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Cambridge is a hub for live music. Home to a healthy club scene, Cambridge is exciting and vibrant 7 days a week. Whatever genre of music you love, you’ll find it here. If you’re taking guitar lessons in Cambridge, you’re in the perfect place to supplement your studies with a dose of listening to both live and recorded music. As a guitarist, it’s important to listen to other great players to develop a deeper understanding of the possibilities of your instrument. With several colleges like Harvard, Tufts and MIT bringing in internationally-acclaimed artists to perform, Cambridge is home to a rich musical tapestry.

Let’s explore some of the clubs, festivals, and record stores that an aspiring guitarist can experience to better hone their craft while taking guitar lessons in Cambridge!

Live Music Venues Cambridge and the surrounding cities are home to many live music venues featuring everything from experimental improvisation to classical, pop, punk, rock, soul, funk and blues! Major international guitar artists like Adrian Belew, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour can be found often in residence. Berklee College of Music in Boston has produced some of the music world’s top guitarists, and they’re often found performing here as young students! Check out these live music venues:

1. The Middle East – Located on Massachusetts Ave in Central Square, the Middle East hosts live music on three stages 7 nights a week. Some of the best guitarists in the city perform here. (http://mideastoffers.com/me/)

2. The Lily Pad, Inman Square Cambridge – The Lily Pad is the home of the experimental music scene in Cambridge. Here you can find guitarists pushing the boundaries of their instruments - playing everything from noisescapes to improvised jazz. (http://lilypadinman.com/)

3. The Sinclair, Church Street, Cambridge – A 450-seat capacity club that features live local, regional and national acts. Recent performers have included Spandau Ballet and The Psychedelic Furs. Great sight lines and an eclectic line-up! (http://www.sinclaircambridge.com/)

4. Berklee Performance Center, Massachusetts Ave, Boston – Five minutes down Mass Ave from the Middle East is Berklee College of Music. With several recital halls and the 1200-seat Performance Center, live music happens every day at Berklee! John Mayer, Amy Mann and Steve Vai all attended and performed at Berklee. The best part about it? It often has free admission! (https://www.berklee.edu/BPC)

Festivals Cambridge and Boston host several annual music festivals featuring all genres of music. Here are just a few to check out!

1. Central Square Music Festival – A free street fair and music festival, the Central Square Music Festival features jazz, folk, roots and world music performances. (http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/fair/p14962.php)

2. JazzBoston Jazz Week – A weeklong celebration featuring the best local, national and international guitarists. Over 200 events take place throughout the area. Many are free! (http://www.jazzboston.org/)

3. Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival – An annual outdoor festival that celebrates the musical diversity of jazz! Every conceivable jazz genre is represented, from bebop to smooth jazz. (https://www.berklee.edu/beantownjazz)

Record Stores Cambridge is home to some of the most eclectic indie record stores in the country. Whatever genre of music you love, you’ll find it here! Make sure to visit In Your Ear, Nuggets, Newbury Comics, or Cheapo Records to find your favorite guitarist’s recording! (http://www.iye.com/html_index.cfm?page=home) (http://www.nuggetsrecords.com/) (https://www.newburycomics.com/) (http://www.cheaporecords.com/)

If you’re fortunate enough to be taking guitar lessons in Cambridge, make sure to get inspired by supporting live music! These are only a few of the musical opportunities Cambridge has to offer. Check your local listings for even more great clubs and shows. It’s a great way to get inspired!