As long as you can play an instrument, you can make music. As long as you can sing and you know the words, you can make music. As long as you're taking your lessons and practicing, you can make music. So mastering an instrument is the same as making music. Right?

Wrong, all wrong, according to Mike Rubin, an instructor at Stoughton Music Center where students from Canton, Stoughton, Sharon, Walpole, Bridgewater and other towns come to learn how to play their instruments and sing. Recently, the students began learning how to make music together.

Rubin is also an accomplished guitarist and bassist who has performed on a variety of projects. A 1996 graduate of Northeastern University, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in Music Theory.

A part-time music instructor as well at the Paul Green School of Rock, the Canton resident has recorded on many CDs, and performed both at a local and national level, opening for such acts as two-time Boston Music Award winning artists Girls, Guns and Glory, Grammy Award Winning artists Maroon 5 and Howie Day.

In April 2010, Rubin had an idea. He saw the connection between ensemble playing and the team collaboration, and negotiation skills needed in the adult world. He thought students at the school could learn leadership, team-building and lifelong skills while continuing to master their instrument. He wanted them to gain performance experience and develop confidence in a band ensemble setting. And, he wanted them to have fun.

The Ensemble Program at Stoughton Music Center was born.

"My goal is to put these kids in a position where they can succeed," Rubin said. "To teach them how to be musicians and play together as a group.  The ensemble gives them the opportunity to play together and have fun."

The Ensemble Program at Stoughton Music is geared for all ages and skill levels. All are welcome. Currently there are two ensembles which meet on Sunday mornings, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 10:30 a.m. Plans for a third ensemble are underway.

In the group, the members grow their proficiency with their instrument, but they also gain valuable experience in a setting much like sports, where working together is the path to winning. Along the way they create, collaborate and listen to each other.

Recently, this Patch writer sat in on a rehearsal. As the band played, it was obvious that they were listening to each other, watching their teacher for entrance cues and adjusting their volume levels when, for instance, the singer had the lead. All by musicians with an average age of 14.

So who are these young musicians who practice every Sunday?  They are Susruth Chandraselfar, a 16-year-old from Canton who plays guitar; Japheth Eloi, a 12-year- old drummer from Stoughton who plays in the second ensemble; and David Elmowitz, complete with Yankee cap, a 14-year-old drummer in the first group who is from Stoughton. Michael Dozois, 14, from Sharon, plays guitar along with Ariel Eloi, also 14, from Stoughton, who plays alto sax and sings. Charlie Donnelly, 16, plays both guitar and drums. Vocals are handled by Mackenzie Lachkey, a 13-year- old singer, from Walpole, and Kassandra Melo, a 14-year-old from Stoughton.

Holding down the bass line is Bret Guaralie, 15, from Bridgewater.

"There has been a growing interest at the school in the ensemble work," Rubin said. "The groups have played at one club in Quincy and we hope to identify other new venues where they can play in public and gain that experience too. They will carry this experience and this learning into adulthood."

School of Rock? Maybe. Mr. Holland's Opus? More Likely.

If you want to hear the ensembles play, stop by the Stoughton Music Center at 968 Washington Street and hear for yourself.

For more information about the ensembles and the music center, you can check out their website. http://www.stoughtonmusic.com