Charlotte Music Census Kicks Off To Track Regional Music Industry Growth

Starting this month, a new census aims to map out Charlotte's music scene. The project will track who's who in the local industry, from street performers to studio owners.

Working with Sound Music Cities from Austin, Music Everywhere CLT wants to count everyone who adds to the city's sound. They're reaching out to bands, teachers, sound techs, and venue staff across town.

"To shape the future of our music scene, we have to start by understanding the present," Rick Thurmond of Music Everywhere CLT and Charlotte Center City Partners said in a statement per The Charlotte Post. "The Charlotte Music Census helps shine a light on the people and places that make our creative community thrive — and ensures they're part of the city's vision going forward."

Five major groups back this project: the Arts and Science Council, Charlotte Is Creative, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Fair Play Music Equity Initiative, and Tosco Music. Each brings its own skills to the table.

John Tosco, who started and runs Tosco Music, wants everyone to pitch in. "Charlotte's music community is vibrant and diverse, and to truly support it, we need to understand it," Tosco said. "The Charlotte Music Census gives us that opportunity... We want all voices to be heard, and we encourage everyone involved in Charlotte's music scene to participate so we can all build a more inclusive, connected community through music together."

When the numbers come in early 2026, they'll guide new plans. The goals? More shows, better training, bigger crowds, and open doors for all musicians.

Anyone over 18 who makes music happen in Charlotte can take part. This means players and teachers, but also the folks who work behind the scenes. If you're in music, paid or not, your voice counts.

Want to help spread the word? Visit CharlotteMusicCensus.org for tools and info. The team needs local voices to get others involved.