When it comes to music, it’s the best of the West versus the beast of the East. There’s no doubt that both coasts come with their talents, but which region rules the stage? The Census Bureau considers Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming the West.

The Bureau considers Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia the East.

Here are a few statistics, so you can decide which coast takes home top prize:

• Music Festivals: The East. California hosts Coachella while Washington has Sasquatch! Music Festival. However, it’s all about the East when it comes to festival life. Governors Ball and CMJ Music Festival are in New York, Firefly Music Festival is in Delaware and Florida hosts The Fest and Ultra Music Festival.
• Instruments and Stereos: The West. No one manufactures instruments and sound systems like the West. From California’s Line 6, Taylor’s Guitars, and QSC to Washington’s Mackie, instruments are done best here. Though the East still produces quality sounds with Maryland’s Paul Reed Smith Guitars and New York’s Gretsch.
• Modern Composers: The East. When it comes to modern classical geniuses, the award goes to the East. From New York natives like Aaron Copland and Elliott Carter to Marylander Philip Glass, the East takes the cake. Though, we can’t discount amazing talents like California natives George Gershwin, Terry Riley, and David Del Tredici or Oregonian Lou Harrison.
• Orchestras: The East and West. With two of the Big Five orchestras (the New York Philharmonic and Boston Symphony Orchestra) on their team, the East dominates in big-time concerts. Though there are more than 30 orchestras in California alone, there are almost 100 orchestras dotted along the Atlantic Coast compared to about 75 on the Pacific. However, according to 2014 statistics, the San Francisco Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic are some of the busiest orchestras.
• Music City Scenes: The West. Make your way out West for the most happening music scenes in California cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. You can also travel to Portland, Oregon; Seattle; Las Vegas; and Denver for more music in the city. Don’t forget about the East though. Music lovers are sure to find some soul in Long Island, New York; Orlando, Florida; and Boston.
• Universities: The East. If you’re searching for higher education in music, make your way to the East. From the Juilliard School in New York to the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, this region has some of the most accredited music colleges in the nation. However, if you’re looking for stellar music opportunities out West, you’ll surely find them. Look into the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music or San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

From the classroom to the stage, it’s hard to decide which coast comes out on top. Each region has their strengths as the West provides beautiful, musical cityscapes and master-crafted instruments, and the East provides great music education, stellar talent, and fun festivals.

To see some local talent here in the East, check out Buster and Charlie in the Park, on July 20 at 8 p.m. in the Baker Park Bandshell as part of our Frederick Camerata Summer Series.