Nashville Music Industry Resources: Build Your Career in Music City
Welcome to Nashville’s Creative Community
At County Line Recording Studios, we believe that every artist deserves access to the tools, people, and spaces that make great music possible. Nashville isn’t just a city — it’s a living, breathing network of musicians, producers, engineers, and songwriters who create together every day. Whether you’re a new artist moving to town or a seasoned pro looking to grow your connections, there are countless ways to tap into the energy that makes Music City thrive.
We’ve curated a list of 25 trusted Nashville music organizations and industry leaders — including the Country Music Association (CMA), Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Blackbird Academy, BMI, and more. These long-standing institutions offer opportunities to collaborate, learn, perform, and stay connected with Nashville’s ever-growing creative scene.
Get Connected and Grow Your Network
From open mic nights and songwriter workshops to professional development and industry events, these organizations represent the best of what Nashville has to offer. You’ll find resources for songwriters, music producers, audio engineers, and performing artists looking to build meaningful relationships and careers in the music business.
We invite you to explore our full list of local music associations, nonprofits, schools, and professional networks — and start building your foundation for success right here in Nashville. Because at County Line, our goal is simple: to help you record, create, and connect with the community that makes this city the world’s music capital.
Resources
Country Music Association (CMA)
Premier trade association for the country music industry based in Nashville.
Americana Music Association
https://www.americanamusic.org/
Non‑profit trade org supporting Americana/roots artists and professionals.
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/
Large songwriting community with workshops, networking, and pitch events.
Nashville Musicians Association (AFM Local 257)
https://www.nashvillemusicians.org/
Union representing Nashville musicians, session players, and teachers.
MusicRow
Leading Nashville music industry publication and resource for 35+ years.
Make Music Nashville
https://makemusicnashville.org/
Annual city‑wide free music festival and nonprofit supporting musicians.
W.O. Smith Music School
Music education nonprofit in Nashville established in 1984.
Music Neighbors
https://www.musicneighbors.org/
Nonprofit providing studio sessions and media support to independent artists.
YEAH! (Youth Empowerment through Arts & Humanities)
Nonprofit supporting youth through music and arts since early 2000s.
SESAC Music Group
Major US rights and royalty organization with a Nashville presence.
Universal Music Group Nashville
https://www.universal-music.com/label/universal-music-group-nashville/
Major label division in Nashville — key for industry professionals.
Academy of Country Music (ACM)
Industry organization supporting the country music genre.
Nashville Chamber of Commerce – Music & Entertainment Division
https://www.nashvillechamber.com/economic-development/target-industries/music-and-entertainment/
Local association listing music employers & industry connections.
Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)
Nonprofit for mechanical licensing headquartered in Nashville.
Black Opry
Advocacy group & label for Black artists in country music.
The Grand Ole Opry
Iconic country music institution and performance venue.
BMI Nashville
Performing rights organization with Nashville office.
ASCAP
Major US music rights organization relevant to Nashville songwriters.
Nashville Public Library – Studio NPL
https://library.nashville.org/
Free recording and music resources through Nashville Public Library.
Blackbird Academy
https://theblackbirdacademy.com/
Audio engineering school affiliated with Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
Dark Horse Institute
https://darkhorseinstitute.com/
Audio engineering school affiliated with Dark Horse Recording
Musicians Corner
Free concert series in Nashville supporting local artists.
Nashville Songwriters Foundation
https://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/
Foundation supporting songwriters through grants and events.
Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) Nashville Office
Major national recording industry association with Nashville office.
A Nashville Beginner’s Guide
Welcome to Music City
If you’re new to Nashville or just starting to perform publicly, you’re in the right place. Known as Music City, Nashville thrives on live performances, collaboration, and opportunity. Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, musician, or sound engineer, this guide covers practical steps to find paid gigs, land venue residencies, and start building your network in one of the most creative cities in the world.
And if you’re ready to record or rehearse, County Line Recording Studios offers one of the most affordable recording studios near Nashville, designed for local artists, producers, and engineers who want professional sound without high rates.
Step 1: Build Your Local Presence
Before you hit the stage, make sure your online and recording presence reflects your sound and style.
Create or update your EPK (Electronic Press Kit) with bio, samples, and professional studio photos.
Build profiles on ReverbNation, Sonicbids, and GigSalad — these platforms connect you with local booking agents and venues.
Share clips from your studio sessions or rehearsals on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube — many Nashville venues scout artists online.
Pro Tip: Book a short session at a professional recording studio in Nashville to capture a high-quality live demo — it can help you secure gigs faster than a cold email. County Line Nashville Studios offer affordable and flexible booking and recording options for beginners.
Step 2: Apply for Local Gigs & Residencies
Nashville’s bar and restaurant scene thrives on live acts. Many venues regularly hire artists for weekly or monthly residencies.
