Known as “Music City, USA,” Nashville is a global hub for music, home to iconic labels, publishing houses, live venues, and recording studios. While country music may be its crown jewel, Nashville’s music industry careers span a wide range of genres and roles—from performance and production to management and marketing.
If you’re looking to build a career in music, Nashville offers unmatched opportunities to thrive.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore:
- Popular music industry career paths
- Entry-level roles and advanced positions
- Skills and qualifications required
- Tips to break into the Nashville music scene
- Resources, schools, and job boards to jumpstart your journey
Why Choose Nashville for a Music Career?
Reputation as Music Capital
Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music Row, and major institutions like BMI, ASCAP, and CMT. It’s a launchpad for rising stars and a playground for seasoned pros.
Diverse Music Ecosystem
While it’s synonymous with country, Nashville is also big in:
- Rock
- Pop
- Gospel
- Americana
- R&B
- Christian music
Abundance of Career Options
From the studio to the stage, Nashville’s music industry supports thousands of creative, technical, and business-oriented roles.
Popular Nashville Music Industry Careers
Here are the most common and rewarding music industry career paths in Nashville:
Performing Artist or Musician
Many come to Nashville to pursue singing or instrumental performance.
Key skills: Stage presence, vocal/instrument mastery, songwriting, networkingTypical venues: Broadway bars, writers’ rounds, Bluebird Cafe, festivalsSalary: Highly variable; from tips to six-figure contractsPath: Independent gigs → Representation → Touring → Record deal
Songwriter
Nashville is one of the songwriting capitals of the world. Thousands of writers collaborate daily in writers’ rooms and publishing deals.
Key skills: Lyric writing, melody structure, co-writing, publishing knowledgeEmployers: Sony Music Publishing, Big Loud, Warner ChappellSalary: $20,000–$200,000+ depending on royalties and dealsPath: Local showcases → Demo pitches → Publishing deal → Hit songs
Audio Engineer/Producer
Nashville is filled with world-class recording studios like Blackbird, Ocean Way, and Sound Emporium.
Key skills: Pro Tools, mixing/mastering, mic placement, studio etiquetteEmployers: Independent studios, record labels, live eventsSalary: $30,000–$120,000+Path: Audio school/internships → Assistant engineer → Lead engineer → Producer
Artist Manager
Managers guide artists’ careers, securing gigs, negotiating contracts, and building brands.
Key skills: Business savvy, negotiation, strategy, people managementEmployers: Red Light Management, Big Machine, independent firmsSalary: Often commission-based (10–20%)Path: Assistant → Junior manager → Senior management roles
Music Publicist or PR Specialist
These professionals craft an artist’s image and manage media coverage.
Key skills: Writing, press releases, social media, media relationsEmployers: PR agencies, labels, artist teamsSalary: $40,000–$85,000Path: Marketing/PR degree → Assistant → Lead publicist
Music Publisher or Licensing Agent
Publishers handle copyright, song placements, sync licensing, and royalty management.
Key skills: Copyright law, A&R, licensing negotiationEmployers: BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, Universal PublishingSalary: $45,000–$100,000+Path: Publishing assistant → Creative manager → Director
Tour Manager or Road Crew
Responsible for the logistics of live shows and artist travel.
Key skills: Organization, logistics, multitasking, communicationEmployers: Tour companies, artist teams, production housesSalary: $40,000–$120,000+ (dependent on artist success)Path: Road crew → Tour assistant → Tour manager
Music Marketing & Social Media Manager
Helps artists and labels grow their presence across digital platforms.
Key skills: Analytics, brand strategy, content creation, ad managementEmployers: Record labels, indie artists, agenciesSalary: $40,000–$90,000Path: Internships → Digital marketer → Brand manager
Music Attorney or Legal Advisor
Handles contracts, licensing, and rights management.
Key skills: Entertainment law, negotiation, copyrightEmployers: Law firms, labels, artist teamsSalary: $70,000–$200,000+Path: Law school → Entertainment specialization → Firm or freelance
Education & Training for Nashville Music Careers
While natural talent and networking matter, formal training gives you an edge.
Top Music Programs in Nashville:
- Belmont University – Music Business, Audio Engineering
- Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) – Recording Industry
- Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music – Performance
- SAE Institute Nashville – Audio Engineering
How to Get a Music Industry Job in Nashville
Start with Internships
Apply to music labels, studios, or agencies for unpaid or paid internships. Experience matters more than degrees in many cases.
Network Relentlessly
Attend writers’ rounds, music conferences, showcases, and networking events like:
- NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International)
- The Recording Academy events
- CMA and AmericanaFest industry panels
Create a Strong Online Presence
Have a LinkedIn and portfolio site ready. Artists should maintain active social media and streaming platforms (Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud).
Check Local Job Boards
Best places to find Nashville music industry jobs:
- MusicRow.com job board
- Nashville Scene classifieds
- Indeed & LinkedIn (filter by “music”)
- Glassdoor – Music Industry Jobs in Nashville
- Label and studio websites (e.g., Big Machine, Curb Records)
Nashville Music Industry Culture
Expect a collaborative yet competitive environment. People are friendly, but talent and persistence are essential.
Tips to Thrive:
- Be punctual and professional
- Follow up after every meeting
- Offer value before asking for favors
- Always keep learning—tech and trends evolve fast
- Build genuine relationships, not just contacts
Growth Outlook: Music Jobs in Nashville
According to the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, the city’s creative economy supports over 60,000 jobs, with thousands more added yearly. With streaming, touring, and digital media booming, Nashville music careers are more diverse and in-demand than ever.
High-growth areas include:
- Sync licensing for film/TV
- Podcast and digital audio production
- Social media marketing for artists
- Live sound and production engineering
Sample Career Paths
Aspiring Artist:
- Play local showcases
- Grow on social media
- Record an EP
- Secure manager
- Land a label or distribution deal
Music Business Student
- Internship at label or publisher
- Assistant role in A&R or admin
- Climb to creative or business manager
- Start own firm or represent talent
Audio Engineer
- Study at MTSU or SAE
- Assist in studios
- Mix for indie artists
- Build a client base
- Work on charting records or tours
Conclusion
Nashville is more than just country music—it’s a thriving music industry city filled with opportunities in performance, production, management, and beyond. Whether you’re a singer, engineer, marketer, or songwriter, there’s a place for you in Music City.
With the right mix of passion, skill, and hustle, your dream Nashville music industry career is within reach.
FAQs
1. Do I need a degree to work in the Nashville music industry?
Not always. While degrees help, experience, connections, and skill are often more valuable—especially in creative roles.
2. How competitive is the music scene in Nashville?
Very. But it’s also collaborative. Building relationships and consistently delivering quality work is key.
3. What’s the best entry-level job in the music industry?
Internships, assistant roles in A&R, marketing, or studios are excellent ways to get started.
4. How do I meet people in the industry?
Attend networking events, join organizations like NSAI, go to local shows, and use LinkedIn to connect.
5. Can I make a living as a songwriter in Nashville?
Yes—but it often takes time. Many songwriters start by co-writing, playing rounds, and landing publishing deals to earn royalties.