Use 'strike up' to describe musicians starting to play, often spontaneously or to signal the beginning of an event. As soon as guests arrived, the quartet struck up a classical piece.
Pro Tip 2/3
Event Ambiance
'Strike up' can imply music is used to create an atmosphere for an event, like a party or ceremony. To welcome the New Year, they struck up the band at midnight.
Pro Tip 3/3
Cultural Expression
In some cultures, 'strike up' refers to traditional practices of starting music to invite dance or celebration. At the festival, the musicians struck up a tune and everyone began to dance.