A Nashville musician’s guide to understanding songwriter rounds, how they work, and where to find them.

How Songwriter Rounds Work in Nashville

If you're new to Nashville, one of the first things you'll hear about is a songwriter round.

Songwriter rounds are one of the most unique traditions in Nashville’s music culture. Instead of a full band show or an open mic, a round usually features three or four songwriters sitting in a circle on stage, taking turns performing their songs and telling the stories behind them.

The focus is on the song itself — the lyrics, the story, and the craft of songwriting.

Some rounds feature seasoned professionals with publishing deals, while others are more casual and open to newer writers. But the basic format stays the same: one songwriter, one song at a time, rotating around the circle.

If you want to understand Nashville’s music culture, songwriter rounds are where the real heart of it lives.

What Happens in a Songwriter Round

Most rounds include three or four writers sitting on stools with acoustic guitars (or sometimes a piano).

Each writer plays one song, then the next writer goes, and the rotation continues around the circle.

A typical round might look like this:

Writer 1 → Song
Writer 2 → Song
Writer 3 → Song
Writer 4 → Song

Then the cycle repeats for the entire set.

Each songwriter usually performs 3–5 songs during the show.

Between songs, writers often share:

• the story behind the song
• who they wrote it with
• how the idea came about
• funny writing-room moments

That storytelling element is part of what makes Nashville rounds special. The audience gets to hear not just the song, but the journey behind it.

Rounds can happen in:

• listening rooms
• small venues
• bars and restaurants
• songwriter showcases
• music festivals

Some are ticketed events, while others are more casual shows.

Songwriter Round Etiquette

Songwriter rounds have an unspoken etiquette that keeps the experience respectful for both the performers and the audience.

Here are a few important things to know.

Respect the other writers.
When another songwriter is performing, give them your attention. Nashville rounds work best when the writers support each other’s songs.

Listen to the room.
Some venues are listening rooms where audiences expect quiet attention. Others are louder bar environments. Adjust your stage presence accordingly.

Keep things moving.
Short stories about your song are great, but long speeches can slow down the round. Most experienced writers keep their intros concise.

Be tuned up and ready before you get on stage.
Songwriter rounds run on set time slots, and the audience came to hear songs. Tune your guitar, organize your capo, and have your lyrics ready before you walk on stage so you don’t waste time getting prepared once the round has started.

Check in with the host when you arrive.
Always introduce yourself to the round host as soon as you get to the venue. Many rounds have writers waiting to play, and if the host doesn’t know you’re there, you could lose your spot in the lineup.

Stay present.
Rounds work best when writers engage with each other. A good round feels more like a musical conversation than a performance competition.

Benefits of Playing Songwriter Rounds

Songwriter rounds are one of the best ways for new and experienced writers alike to develop their craft and build relationships in the music community.

You get real-time feedback on your songs.
Playing songs in a round lets you see how your material actually lands with an audience. You’ll quickly learn which lines get reactions, where the room leans in, and where a song might need improvement.

You meet other writers and collaborators.
Many songwriting partnerships begin in rounds. Writers hear each other’s work, connect afterward, and eventually start co-writing together.

Networking opportunities happen naturally.
Industry people often attend songwriter rounds quietly to listen for new talent. Rounds create a relaxed environment where artists, writers, and industry professionals can meet.

Some well-known careers began in simple songwriter circles.

For example, Florida Georgia Line started as two writers playing songs on stools before deciding to form a duo.

Taylor Swift was famously discovered performing at the Bluebird Café open mic, which helped launch her career.

Artists like Sierra Ferrell were also noticed early on while playing unplugged songwriter circles around East Nashville.

You can learn from professional writers.
Many rounds mix newer writers with seasoned professionals. Watching experienced songwriters perform and introduce their songs can be an education in itself.

Most rounds are not paid gigs.
In many cases only a featured writer is paid, and sometimes even the featured artist performs for the exposure. But the real value often comes from the experience, the connections, and the opportunity to develop as a writer.

For many musicians, songwriter rounds are where they learn the craft, meet collaborators, and begin building their careers.

Beginner Mistakes

If you’re new to songwriter rounds, a few common mistakes can make the experience harder than it needs to be.

Talking too long before the song.
A little story adds context, but too much explanation can lose the audience.

Trying to impress instead of connect.
Rounds are about sharing songs, not competing. Authentic performances usually resonate more than trying to “wow” the room.

Not paying attention to the rotation.
Know when your turn is coming so the flow stays smooth.

Playing songs that don’t fit the room.
Pay attention to the vibe of the other writers and the audience.

Showing up unprepared.
If you’re still tuning your guitar or digging through your bag once you’re on stage, it slows down the entire round.

Forgetting the audience is part of the experience.
Even though it’s a circle of writers, the audience still needs to feel included.

Gear Recommendations for Songwriter Rounds

Most songwriter rounds are very simple setups, but a few pieces of gear can make a big difference.

Reliable acoustic guitar
A guitar that stays in tune and is comfortable to play for multiple songs.

Capo
Almost every songwriter carries one.

Clip-on tuner
Quick tuning between songs helps keep the round moving smoothly.

Notebook or phone for lyrics
Even experienced writers sometimes forget a verse.

Extra strings and picks
Always helpful to keep in your gig bag.

If you're playing rounds regularly, having a small organized gig bag with essentials can save a lot of stress.

Helpful Resources for Songwriters

If you’re interested in playing or attending songwriter rounds, here are a few ways to get involved.

Attend rounds regularly.
Watching how experienced writers run a round is one of the best ways to learn the culture.

Connect with other writers.
Many rounds happen through relationships and writing communities.

Explore songwriter organizations.
Groups like songwriting associations and music organizations often host events and workshops.

Follow venues that host rounds.
Many Nashville venues host weekly songwriter rounds where you can listen and learn.

In Closing

Songwriter rounds are one of Nashville’s most cherished traditions. They create a space where songs can be shared in their simplest form — one voice, one instrument, one story at a time.

Whether you’re a new writer looking to learn the ropes or a music fan wanting a deeper connection to the craft, attending a songwriter round is one of the best ways to experience the real heart of Nashville music.

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