We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claire Whitcomb. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claire below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Claire with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from a genuine drive to be self-sufficient and succeed. I’ve always valued the ability to stand on my own two feet, not just financially, but in creating something meaningful that I can be proud of. That sense of independence pushes me to give my best effort, no matter how challenging or time-consuming the work may be.
Co-Founding and growing Southern Strings has only strengthened that mindset. Because it’s a project I’m truly passionate about, investing long hours doesn’t feel like a burden—it feels like building something lasting. Whether I’m coordinating musicians, handling contracts, or performing myself, I’m energized by the knowledge that I’m shaping an experience that brings joy to others.
Loving the work makes all the difference. My passion for Southern Strings has taught me that hard work is sustainable when it’s rooted in purpose. The satisfaction of watching it grow, knowing it’s the result of my own effort and dedication, is what continues to fuel my work ethic today.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My business partner Kristi and I co-founded Southern Strings, a professional string ensemble based in Nashville that provides live music for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across the Southeast. What started as the two of us playing small ceremonies together has grown into a thriving network of musicians performing throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and beyond.
What makes Southern Strings so special is the personal connection we bring to every event. We love getting to know our couples and clients — learning their stories, discovering their favorite songs, and creating a soundtrack that feels authentic to them. Our musicians bring not only exceptional talent but also warmth, professionalism, and joy to each performance, and that’s something our clients consistently notice and appreciate.
One of the most exciting parts of what we do is the range of music we perform. Our repertoire includes everything from classical favorites to pop, R&B, and indie covers — we might play Bach one minute and Taylor Swift the next! That versatility allows us to bring music to life in a way that feels both timeless and modern.
Recently, Southern Strings has expanded into several new markets including Chattanooga, Lexington, Cincinnati, and Huntsville, allowing us to reach more couples and event planners than ever before. As we grow, our focus remains on maintaining the quality, consistency, and personal touch that made Southern Strings what it is today — a team of musicians who genuinely love what they do and take pride in making every event memorable.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that have made the biggest impact in my journey are organization, adaptability, and genuine connection.
Running Southern Strings has taught me that success isn’t just about being talented. It’s about building structure around that talent. Strong organization has allowed us to handle dozens of events each month while ensuring every client feels cared for and every detail is executed smoothly. For anyone starting out, I recommend finding systems early, whether that means using project management tools, creating clear communication templates, or developing consistent workflows. Structure creates freedom.
Adaptability has also been essential. The music and events industries are constantly changing, from trends in song choices to the logistics of outdoor setups and travel. Being open to learning, pivoting, and figuring things out as you go has led to some of our best opportunities. My advice is to stay curious and flexible, because you’ll never have it all figured out, and that’s perfectly fine.
Finally, genuine connection is everything. The relationships we’ve built with musicians, planners, venues, and clients are what sustain and grow Southern Strings. People remember how you make them feel. Be kind, follow through, and take time to invest in the human side of your work.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely. Southern Strings is always open to new partnerships and creative collaborations. We love connecting with event planners, venues, photographers, and other wedding professionals who share our passion for creating meaningful, beautifully executed experiences. Collaboration is such a big part of what we do, and the best events happen when everyone involved is aligned and working together toward the same vision.
We also love hearing from couples who are planning their weddings and want to make music a memorable part of their celebration. Whether you already have a specific vision in mind or just want help choosing songs that fit your story, we enjoy working closely with clients to create something personal and unforgettable.
And for musicians who are interested in joining our growing network across the Southeast, we’re always excited to meet talented, kind, and professional players who love performing as much as we do.
Anyone interested in collaborating or learning more can visit southernstringsmusic.com or reach out through our contact form or social media pages. We truly love connecting with others who value the power of live music and the joy it brings to every event.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernstringsmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernstrings_music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernStringsMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SouthernStringsMusic/videos
Image Credits
Weatherly Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
