Abstract
<p>Approximately 14 million people in Germany participate in amateur music-making, much of which takes place within socially structured clubs rooted in volunteerism. This study draws on interviews with 22 ensemble members conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore the interplay between individual and collective dimensions of ensemble participation. Participants’ motivations and experiences were analysed across four interrelated orientations: self, community, experience, and result. While these aspects may appear contradictory, they are in fact complementary, reflecting the complexity of amateur ensemble life. The ensemble offers a space where personal growth and musical achievement occur through shared effort, especially for those who might not pursue music independently. Rehearsals provide emotional and social fulfilment, yet their meaning is often tied to tangible outcomes such as concerts. The unique structure of social clubs facilitates belonging, identity formation, and cohesion, while also presenting challenges related to volunteer roles and diversity. The pandemic highlighted how crucial goal-oriented collaboration is to members’ satisfaction, underscoring the ensemble’s dual role in fostering both community engagement and personal development. Ultimately, amateur music-making in Germany emerges as a dynamic, inclusive practice that bridges individual aspirations with collective purpose.</p>