Here are a few favorites:
The Listening Room Café – great for songwriter showcases
3rd & Lindsley – perfect for full bands
The Bluebird Café – iconic for acoustic sets
The Basement East – indie and alternative favorite
Belcourt Taps and The Row – offer frequent open mic nights
If you’re looking for paid opportunities, reach out to local booking agencies like:
UTA Nashville – unitedtalent.com
APA Agency – apa-agency.com
Red Light Management – redlightmanagement.com
Kinkead Entertainment – kinkeadentertainment.com
Step 3: Join Local Meetups & Associations
Networking is essential in Nashville’s music scene. Joining affordable or free associations helps you connect directly with other artists, music producers, and audio engineers in Nashville.
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) – songwriting workshops and feedback nights
Musicians Corner – free outdoor concerts and local showcases
Nashville Music Professionals (NMP) – community for local industry talent
Music Industry Meetup Nashville – listed on Meetup.com
Next Level Songwriters Workshop – great for networking and performance practice
Tip: Many members record demos at local music studios near Nashville to prepare for these showcases. Online and same day scheduling is available.
Step 4: Get Paid the Smart Way
Once you start landing gigs, treat your career like a business:
Use a performance contract to confirm details and rates.
Register with BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC to collect royalties.
Set up Venmo Business, Zelle, or Square for easy payments.
Track earnings and expenses — your very own music business in Nashville.
Step 5: Keep Improving & Collaborating
Attend songwriter rounds, open mics, and studio networking sessions even when you’re not on stage. Nashville’s best opportunities often come from casual connections.
Pro Tip: Reserve a few hours at a Nashville rehearsal studio like County Line Recording to polish your live sound before big shows — we offer cheap studio rehearsal space for rent and band practice rooms near Nashville at hourly and block rates.
Ready to Get Started?
Nashville rewards consistency, community, and creativity. Whether you’re a solo artist, band, music producer, or sound engineer, this city has a space for your sound. Explore these resources, connect with the community, and when you’re ready to rehearse or record, visit:
County Line Recording Studios | www.countylinenashville.com
Your Nashville recording and rehearsal space — where creativity comes to life.
Nashville Networking Events & Open Mic Nights
If you’re a singer, songwriter, band, producer or audio engineer in Nashville, nothing beats getting on stage, meeting other creators, and developing your craft. Here are some of the best free or low-cost networking and open-mic events in the Nashville area — where you can perform original music, make connections, and prep for upcoming gigs.
Here are venues that have regular open mic nights or show calendars you can use to plug in:
Tennessee Brew Works – Mondays, 6:00-8:00pm; free admission; sign-ups at ~5:30pm. Great for singer-songwriters to get stage time. Open Mic & Songwriters' Nights | Nashville Guru
The Bluebird Café – Monday Open Mic nights at 6pm for original songs; call to sign-up at 11am on show day. Excellent for songwriting exposure. How To Play - The Bluebird Cafe
Fox & Locke – Weekly Open Mic every Thursday in Leiper’s Fork; mixture of original music and covers; artists should apply online. OPEN MIC | Fox and Locke
Commodore Grille (Holiday Inn West End) – Multiple nights of songwriting/ open mic; solid for making early connections and showing up consistently. Commodore Grille | Facebook
Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Events:
Show up early: Many sign-ups are first-come.
Bring original material: Especially for songwriter nights – they often prefer originals.
Network after your set: Exchange info with other players, producers, engineers.
Use it as rehearsal: Treat your open mic slot like a mini gig—it helps you feed into future paid opportunities.
Follow-up: Connect with people you meet on social media or via email; relationships matter.
Pro Tip: Search for updated listings on YELP for local live music or go visit one of these awesome Coffee Shops!
Just Love Coffee Cafe - Music Row
Americano Lounge - Coffee & Culture in Nashville
Final Thoughts:
Consistent presence and performance in the local scene is key. Use open mic nights and networking events not just to play, but to connect, learn and show up for others. Combine that with smart rehearsal habits and your network will grow—and so will your opportunities in Nashville. When you’re ready to record, rehearse or book a session, we’d love to support your next move here at County Line Recording & Rehearsal Studios.
If you’re preparing for a gig, demo session or an upcoming event and just need time a little time in a dedicated space, consider our rehearsal and studio rental options at County Line Recording Studios.
Weekly or monthly rates available for rehearsal
Same-day bookings are possible so you can prep quickly for that next show
Online scheduling and transparent hourly/flat-block rates make it flexible for artists, producers and engineers
Whether you’re refining your setlist or booking a full band rehearsal ahead of a residency, our space is built to support your creative workflow.
County Line Recording Studios | www.countylinenashville.com
Call us at (615) 955-1632 or book online now.
Your Nashville recording and rehearsal space — where creativity comes to life.