When you think of an ideal place to make music, what comes to mind? Maybe a quaint small town with old-fashioned charm and friendly locals, or a big city with lots of other artists and venues. Maybe somewhere in between? Whatever your thoughts, there are many different factors to consider when deciding where to pursue a career in the music industry.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you’re either an aspiring musician or know someone who is looking for the best cities for musicians. After all, it’s not easy trying to break into such a competitive industry. Thankfully there are a few cities around the world that make perfect homes for budding musicians.
In this article, we will go over 10 of the best cities for aspiring musicians.
1. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a hub for artists of all genres, and it’s one of the most populous cities in the United States. The city also happens to be the home of the recording industry. So, whether you’re into rock, pop, hip-hop, or any other genre, there are plenty of opportunities to launch your music career in LA.
Los Angeles is also a great place to visit as a musician. The city boasts some of the top music venues in the world, including the Troubadour and the famous Hollywood Bowl. If you’re inclined to stay in the city and make a living as a musician, Los Angeles is also a great place to find day jobs and other sources of income for your music career.
2. New York City, NY
New York is one of the most diverse and culturally rich cities in the world. For aspiring musicians, this translates to plenty of opportunities and a chance to work alongside some of the most influential people in the music industry. New York has a thriving music and arts scene, making it a great place to live, work, and play for musicians at all stages of their careers.
Not only does New York have plenty of venues and opportunities to perform and network, but it also has plenty of educational institutions to help you master your skills. The Big Apple is home to some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, so if you want to work and get your education in one place, there’s no better place than NYC.
3. London, UK
London is another great city for aspiring musicians. There are many famous venues in London, including the 100 Club, the 12 Bar Club, and the Frog and Toad. These venues regularly host live music, meaning that there is a constant need for new acts and aspiring musicians.
London is also home to many important music festivals, including the renowned Lovebox, The Great Escape, and the vast Electric Gardens. The city places a high value on the importance of music, which is reflected in the thriving street music scene. London is also home to many famous music venues, including the O2 Arena, Wembley Stadium, and the Brixton Academy.
4. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is one of the best cities for aspiring musicians, especially those who are just starting out in their careers. It’s also the most multiculturally diverse city in the world, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities to perform and network with artists from all over the world. And with a diverse population that stretches across all cultures, Toronto’s music scene is truly one of a kind.
But what makes Toronto a great place to start a music career doesn’t just lie in the city’s diverse population and cultural vibes. Toronto also has a plethora of music schools and offers low-cost access to music lessons. The city also has a thriving street music scene, tons of music festivals, and hundreds of bars that regularly host new musicians and showcase aspiring artists.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city that welcomes every type of music and culture. The Dutch are renowned for their laidback, open-minded attitudes. This means that musicians from every country are welcome in Amsterdam. Whether you’re a solo singer or part of a band, Amsterdam is the perfect place to make music.
There are also many music festivals in Amsterdam, such as the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Amsterdam Music Festival. There are many music universities in the city as well, including the University of Amsterdam and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Plus, there are a ton of bars and clubs that regularly host new artists.
6. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a great city for musicians because it is a melting pot of creativity, artistry, and culture. Not only is Berlin a global hub for artists, but it’s also home to one of the largest music scenes in the world. Berlin is home to a wide array of music festivals and events, and a plethora of venues to play at.
One neighborhood, known as “sound city” is home to countless studios and music tech companies. Berlin is also home to a number of top music schools, giving aspiring musicians ample opportunity to grow and learn. Berlin is also known for its low cost of living, making it a great place to start a career in music without breaking the bank.
7. Miami, FL
If you want to succeed as a musician, you need to live in a place with lots of other musicians. This is certainly true of Miami, which is home to one of the largest concentrations of musicians anywhere in the world. This is thanks in part to the city’s vibrant Latin culture, which is a big part of the global music scene.
Though it’s certainly not the cheapest place to live, Miami’s tropical climate and picturesque lifestyle make it a very attractive city in general. Musicians particularly like South Beach, which is a vibrant hotspot for all kinds of creative industries. In addition to a thriving music scene, Miami is also home to plenty of performance venues, recording studios, and other music-related businesses.
8. Rome, Italy
Rome is home to Italy’s leading music conservatories, including the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, and the L’Accademia di Musica Sciplannese Luigi Bocromo. These two institutions boast alumni including some of the world’s top opera singers, pianists, and conductors. They are also responsible for training musicians in a wide variety of other classical genres, including harpsichord and violin.
Rome is also home to a plethora of world-class venues, including the Auditorium Parco Della Musica, which hosts an excellent range of music genres all year round. If you’re looking to become a top-notch jazz musician, Rome is also a great place to be. Many of the world’s best jazz musicians are based in Rome, and the city hosts a number of excellent jazz festivals every year.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is another great city for musicians, thanks to a vibrant music scene and a strong appreciation for music among the city’s residents. In addition to a lively club scene, Copenhagen is home to many music festivals, concerts, and other events that celebrate music.
The city has a modern, Scandinavian vibe, which means it has plenty of charm without the touristy feel of some other popular cities. While Copenhagen is very expensive, it is an attractive place to live regardless of your profession. Musicians will find a thriving scene of fellow artists to collaborate with, as well as plenty of venues and opportunities to perform.
10. Nashville, TN
Nashville is one of the best cities for musicians and is without a doubt the best place in the world for country artists. The city is home to many famous country singers, including Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Nashville is also home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, which celebrates the history of country music and encourages new music. As such, Nashville is the perfect place for any aspiring country musician.
There are many live music venues in the city, including the world-famous Grand Ole Opry and the Wildhorse Saloon. There are also many music festivals in Nashville, including the CMA Fest and the Americana Music Festival. If you love country music and want to make a name for yourself, Nashville is definitely the place to be.
Honorable Mentions
Paris, France
Paris is one of the world’s most popular meeting places for music lovers, due to the city’s excellent range of cultural events and festivals. Paris has been a center for art, culture, and music since the 19th century, and is today home to some of the world’s best classical musicians and opera singers. Paris is also the home of France’s leading conservatory, the Paris Conservatoire. The Paris Conservatoire trains many of the world’s top classical musicians, composers, and opera singers.
Seoul, Korea
Seoul is one of Asia’s creative and cultural hubs, and the city is home to many of the world’s top classical musicians. Seoul has a long history of cultivating classical musicians, and today the city is home to a number of excellent classical music schools. Not to mention the fact that K-Pop is currently one of the most popular genres in the world and the whole K-Pop industry is based in Seoul.
Conclusion
If you’re an aspiring musician, the best cities for musicians are the ones with thriving music scenes and lots of opportunities. These are also the best places to find like-minded friends and collaborators. Don’t worry if you don’t make it as a famous musician; there are many music-related jobs in the music industry. It’s also worth mentioning that there are many online music schools that can help you get started on the right path, even if you don’t live in one of these cities.
