Develop your voice and craft. Nashville is full of singers and musicians who are interested in pursuing a musical career in the famed music city. It is important to be prepared and experienced prior to moving to Nashville. Take voice lessons with a professional voice teacher to improve your vocal skills and ability. Practice as much as possible. Singers need to sing with confidence and authority.
Record several songs on a demo CD. Select three to four songs that show your range and versatility. A demo CD can be as simple as recording your voice with an acoustic guitar accompaniment at home or renting time in a recording studio and recording a few songs with a band. The demo CD gives you recording experience, allows you to listen to how your voice actually sounds and provides you with a demo CD that you can mail or hand out to nightclubs, music agents and record labels.
Join or form a band after you move to Nashville. Search the Nashville Musicians Classifieds at Musolist.com for singer wanted ads or place your own ad. Describe the type of music you play and the type of musicians you are interested in. Visit the local record stores and music stores in Nashville. Many bands and musicians place wanted ads at record and music stores.
Sing at open mic nights. As you peruse the music papers, keep your eyes open for clubs that have open mics. Singing at an open mic night is a good way to gain exposure, acquire experience in a Nashville setting and meet other musicians.
Attend professional music symposiums and showcases. The Nashville Symposium is a professional music showcase that is held in the summertime in Nashville. Go online to Nashvillesymposium.com. Professional music showcases provide an opportunity to perform and network with people in the music business. Another important music conference is the National Folk Alliance conference that is held in Memphis every year. Go online to Folkalliance.org for information.