first 4 months, at a very simple level. Even at this beginning level they are learning to attend with their minds, ears and eyes to another and to adjust their actions (playing their instrument) in very subtle ways to be in "harmony" with another person.. I believe that the gifts of learning to "make music" with others extend to other areas of relating and living well. How can we all not benefit from having our selves more finely attuned to being in harmonious relationship to others?