Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

David Rodgers | Pianist, composer, arranger, and Artistic Director for the Nashville Jazz Workshop

I had a teacher, Dr. Susan Svrček, who told me in high school, “If you can imagine yourself doing anything else professionally, don’t pursue music.” When I started as a music major at Vanderbilt in 2013, I had aspirations to also pursue a double major in computer science. Read more>> 

André Wilkerson | Artist/Actor & Personal Trainer

I wanted to be an actor since I was a kid. Growing up, I loved telling stories and making people laugh but I never pursued acting because “real jobs” gained my interest. Seeming more realistic. So, it wasn’t until later in life that my friend, Justin Whitehead, told me about acting agencies that could help get me started. That changed everything. Read more>>

Marissa McGarry | Filmmaker and Founder of Maypop Media

I’ve been a storyteller from a young age. It started with poetry recitation and community theatre as a young child, memorizing other’s stories and portraying them through narrative. As I grew older I grew a passion for music – telling stories through song and instruments. I studied music through High School and college. Read more>>