A city skyline with a river and colorful sky

Nashville’s Music City: A Soulful Destination for Student Groups

Welcome to Nashville, ladies and gentlemen! (Or as we like to say, “Ya’ll come see us!”) Also known as Music City, Nashville is world-famous for its rich music history, Southern hospitality, entertainment, food, and thriving arts scene. Home to the Grand Ole Opry, Music Row, and countless country music legends, this city is right the core of Americana culture and charm.

But “Music City” isn’t just about the music anymore. It’s a venue that offers a mix of education, culture, and fun for your student group – the perfect destination if you’re looking to inspire young musicians, explore a Southern cultural hub, or simply have an amazing trip.

Why Nashville for Students?

Music-centric attractions make Nashville the ideal destination for performance groups and student groups alike. A variety of venues host student performances, offer music workshops, or provide behind-the-scenes access to historic studios and listening spots. Nashville serves up inspiration and memories with its very walkable downtown and an excellent charter bus system transportation and convenience (we’re used to out-of-towners). Beyond convenience, it’s chock full of affordable and accessible activities to keep your group engaged and entertained.

Again, Nashville isn’t just about the music, either, offering abundant learning opportunities. From its Civil Rights history to its central role in the evolution of country music, your group can immerse themselves in important history lessons throughout the city’s historical sites, stages, and museums. Nashville shines as inspiration for students, whether they’re looking to learn, perform, or experience the culture.

Bottom line: It’s a destination that’s as educational as it is entertaining.

Parthenon with columns and statues

Top Things to Do in Nashville for Student Groups

1. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

OK, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an absolute must when visiting Nashville. Need we say more? Featuring tons of interactive exhibits, incredible historic instruments, and top-of-the-line storytelling, even those who aren’t country music fans in your group will leave feeling a certain rootin’ tootin’ way. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift, students can hear the stories behind the biggest country acts. And for those wanting to dive a little deeper, the museum hosts songwriting workshops and instrument demos specifically for student groups. No matter the age or background, there’s something for everyone in your group at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

2. Ryman Auditorium

The “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium, is one of the foremost venues in the nation for just about any musical genre. Located in an iconic historical church in downtown Nashville, the Ryman has hosted acts from just about anybody who’s made it big, and not just in country music. This legendary venue makes a great educational stop for students, even hosting occasional student performances. It’s a must-visit stop for your group trip to Nashville.

3. Grand Ole Opry

Your group trip to Nashville also isn’t complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. As the “beating heart” of country music, you don’t want to miss it! Immerse your group in its grandiosity by seeing a live show and touring backstage. Or, seize the unique opportunity for your student performance group to entertain a live audience in the Plaza area.

4. Historic RCA Studio B

Travel back in time with your group to one of a handful of studios in the country that changed American music forever. RCA Studio B is where the legends recorded – Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, the Everly Brothers, and Chet Atkins to name a few. If your group knows music, they’ll know the importance of RCA Studio B. While you’re there, your group can explore the studio, learn about music production history, and even record their own performance. This hands-on environment allows your group to walk the same floors and be in the same rooms as some of the most culturally important music acts ever.

5. The Parthenon at Centennial Park

While not a musical attraction, apart from occasional symphony concerts in the park, Nashville’s famous full-size replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park offers a unique and relaxing spot for your group to let off some steam. Complete with a 42-foot statue of Athena, the Parthenon in Nashville is also home to an art museum featuring rotating exhibitions. Pack lunch, bring a frisbee, and enjoy a couple hours off on the surrounding lawn on a beautiful day.

6. Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum

For groups a little more dialed into the specific history of a certain musician, the Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum offer an intimate look into the careers and lives of a couple of Nashville’s musical cornerstones. Explore the enigmatic life and career of “The Man in Black” and learn about the far-reaching legacy of Patsy Cline, who each shaped American music in their own defining ways.

7. The Nashville Zoo

Located just outside Nashville proper, the Nashville Zoo is a great place to spend a half-day with your group. A lovely landscaped and walkable zoo, it’s a nice treat between musical venues to get some fresh air and up close with nature.

8. Music City Walk of Fame Park

The Music City Walk of Fame Park is a fast and free place where your group can grab a group picture and learn a little music history at the same time. Featuring stars dedicated to Nashville’s most legendary musicians, the park commemorates the city’s important role in music the world over.

9. The Bluebird Cafe

While notoriously difficult to get into for a show due to its extremely limited capacity (just 90 seats), there’s no denying that The Bluebird Cafe is an iconic spot to stop for your group. It’s famously been the starting point for dozens of world-renowned musicians, including Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, and Lady A. It’s also been the famed pit stop for many established top performers when they visit Nashville. If you’re lucky, your group can snap a picture at this iconic location.

10. Broadway (During the Day)

Nashville’s famous Broadway Street is overflowing with live music venues, honky-tonks, and flashing lights. While it’s definitely most alive at night, it’s not the type of place to take a student group once the sun goes down. Still, daytime walking tours are sure to be a big hit with your group, and planning a day for them to see live music, admire culture, and souvenir shop is a great way to end your trip.

A person playing a banjo

Other Nashville Experiences

  • The Schmerhorn Symphony Center – Classical music is at the root of all modern music, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is at the center of the city waiting for your group to pay homage. This historic music hall is home to the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
  • Cheekwood Estate and Gardens – Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a gorgeous curated garden full of sculptures and historical Southern charm perfect for your group to spend a relaxing afternoon if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Nashville.
  • Frist Art Museum – Hosting rotating exhibits and offering art workshops for students, the Frist is an awesome place to take your group for a change up from the music theme.
  • Live Bluegrass at The Station Inn – If you’ve got bluegrass aficionados in your group, then stopping by The Station Inn is a must.

Best Time to Visit Nashville

Nashville weather is at its best in the springtime when it’s relatively mild and the city’s calendar starts to pick back up after the winter season. Spring in Nashville is a great time for students and groups to enjoy the festival season, too. Just be sure to plan your trip avoiding surge pricing for events like the CMA Fest, unless that’s your group’s thing. If that’s the case, you’ll want to plan well in advance to make sure you get the best prices on accommodations that you can find. (Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!) Alternatively, visiting Nashville in the fall offers a cooler and less busy experience of the city and all there is to do there.

Nashville Travel Tips for Students

  • Plan for lots of walking: Downtown is very walkable, but some spots (like Broadway) can have some hills and be crowded. It seems obvious, but wearing comfortable shoes for walking is recommended.
  • Reserve venues early: Some venues like the Ryman and Grand Ole Opry surge in popularity based on events, so you’ll want to reserve your group tickets well in advance.
  • Be aware of age restrictions: Depending on the age of your group, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with age restrictions, as some venues are 21+.
  • Learn bus logistics: Downtown has limited parking for buses, so it may be best to leave it to the experts (like us) and charter a local bus depending on the size of your group.
  • Prepare for spring allergies: If you’re visiting in the spring, you should know that middle Tennessee explodes with pollen due to its unique geography being located in the Nashville Basin. Just sayin…bring allergy meds if we’re talking to you.
  • Group dining considerations: Support local restaurants as much as you can, but also call ahead to give them a heads up and/or make a reservation if your group is particularly large. (Again, we can help!)

Make Your Trip Sing With Southwestern Travel Group

Music City is more than just a city full of music. It’s a place of cultural, historical, and educational importance. Your student group will enjoy and unforgettable combination of inspiration and entertainment during their time there.

Whether they have dreams of making it big in Nashville or simply want to explore the cultural epicenter of country music, Nashville delivers resounding memories for student groups. Let Southwestern Travel Group handle the details so you can make music – and memories – in Music City.