Strike a Chord: Resources for Local Musicians in Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee
Here in Middle Tennessee, country and Americana music is baked deep into our roots, informing our cultural identity and earning us international recognition. In Williamson County, we are a short drive down the interstate from the center of it all: Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville has had a storied musical reputation for well over 100 years, instigated by the birth of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry Radio Show in 1925. In the 1950s, WSM radio announcer David Cobb coined Nashville “Music City, USA” during a broadcast, and the rest is history.
Given the artistic opportunities bound to be in a place called Music City, it comes as no shock that musicians from all over flock to Nashville for their chance at a big break. The city and its music scene are vibrant, fast-paced, and transient—a revolving door of incredible talent. While this atmosphere is spectacular, it’s not without its downfalls. In a place so booming with industry, local talent can sometimes be overlooked and overshadowed. For less industry-savvy musicians, it can be hard to know where to start. Just next door in Williamson County, however, there is no shortage of opportunity for local musicians to perfect and showcase their craft, either for a chance at the spotlight or simply for the love of music.
A Brief History of Music in Middle Tennessee
The entire Volunteer State has been a key catalyst in the development and popularization of musical genres in America: bluegrass, R&B, Southern gospel, rock ‘n’ roll, and country music. With the advent of popular radio shows in the 1920s, the world warmed to Tennessee’s particular entertainment niche: country and bluegrass music accompanied by comedic “hillbilly” characters.
Although country music is still most distinctly associated with Tennessee and the Southern identity, our musical roots are much broader and deeper than just one genre. We are an epicenter of Americana music, a category which incorporates 9 distinct and thriving genres of music that have evolved along the banks of the Mississippi River. Over centuries of tradition—brought to our region by Native Americans and settlers from all different cultures—the genres developed. Today, the 9 established genres of Americana music include the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, Southern gospel, Cajun/Zydeco, R&B/soul, jazz, country, gospel, and bluegrass. Our region has played a special role in the development of all of these musical styles. In fact, Williamson County’s very own Fox & Locke is a part of the the Americana Music Triangle, a physical stretch of land between Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans marked by important musical landmarks.
Throughout the 20th century musical waves rolled through the South as music taste transformed with the times, informed by region, political movements, and technological advancement. Tennessee has remained a central state in the American landscape, a focal point for historical movements and industry. Our art, of course, reflects this through a spectrum of sounds and stories that celebrate the diversity and intricacies of American life.
Where to Practice
Although Youtube tutorials are a modern marvel and writing songs on the bedroom floor is lots of fun, sometimes a little more guidance is needed if you want to level up your skills. If that’s the natural next step in your artistic journey, there are several places in Williamson County that offer music lessons and education opportunities.
For hands-on, music business education, Dark Horse Institute in Franklin is an affordable, career-focused music school that allows students the opportunity to learn in a professional studio space equipped with industry-standard equipment. Education programs include audio engineering, composition & songwriting, music business (online or in-person), and advanced mixing (online). Dark Horse is committed to making sure their curriculum is focused and tuition rates are kept to a minimum. The institute holds classes at the Factory at Franklin, as well as on-site days at Franklin’s world-class Dark Horse Recording, a studio that has been used by independent artists and major labels since 1993. Dark Horse Institute also offers songwriting and audio engineering summer camps for high school students interested in the industry.
For artistic, community engagement, Williamson County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of musical opportunities, including music classes, community band, community chorus, and 5-points community swing band. The department also manages Williamson County Performance Arts Center at Academy Park, which showcases local talent through various productions. The performing arts center is also home to the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Children’s Theater Program, an award winning entity that hosts classes, camps, and workshops for children 4-18. There are also options to rent out the performance space, should you want to put on your own show or production.
For group and individual lessons for all ages, School of Rock Franklin offers age-specific programs, camps, and workshops to help musicians grow in performance ability and technical proficiency. Similarly, The Music Lab teaches musicians of all levels in Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood. Their top-notch, enthusiastic instructors offer individual and group lessons for a wide variety of instruments.
For personal, private instruction, Marilyn Fair Music & Drama teaches private voice, piano, and beginner guitar lessons out of her studio in Fairview, Tennessee. A New York City trained singer and actor, Marilyn has been teaching music and drama since 2000. Private lessons are $25 per half hour, or $45 per hour. A highly sought after instructor, Jacqueline Jensen Music offers vocal, piano, and vocal production instruction with 3 lesson options: private lessons, music theory & ear training, and audition prep. She’s available to teach artists of all ages, on-location in Nashville or online.
For at-home instruction, Harmony Home Music offers lessons to students for elementary-aged students to adults. They serve students who live in or within a 30-minute window of Nashville, Franklin, Columbia, and Murfreesboro. After a consultation, Harmony Home Music connects you with an instructor that best fits your goals and style, offering either 30 minute, 45 minute, or hour long sessions in the comfort of your own home each week,
For the next generation of musicians, Liberty Music Academy in Nolensville offers special curriculum that includes private lessons, industry classes, groups classes, a student band program, and at-home lessons for children aged 5-18. Also in Williamson County, Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy offers month-to-month voice, instrument, and acting classes for kids, with regular performance opportunities throughout the year.
Where to Purchase
If you’re looking to buy, rent, or repair an instrument, there are several places across the county that probably have exactly what you’re looking for. Alongside purchase and repair options, many of these locations also offer lessons, niche expertise, and passionate service.
