Are you a guitarist or a musician with the aspirations of hitting the big time? You might want to pack your bags for a city that will propel your career to new heights. Guitaristnextdoor.com, a highly-regarded online guitar magazine, recently unveiled a list dubbed "Top 7 U.S Cities for Guitar Players," with Nashville shining as the standout city for music-makers, following extensive research.
Nashville, fondly referred to as "Music City," has made its name on the global stage due to its effervescent, diverse music scene, with a notable leaning towards country music. But what makes Nashville the promised land for guitarists and musicians?
First off, the city is a fertile ground for musicians looking to collaborate, make industry connections, and put their talent on display. Nashville holds the record for having the highest percentage of workers involved in music-related occupations, constituting 4.15% of its entire workforce.
The city is peppered with opportunities for musicians to shine and grow, including open mic nights, jam sessions, songwriting workshops, and music festivals. In addition, Nashville is a hotbed of industry professionals who can offer guidance and opportunities to budding musicians.
Music industry powerhouses like Warner Music, Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Curb Records, Big Machine Label Group, and Creative Artists Agency all call Nashville home. Given the high concentration of small venues per capita - the highest in the nation at 6.7 venues per 10,000 residents - your performance might just catch the ear of an influential industry professional.
Renowned venues like the Bluebird Cafe or the Station Inn have been instrumental in kickstarting the careers of celebrated artists like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and Dierks Bentley. Lastly, Nashville offers an array of resources and support for musicians and guitarists.
The city's rich musical history and culture honor and celebrate artists, making it a hub of inspiration. Educational and inspiring sites like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, or the Ryman Auditorium, are at your disposal.
Nashville is also home to world-class guitar shops like Carter Vintage Guitars, Gruhn Guitars, or Modman Guitar, providing access to quality instruments and expert repairs. However, living in Nashville isn't without its challenges.
The average annual income for a guitar player is roughly $40,739, falling short of the national average of $51,561. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,780, slightly above the national average of $1,621. And the cost of living index is slightly higher than the national average. Despite these considerations, the potential benefits of pursuing a music career in Nashville far outweigh the negatives.
To wrap it up, Nashville stands out as the premiere city for guitar players and musicians, thanks to its abundance of opportunities for growth, exposure, networking, and access to high-quality resources. Immersed in a culture that treasures and respects music, this is a city where your music career can truly take off. So, if you're committed to turning your passion for music into a successful career, Nashville is worth serious consideration.
