When you’re thinking about the perfect place to create music, what do you imagine? Perhaps you’re thinking about a small town with a tight-knit community, or maybe something completely different – a bustling metropolis with a huge number of artists and venues for performing.
Regardless of what you prefer, you should take into account different factors when you choose where to launch your music career.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely either an aspiring musician or you at the very least know someone who’s looking for the best city to kickstart their music career.
Of course, becoming a successful musician is very difficult, but there are certain cities around the world that offer a supportive environment and increase your chances of succeeding as a musician. Here are the 10 best cities for aspiring musicians:
10. Nashville, TN
Nashville is easily the best choice for country music artists. Icons such as Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are from here so it’s not really a surprise that the city is a country music mecca. You’ll find famous venues like the Grand Ole Opry and major music festivals in Nashville. These venues alone make it an amazing place for aspiring country musicians.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Next up, going to Denmark’s capital city – Copenhagen. This is a city with a very vibrant music scene and appreciation for the arts. You’ll find that modern Scandinavian charm, a top-notch club scene, and countless music festivals. It is expensive, but it also offers numerous opportunities for performances and collabs.
8. Rome, Italy
Rome is home to world-class venues such as the Auditorium Parco Della Musica. It’s a haven for classical and jazz musicians and you’ll get access to numerous festivals and crazy rich musical heritage.
7. Miami, FL
Miami has an impressively large community of artists, bolstered by its Latin culture. It’s definitely not the cheapest city, but the tropical climate and lively South Beach area make it attractive. Miami has an incredible music scene with massive performance venues and a number of top quality recording studios.
6. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is known for affordable living, dynamic nightlife and a powerful music scene. The city has a large variety of festivals and venues, with areas like the sound city being packed with studios and music tech companies. It also offers great opportunities for music education.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam welcomes artists of all types and is one of the most open-minded cities in the world. You’ll find prominent music festivals like the North Sea Jazz Festival and music schools like the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of bars and clubs that are open to featuring new artists.
4. London, UK
London is yet another great option for aspiring musicians. It features renowned venues like the 100 Club and the Brixton Academy. The city’s dedication to music can be found in the bustling street music scene but also in festivals such as Lovebox and The Great Escape. London also offers great opportunities for education with credible and high-quality music schools.
3. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a great option for musicians who are just starting out. It has a very multicultural environment and a unique music scene. You’ll get access to lessons and vibrant street music culture, countless festivals and numerous bars to showcase your talent.
2. New York City, NY
New York City doesn’t need an introduction. It’s renowned for its diversity and extremely rich cultural scene. This translates into some of the best opportunities for musicians. NYC is ideal for artists at any stage of their careers. It boasts world renowned, prestigious music schools and a variety of venues for performing and networking.
1. Los Angeles, CA
The best city for musicians is likely going to be Los Angeles. The city is a melting pot for artists across all genres. It’s also one of the largest cities in the US. The ecosystem of LA is the heart of the recording industry, whether you’re into rock, pop, hip-hop, or any other style. Plus, the city is also home to iconic music venues like the Troubadour and the Hollywood Bowl. LA offers numerous day jobs and side gigs for musicians to sustain themselves.
To Sum It Up
If you’re an aspiring musician, the best cities for you are those with vibrant music scenes and countless opportunities. These cities have to provide a chance to meet like-minded people and potential collaborators. At the end of the day, even if you don’t achieve fame, you’ll still have access to numerous music-related jobs available in these cities. On top of that, it’s important to point out that online music schools can help you get started, regardless of where you currently live.
