We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claire Whitcomb. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claire below.

Hi Claire, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

If we could go back in time, we do wish we had started Southern Strings sooner. By now, we would be even more established, but at the time, we were hesitant to take the leap. Fear of the unknown and the challenges of starting a business held us back, but looking back, we’re so glad we finally went for it. Once we did, we realized how much we loved building something of our own and providing beautiful music for so many special moments. While an earlier start might have given us a head start, the timing still worked out—we learned, grew, and took the leap when we were ready. And now, we couldn’t be happier with where we are!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Southern Strings is a professional string ensemble based in Nashville, specializing in live music for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. My co-founder, Kristi, and I (Claire) started Southern Strings out of our passion for bringing high-quality, beautifully curated string music to special occasions. With years of experience as professional musicians, including time performing with orchestras like the Lexington Philharmonic and Chattanooga Symphony, we wanted to create an ensemble that blends classical training with modern versatility.

We offer a range of ensemble options, including duos, trios, and string quartets, allowing clients to tailor their musical experience to their vision and venue. Whether performing timeless classical pieces, contemporary pop songs, or custom arrangements, we ensure that every event’s soundtrack is both elegant and unforgettable.

One of the biggest challenges couples and event planners face is finding musicians who can provide not just excellent performance quality but also reliability and professionalism. We pride ourselves on making the process seamless—from helping clients select the perfect ensemble and songs to ensuring a flawless performance on the big day.

What sets us apart is our dedication to both musicianship and client experience. We don’t just play music; we create an atmosphere. Our musicians are some of the best in the region, with extensive orchestral and chamber music backgrounds. Beyond Nashville, we also have an incredible team of musicians in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Bowling Green, Lexington, Cincinnati, and Huntsville, ensuring top-tier performances across multiple locations.

I’m incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built—Southern Strings has become a trusted name in the wedding and events industry. Seeing our music enhance life’s most meaningful moments is what makes this work so special.

For anyone considering live string music for their event, we’d love to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a grand wedding entrance, a heartfelt first dance, or a sophisticated backdrop for a gala, we’re here to make it extraordinary.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a musician is the ability to create meaningful moments for people through music. There’s something incredibly special about seeing a bride take her first steps down the aisle to a song that holds deep personal significance, or watching guests light up when they recognize a piece that brings back fond memories.

Music has a way of connecting people, evoking emotions, and elevating experiences in a way that words often can’t. Knowing that our performances become part of someone’s most cherished memories is an honor. Beyond that, I love the collaborative nature of music—playing alongside talented musicians, interpreting pieces together, and continuously growing as an artist.

At the end of the day, it’s about more than just playing notes—it’s about creating something that moves people, whether it’s bringing joy, nostalgia, or even tears. That’s what makes this work so fulfilling.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! The driving mission behind Southern Strings is to bring high-quality, live string music to life’s most special moments while making the experience seamless and enjoyable for our clients. Music has the power to elevate emotions, create lasting memories, and add a level of elegance that recordings simply can’t replicate. Our goal is to make live string music accessible, versatile, and tailored to each event, whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or private celebration.

Beyond just providing beautiful performances, we’re passionate about showcasing the versatility of string instruments—blending classical technique with modern arrangements to bring everything from Bach to The Beatles (and beyond) to life. We want our clients to feel confident that they’re not just hiring musicians but a team that genuinely cares about the atmosphere and experience they’re creating.

At the heart of it all, our mission is to make every performance unforgettable—turning moments into music and music into memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.southernstringsmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/southernstrings_music
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernStringsMusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-strings/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/southernstringsmusic

Image Credits

Weatherly Hulsey