A music tour of another country is an unforgettable, life-changing experience. An international music tour offers performers the opportunities to learn, collaborate and perform in vastly different cultural and musical contexts; however, it also provides incredible non-musical experiences and educational opportunities.

World Projects South Pacific specialises in curating unforgettable music tour experiences for schools and music groups: here’s our top five music tour destinations for 2024.

  1. China

As one of the most culturally rich destinations in the world, China is the perfect option for a truly unique music tour. China’s vast and diverse landscape greatly compliments the country’s history as one of the world’s first ancient civilisations. The options for a life-changing music tour are endless and only limited by your imagination. Popular activities include: 

  • Walking the ancient path of The Great Wall of China 
  • Visiting the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square 
  • Viewing the profound size and detail of the Terracotta Warriors 
  • Learning about the art of silk making through a silk factory tour
  • Enjoying the sheer beauty of Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as ‘the city of heaven, the most magnificent in the world’.

2. The United States

For a diverse and vibrant music tour, you can’t beat the USA. Whether you traverse the entire country to soak up the sights and sounds, or focus on a particular region, the sheer variety and depth of the musical options available are unparalleled. American schools, universities and community groups are always excellent hosts who welcome with open arms the opportunity to exchange and collaborate with Australian performance ensembles.

Potential tour highlights include:

  • The East Coast: enjoy a Broadway show in New York, visit the monuments and discover the rich history of Washington DC, or even obtain a truly new cultural experience through a visit to the Amish country in Philadelphia. 
  • The West Coast: visit sunny Anaheim to experience a Disneyland Soundtrack Sessions workshop, enjoy the marvellous beaches of San Luis Obispo, take a guided tour of Hollywood and the Sunset Strip, visit the Grammy Museum or even soak in the many sights and museums of San Diego’s Balboa Park.
  • The South: a truly American cultural experience to see where so much of today’s popular music was born. Enjoy attractions such as the Alamo and Johnson Space Center in Texas, the Blues Highway of the Mississippi Delta, The French Quarter of New Orleans, Sun Studios and Graceland in Memphis and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

3. The United Kingdom

Whether you’re experiencing the beautiful valleys and mountains of Scotland and Wales or the buzzing metropolis of London, a music tour in the UK will inspire and amaze, as well as raise your performance skills and experience to the next level.

With a rich musical history dating back through the Middle Ages (and beyond), the UK offers a plethora of enriching experiences – musical and otherwise. Uniquely British experiences include:

  • Trips to iconic historical sites such as Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum, the Roman Baths, and many historic castles. 
  • Literary experiences such as visiting the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Wordsworth’s Lake District, and of course the Harry Potter Tour!
  • Unparalleled musical experiences like workshops at the Royal Northern College of Music, sectionals with the London Symphony Orchestra, tickets to the latest West End musicals and performances in inspiring spaces such as Stoller Hall and St John’s Smith Square.

4. Cuba

Cuba is arguably the most musical destination on the planet – indeed, music is inseparable from daily life. Cuban music is internationally renowned due to its strong African and European influences. Uniquely Cuban experiences include: 

  • Walk through the streets of amazing Old Havana 
  • Visit the historic Cueva del Indio 
  • Take part in a Cuban salsa dance workshop 
  • Enjoy a night concert at the Buena Vista Club at Plaza America
  • Take part in public performances at the Prado of Cienfuegos City and Santa Clara Square 
  • Undergo exchange performances with educational institutions including Amadeo Roldan Conservatory, Alejandro García Caturla Conservatory and The National School of Music in Havana.

5. New Zealand

Just a stone’s throw from home, New Zealand is the perfect introduction to international music travel. 

The spectacular sights and sounds of the North Island and the South Island never fail to deliver, with multiple opportunities for performances, exchanges and workshops, along with learning about the rich culture of the indigenous Maori people and how their music is ingrained in life in New Zealand. 

Meanwhile, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore some of the southern hemisphere’s most dramatic natural landscapes from the high peaks, lakes, volcanos, glaciers and more. Other popular activities include: 

  • Visiting Rotorua’s Whakawerawera Thermal Reserve 
  • Visiting Matamata’s ‘Hobbiton’ movie set, as featured in The Lord of the Ring
  • Experiencing a traditional Maori Hangi meal 

World Projects South Pacific specialises in unique music tours to incredible destinations around the world. We customise every tour to your requirements, with tours incorporating full-time tour managers, performance opportunities, sightseeing activities and workshops with talented clinicians.

To arrange an unforgettable music tour experience, contact us today.