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A universal language with myriad styles, music is a unifying passion across the human race. In every city and town, there is music - from the busker playing banjo to huge artists headlining the local stadium.  

 

Of approximately 7.88 billion people in the world, 7.11 billion of those listen to music. Arguably the remaining few have or will listen to music at some point in their lifetime.

 

Of course like many places have their own typical dish, the same applies to music. In Brazil, the bossa nova is popular, while in Ireland they have jigs and reels.

 

However, some places stand out more than others, as they have a strong musical heritage and tradition. These places have made a name for music and people visit from all around the globe.

If you want to learn poker rules, Vegas calls, whereas if you want to hear Country music, head to Nashville.

 

Famous musicians and their cities

 

Some cities have gained an association with music through the musicians that were born or lived there, such as:

• Leipzig - the great composer Wilhelm Richard Wagner was born and educated here. He had an enormous impact on classical music in the 19th Century.
• Seattle - where grunge originated, the city is home to Pearl Jam, and the influential Nirvana.
• Seoul - this is where K-Pop began, a 5-billion dollar industry with hordes of fans the world over. Idols such as Jennie Kim, Taehyun.Txt and Son Naeun all hail from the city.

 

If you’re a music lover, you may want to plan a trip to a place that is steeped in musical tradition. If so, these five cities are worth considering.

 

 

• Galway, Ireland

 

It feels like this small city on the west coast of Ireland is constantly pulsing with music. It’s on the streets, in the pubs, spilling out of homes along the road.

 

Galway is a hub for traditional Irish music, so if you’re a fan of the fiddle you’ll enjoy it here. Buskers play on the streets, toting guitars and tin whistles.

 

Here you’ll discover what a bodhran is (an Irish hand-drum) and be mesmerized by a harpist. 

 

You’ll find music every night of the week in Galway, from big names to impromptu backroom sessions. Famous acts from the area include:

• De Dannan - a globally renowned Irish folk band, who formed in Galway
• We Banjo 3 - an award-winning four piece who fuses styles
• Mary Coughlan - a remarkable vocalist who was born and has spent most of her career in Galway

 

• Nashville, USA

 

The name is synonymous with country and western music and everyone who is anyone has played here. Here you’ll find the Country Music Hall of Fame, with memorabilia and historic items belonging to stars such as:

• The Carter Family
• Gene Autry
• Chet Atkins
• Loretta Lynn
• Johnny Cash

 

It has gained the nickname “Music City” so it doesn’t leave any doubt as to where it is on the map. Live music is performed at dozens of venues every night.

 

The Grand Ole Opry radio show has broadcast from downtown Nashville for almost a century. Visitors can see the Ryman Auditorium, which originally hosted the show.

 

Check out Music City Smokehouse and 3rd and Lindsley for a great night.

 

 

• Bologna, Italy

 

 

In 2006, UNESCO conferred the title of “City of Music” on this northern Italian city. Its musical tradition stretches back hundreds of years but doesn’t simply encompass one genre.

 

From classical to jazz, folk to electronic, Bologna has so much to offer music lovers. 

 

First stop should be the Basilica of San Petronio, which houses an ancient organ that is still in working order. It is the oldest instrument of its kind that still functions.

 

The Teatro Comunale is Bologna’s sumptuous Opera House, where both Verdi and Rossini had premieres. Spend time poring over items in the International Museum and Library of Music, including Mozart’s antiphon.

 

 

• Manchester, UK

 

 

While many people speak of London’s music tradition, the true musical capital of the UK lies further north. It has more live music gigs per head than any other city in the country.

 

It also has a huge heritage in terms of popular, indie and electronic music. Films have been made about The Hacienda, a legendary club in the 1980s and 1990s, which lives in lore.

 

Bands such as The Smiths, Oasis and Joy Division all hail from Manchester. Headliners including Elbow, The 1975 and Blossoms also call Manchester home.

 

Historic music sites such as Salford Lads Club and Sifters Music Shop to venues such as Gorilla are worth visiting.

 

• Havana, Cuba

 

 

This capital has been a melting pot of cultures for many generations, which has bred an eclectic music scene. The rumba rhythms can be heard bubbling across piazzas in the steamy nights.

 

Spanish guitars fuse with African percussion and have created genres including:

• Mambo
• Cuban jazz
• Habanera

 

Pop down to La Habana Vieja to experience authentic Latin American music or enjoy a salsa lesson.

 

These are just a hand-picked selection of some of the best places to learn more about music. Many other cities, from Berlin to New Orleans, have their own musical traditions which are also fascinating.