EB Rooster Guitars in Fairview is a family-owned business that has offered guitar repair for 30 years. They are dedicated to high-quality service and advocacy. Through their Guitars That Care Mission, they hope to partner with and support families whose lives are impacted by trauma, mental health, and addiction.
Boomer’s Music in Spring Hill is locally owned by musician Rob “Boomer” Lazzara and his wife Andrea. Since 2004, the store has offered affordable instruments and instruction. They offer beginner or advanced drum lessons and beginner guitar lessons.
Bluesman Vintage Guitars in Spring Hill makes custom, vintage-inspired guitars and basses. They also modify and upgrade existing guitars through their Hot-Rod Shop. The store is by appointment only.
Lane Music in Brentwood sells new and old pianos, guitars, band & orchestra instruments, and church organs. Other resources include lessons, piano moving, repairs, tuning and rental options.
Music & Arts in Cool Springs provides customers with instrument purchase and rental options, alongside special packages for music educators. The store also does repairs, gives lessons, and hosts events for local musicians and music educators.
Shuff’s Music in downtown Franklin is a family owned instrument and piano store that offers sales, rentals, and lessons. They have a piano showroom and have been 100% local since 1978. The store can also repair, tune, and move your piano upon request.
Where to Perform
Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards’ Music in the Vines series, which runs from April until November, features jazz trios without vocals, bluegrass trios with vocals, and local singer-songwriters of mixed genres. If your music style aligns, you can apply to play at their events. Booking for upcoming music series begins each year in February. To be considered, contact Employmnet@ArringtonVineyards.com. Include links to your music in your inquiry.
Fox & Locke
Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork hosts an iconic Thursday Night Open Mic, featuring local musicians. These slots are extremely coveted and competitive. To be considered, artists are required to contact the venue via text (615-802-8585) between 3 and 3:30 p.m. on the Thursday of the show they wish to perform. Texts outside of this time frame are not considered. As an artist, your text should include your full name and a link to a previous live performance. If chosen, Fox & Locke will contact you by 4:30 p.m. with details. Each selected artist can play 2 songs, up to 4 minutes in length, or 1 song that exceeds 4 minutes.
Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor
The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor in Franklin, Tennessee is another iconic music venue and restaurant. Kimbro’s hosts live music from Monday to Saturday nights, featuring artists of all genres. Their Deconstructed Songwriters Night takes place every Tuesday, allowing local performers the chance to share their talents. Sign-ups start at the venue at 6 p.m. This is a free-form event, meaning everyone is welcome to share their musical talents, regardless of genre or experience. Tuesday night slots begin at 7 p.m. and musicians are each able to play 3 songs. To inquire about booking a general gig separate from Tuesday nights, you can contact booking@jeg615.com.
Mockingbird Theater
Considered one of Franklin’s best music and events venues, The Mockingbird Theater is located in Building 6 of the Factory at Franklin. The venue is managed by Will Jordan, who also happens to own Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor and Carpe Diem, Franklin’s first record shop. The theater has a full bar and regularly hosts special productions and events. The emphasis of the space is live music, and bands of all genres play the space on a regular basis. For technical convenience, The Mockingbird Theater offers detailed descriptions of their sound and lighting equipment via their website. To make a booking inquiry, contact info@mockingbirdtheater.com
Puckett’s
Puckett’s restaurant is known for its live music, particularly showcasing up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Local artists are encouraged to make booking inquiries to perform original music and beloved covers at the venue. Due to the demand of the slots, Puckett’s asks that artists not submit more than one inquiry. Not all inquiries will get a response. If you’d like to be up for consideration, the venue has a conveniently combined inquiry and bio submission form on their website. This form requires a submission of contact information, artist bio, social media links, and web links to performances or recorded works.
Whiskey Room Live
The Whiskey Room Live in Franklin is a premier music venue located inside of Kings Dining and entertainment. The venue seats 150 and is equipped with state-of-the art sound systems and lighting equipment. Alongside live performances, the venue also hosts DJ sets and karaoke nights. If you’re interested in playing at the Whiskey Room Live, contact music@whiskeyroomlive.com.
There are a variety of restaurants, festivals, and spaces throughout Williamson County that regularly feature live music. Learn more here.
Ending on a Good Note
Music is a powerful force of human connection, no matter where you’re from or what your story is. The beloved art form truly captures the beauty of universal experience, transcending time and space to connect us to one another in a way that is nearly inexplicable. Whoever you are, you can probably agree that singing along to your favorite songs is one of the best things in the world.
Hearing your favorites live takes this experience to a whole new level. If you can’t get enough of live music, check out Franklin’s premier concert venue, FirstBank Amphitheater, an outdoor venue situated in the historic Graystone Quarry. Find their exciting 2025 concert lineup here. This year, there are also incredible opportunities to see your favorite performers at music festivals in and around Williamson County.
If you’re a performer yourself, we hope that you’ve found some helpful resources to help further your passion. There is a thriving music scene right here in Franklin and Williamson County, waiting to hear the specific sound and talent you bring to the table. Whether or not you plan to pursue a professional career in the industry, sharing your artistic voice is bold and important. The world will always need more art, as it speaks to the intricacies of the human experience. If you’re an artist who works in a different medium, Williamson County is proud to have opportunities for artists of all kinds. Whether you pick up your instrument, paint brush, or pen, there’s always a place for you here!
