By Tomeka Allgood
Whether you are a Nashville resident, visiting, or on vacation, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is a great place to check out. It is the newest museum fully focused on music in Nashville, Tennessee. Visitors are invited to get comfortable and take a trip through a musical time machine. With artifacts on full display in all the exhibits, it makes the museum great for those who enjoy history too. Visiting NMAAM is unique in how it guides each person on a well-designed learning experience.
The Self-Guided Tour
The estimated tour time is 90 minutes, but guests are encouraged to take as much time as they need. The beginning of the tour takes place inside the Roots Theater. This is the first stop where guests watch a short film that provides the historical backdrop of how African music came to be an influence in Western culture. The film does a very good job of explaining, in chronological order, how music has evolved over time. Once the film is over, all attendees are directed to exit to the right. Almost on cue, the doors open and there is a long colorful hallway. This is when the self-guided portion of the tour begins. Museum staff are available initially to provide directions on how to use the interactive displays as well as to answer any questions you may have at that time.
The first interactive opportunity comes with being instructed on how your wristband is not just a wristband. It is linked to the email address that you provided when you purchased the tickets and confirmed in the lobby before your tour started. As you walk through the museum, you now can save songs to your wristband. That way you can make your own playlist when you get back home. Whatever you save to your wristband will be available for you for 60 days after the date of your visit.
Something that one may not expect in a museum, whether it is interactive or not, is an opportunity to create and save part of your experience. Three things that visitors should participate in when they visit are:
1) Dance to songs from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The last song gives you the chance to record and save it to your wristband. You can then see it and save it when you get home. It will be sent via email when ready for you to view.
2) Another chance visitors can test their skills is by creating their own hip-hop beat. They also have a chance to rap over a beat in a recording booth like a real artist.
3) There are several opportunities to create a personal playlist using a kiosk. It is called Roots & Streams and it allows you to discover the artist and their music through connections. You will quickly come to realize that all musicians are influenced by each other in some shape form or fashion. That interactive activity could take an hour by itself if you are a true music lover. It is like creating a family tree of music. It crosses over from gospel to country to rock and roll with some being a little surprising until you listen to some of the songs. The fun part is that you can save the music to your wristband and create a Spotify playlist.
The Exhibits
Not many people realize that there are more than 50 music genres and sub-genres created or inspired by African Americans. Each gallery area tells a different story of how the roots that were planted in Africa have come to spread across the world. The museum provides both visual and hands-on learning to link genres and how one sound evolved to create a new one. Eventually, it all comes full circle to show how the slave trade brought with it many musical instruments and sounds that still exist today.
When it is time for checking out the exhibits, it is recommended to go through them in chronological order. The number of displays and opportunities to learn more about music can be daunting. Do not feel overwhelmed because it could easily take more than one visit to really take it all in. That is why the museum allows each visitor to go through the tour at their own pace.
There are so many displays that it is difficult to narrow them down to a few. The following displays are the ones that had the most historical relevance and are considered a must-see.
Wade in The Water – Gospel
Gospel music has played a pivotal role in the African American experience, and it is only fitting that it is the first exhibit. The must-see display is the old-school church pews with stained glass windows. It gives the visitors the opportunity to sit down on the pew and imagine what it felt like to sit in a historic church house in the south.
Crossroads – Blues
There are artifacts on display in this exhibit from the late 1800s and post-slavery era. Visitors can try to see what it would have been like to play a Diddley Bow. It is a handmade instrument that was inspired by African craftsmanship. Many blues musicians played the diddley bow as their first instrument during this period.
A Love Supreme – Jazz
The must-see display in this jazz exhibit is everything. Museum employee Byron Harvey said that this is one of his favorites. He said the artifacts and history of music contained there are what makes it one of his favorites. A few recognizable names in the world with displays with personal artifacts are Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Louie Armstrong.
One Nation Under A Groove – Rhythm + Blues
The Originals and Covers display show four examples of songs that were originally recorded by a black artist, then covered by a white artist. This was commonplace during what is known as the Jim Crow Era in American history. According to this display in the 1950s mainstream radio would not play the original song but would play the cover that was recorded by a white artist.
The Message – Hip Hop
The Hip Hop display that must be watched from beginning to end is the mini video at the start of the exhibit. This music has been long misunderstood and understanding the importance and evolution is part of the African American music journey.
The Gift Shop
The Amplify gift shop is unique with options not only for clothing, coffee mugs, and traditional gift shop items. It also has vinyl records for sale along with record players and books. It never hurts to take time before the tour and look around the gift shop.
If you go…
Keep in mind the museum does not have a restaurant or serve food. That is not a problem since it is conveniently located in one of the city’s hottest food areas. NMAAM is family-friendly and open to all ages. It is one of the few places in the area that has something for everyone. Plan to grab something to eat before or after your visit.
It is recommended to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. If you are driving, that is increased to 30 minutes for parking. The self-directed tours start every half hour. Because the museum utilizes timed tickets to manage capacity, it is important to make sure you are on time. If you are late, you may have to wait for your tour time slot later.
There is public parking conveniently available in the 6th and Broadway garage which is located directly behind the museum. For additional general information, hours of operation, and current admission prices, click here.
