Explore nine fantastic fieldtrip performance hotspots for student groups, and enjoy the show
By Helene Martin, Contributing Writer
There is no music quite like a southern tune. From soul-filled blues to old-time country, smooth jazz, and everything in between, America has been beautifully shaped by southern-rooted sounds for decades. Today’s youth need to embark on a journey of exploration into music’s impact on culture, history and America. And there is no better way to live and breathe that sweet southern sound than on a field trip or through a soulful performance. We have compiled some of the best music field trips in the Southeast to provide students with a pivotal experience of the cultural fabric that is the music of the South.
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Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Nashville, TN)
For over five decades, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville has told country music’s stories. Through artifacts, photographs, and, of course, songs, the educational galleries and exhibits allow guests to step into the world of country music past and present.
Students can learn about the history of Nashville’s recording industry as they are guided through RCA Studio B, filled with the historic instruments and stories behind some of the best songs. End the tour with a private recording session, where students can stand in the shoes of country music legends as they make the next big hit. And whether your group is a small choir or a full orchestra, celebrate your students’ sound on stage at the Music City Showcase for Performance Groups. Student group performances are free with museum admission, making it an ideal school band trip destination. The museum offers:
- Reduced field trip rates
- Free admission for a limited number of chaperones
- Studio tours and recording sessions
- Performance opportunities
Stax Museum and Sun Studio (Memphis, TN)
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music takes you on a tour of the soul, highlighting its roots in Southern gospel music. The museum offers a unique four-part lesson plan that dives into music, Memphis, and civil rights history. Between this pre-visit curriculum and their on-site activities, there are plenty of great teacher resources to help you prepare students for their visit, as well as support their educational needs while they are here. The Stax Museum offers:
- Group rates starting at 15 guests
- Free entry for tour bus drivers
- Teacher resources
A museum by day and a recording studio by night, this is the birthplace of Rock’n’roll. Visit Sun Studio, one of the best music field trips in the Southeast for young rock stars, where you will get a tour of Memphis music history and culture. This historic recording studio was a pivotal piece of the formation of local music heritage. They offer private group tours starting at 20+ people.
New Orleans Jazz Museum (New Orleans, LA)
At the New Orleans Jazz Museum, the birthplace of jazz music in New Orleans, students can gain a comprehensive education on the lively art form that has shaped the South. The museum is dedicated to teaching jazz history and culture in all its forms, providing a rich learning experience for students.
Explore the history of jazz with their educator resources, available for free additional support to classroom learning before your trip. Book your school field trip, including:
- A free, self-guided tour of the museum
- Free admittance for one chaperone for every five students
- Educational resources
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (New Orleans, LA)
Created in 1994, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park celebrates the origins and teaches the necessity of jazz’s roots. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this park inspires the youth through education and appreciation of jazz, making this one of the best music field trips in the Southeast. Ranger talks explore jazz’s impact throughout the years and its lasting influence on modern-day New Orleans. Through their musical programming, students not only get to enjoy a vibrant performance from world-class musicians but also are enriched with music history and personal stories. And if your group is interested in performing here, they encourage you to reach out for theatre or courtyard bookings.
- A variety of lesson plans available online
- Free access to the park (as well as most park events)
- Educational ranger talks
- Musical programming
- Performance opportunities
Woodruff Arts Center (Atlanta, GA)
Enter a stunning world of visual and performing arts at the most prominent arts educator in Georgia, the Woodruff Arts Center. Since its founding in 1965, they have been committed to celebrating the power and connection of art in the community.
The Atlanta Symphony offers student symphony concerts that provide a great learning opportunity and standards-based support materials for the classroom. Students get first-hand experience with a live performance, making this one of the most fantastic symphonic music field trips in the Southeast. These programs have reduced student prices and offer free tickets for chaperones.
Alliance Theatre opens students’ eyes to the world of performing arts through its powerful productions. Pre-and post-show workshops are available to encourage students to engage in the arts in productive and fun ways. Workshops are limited to 30 students, with options to schedule multiple workshops to accommodate larger class sizes.
Southern Star Music Festival (Huntsville, AL)
Created by and for music educators, the Southern Star Music Festival brings together students and educators for an outstanding educational and fun experience. Choral and instrumental groups in elementary, middle, and high schools are welcome to participate in this friendly competition. 2026 performance dates are in March, April, and May, with a minimum number of 20 paid performers for any group.
Alabama Music Hall of Fame (Tuscumbia, AL)
Alabama is home to a great musical heritage, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame honors all the unique styles of music that find their home here. Since the 1980s, artists from all walks of musical genres have been inducted into their hall of fame, with vibrant exhibits illustrating their accomplishments.
Young students are given a scavenger hunt throughout the museum, while older students can complete trivia questions as they explore the exhibits. Free recording sessions are also included with every field trip, inviting students to feel the magic of making music like a star. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame includes:
- Reduced student admission
- Free admission for teachers/aides and bus drivers
- Museum scavenger hunts and trivia
South Carolina Philharmonic (Columbia, SC)
The South Carolina Philharmonic carries forth a legacy of passion for spreading community through vibrant musical appreciation and education. Through live symphonic performances, guests are welcomed into one of the most entertaining and enriching music field trips in the Southeast.
Enjoy interactive orchestral concerts where students are encouraged to sing and play along, as well as learn historical context and gain musical inspiration from a conductor during a pre-concert Q&A. Their programs feature standards-based teacher and student material to enforce positive music learning further in the classroom and beyond. Complimentary tickets are available for Title One schools.
Disney & Universal Orlando Youth Music Festivals (Orlando, FL)
Festival Disney inspires and educates young performers with positive performance experience in a magical environment. Elementary, middle, and high schoolers are welcome to compete on stage and receive meaningful feedback from nationally recognized adjudicators. The ensemble minimum requirement is 15 student performers with 2026 performance dates in March and April.
Orlando Fest at Universal Orlando Resort promotes music educational growth through performances. Open to elementary, middle, and high school performers, their programs offer both competitive and non-competitive performance opportunities. Each performance receives positive, educationally developmental on-stage clinics from professional adjudicators, helping them grow musically. Concerts are scheduled for Saturdays, with an average of 20 paying participants required.
More Musical Experiences
The Southeastern Regional Concert Festival provides an excellent musical opportunity for middle and high school musicians looking to gain experience in a competitive environment. With nationally renowned evaluators, Georgia State University has been hosting this illustrious event since 1992 for the benefit of student advancement in the arts.
Creating a positive, life-changing experience for young students interested in performance art, Bands of America Championship Competitions support and advance music education for all. With a variety of dates and locations across the Southeast, there are plenty of opportunities for student engagement and growth. There are plenty of fantastic music field trips in the Southeast to explore and utilize to encourage, educate, and inspire young musicians.
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