In a move that has thrilled fans and aspiring musicians alike, country music superstar Keith Urban has revealed plans to open a series of tutoring classes focused on music instruments, with the inaugural sessions slated to begin next week. The announcement, made during a casual Instagram Live session from his Nashville home on August 19, 2025, underscores Urban’s longstanding passion for music education and his desire to give back to the community that shaped his career. “This has been a dream in the making,” Urban shared, his signature grin lighting up the screen. “I’ve always believed music is a lifeline, and I want to help others find their voice through instruments like the guitar, banjo, and even some basics on bass and keys.” But what truly touched hearts was his heartfelt tribute to his wife, actress Nicole Kidman: “My wife is my rock-solid support. She’s been cheering me on every step of the way, constantly encouraging me to make this happen. Without her, I might still be procrastinating!”

The classes, dubbed “Urban Strings Academy,” will kick off on August 25, 2025, at a dedicated studio space in Nashville’s vibrant music district. Designed for beginners and intermediate players aged 10 and up, the program promises hands-on instruction from Urban himself during select sessions, alongside a team of certified instructors. Topics will cover everything from basic chord progressions to advanced techniques inspired by Urban’s own eclectic style, blending country, rock, and pop influences. Enrollment is already buzzing, with spots filling up via an online portal on Urban’s official website. Priced affordably to ensure accessibility—starting at $50 per session—the initiative aligns with Urban’s advocacy for music education, a cause he’s championed for years. As he explained in the live stream, “Music saved me as a kid, and in these tough times, I want to pay it forward. We’ll start small, but who knows? This could grow into something bigger.”

This venture comes at a pivotal time for Urban, who at 57 continues to dominate the country music scene while balancing family life and philanthropy. Born Keith Lionel Urban on October 26, 1967, in Whangārei, New Zealand, to Australian parents Bob and Marienne Urban, Keith’s early years were immersed in the sounds of country legends like Dolly Parton and Glen Campbell. His family relocated to Caboolture, Queensland, Australia, when he was just two, fostering an environment where music was more than a hobby—it was a calling. By age six, Urban was already strumming a guitar, winning local talent contests and honing skills that would propel him to stardom. His father, a drummer, played a crucial role, enrolling him in lessons and nurturing his talent.

Urban’s professional journey began in the early 1990s with his self-titled Australian debut album in 1991, which achieved moderate success down under. Eager for bigger horizons, he moved to Nashville in 1992, the epicenter of country music. There, he formed the band The Ranch, releasing an album in 1997 that showcased his guitar prowess and songwriting chops. His solo breakthrough arrived with the 1999 album “Keith Urban,” featuring the chart-topping single “But for the Grace of God,” his first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. From there, Urban’s career skyrocketed: albums like “Golden Road” (2002), with hits such as “Somebody Like You” and “You’ll Think of Me,” solidified his status as a crossover sensation. Subsequent releases, including “Be Here” (2004), “Defying Gravity” (2009), and “Ripcord” (2016), produced over 20 No. 1 singles and sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.

Urban’s accolades are as impressive as his discography. He’s a four-time Grammy winner, with triumphs in categories like Best Male Country Vocal Performance for tracks like “You’ll Think of Me” (2005) and “Sweet Thing” (2009). Additionally, he’s claimed 10 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, 11 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and even a People’s Choice Award. His versatility extends beyond music; from 2013 to 2016, Urban served as a judge on “American Idol,” bringing his affable charm and expert insights to a new generation of talent. With an estimated net worth of $75 million, Urban’s success stems not just from sales and tours but also from endorsements, including his signature guitar line with Fender, and high-grossing concerts that blend high-energy performances with intimate storytelling.

Yet, Urban’s path hasn’t been without hurdles. In the early 2000s, he grappled with addiction, entering rehab in 1998 and again in 2006, shortly after his marriage. He’s been candid about these struggles, crediting recovery programs and support systems for his sobriety. In a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, Urban reflected, “Nicole saved me from myself.” His resilience has made him a beacon for fans, who admire his openness about mental health. Philanthropy plays a key role in his life; Urban has donated generously to causes like the Country Music Hall of Fame and disaster relief, often performing benefit concerts. His involvement in music education is particularly noteworthy. As the first artist ambassador for the CMA Foundation’s “Music Education Matters” initiative in 2015, Urban donated 60 of his signature guitars, amplifiers, strings, and picks to partner programs across the U.S. He’s advocated for music programs in schools, stating at the 2017 GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards that music should be “a requirement” in education, emphasizing its role in shaping young lives.

This new tutoring venture builds directly on that foundation. Urban has long expressed shock at schools cutting music programs, noting in a 2017 interview that such decisions rob children of a vital outlet. The classes will incorporate elements from his past efforts, like interactive workshops and guest appearances from fellow musicians. Initial sessions will focus on guitar fundamentals—Urban’s instrument of choice—drawing from his own learning experiences. “I remember struggling with barre chords as a kid,” he laughed during the announcement. “We’ll make it fun, no pressure.” The program also includes virtual options for global participants, ensuring inclusivity amid Urban’s busy tour schedule.

Central to this story is Nicole Kidman, Urban’s wife of nearly 20 years, whom he credits as the driving force behind the project. Born Nicole Mary Kidman on June 20, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Australian parents, Kidman grew up in Sydney and launched her acting career at 16 with films like “Bush Christmas” (1983). Her breakthrough came with “Dead Calm” (1989), leading to Hollywood stardom in “Days of Thunder” (1990), where she met her first husband, Tom Cruise. Their marriage, from 1990 to 2001, produced two adopted children, but ended amid personal challenges.

Kidman’s post-divorce renaissance was extraordinary. She won an Oscar for “The Hours” (2002) as Virginia Woolf and earned nominations for “Moulin Rouge!” (2001), “Rabbit Hole” (2010), and others. Hits like “Big Little Lies” (2017-2019) garnered Emmys and Golden Globes, while her production company, Blossom Films, has amplified women’s stories. With a net worth of $250 million, Kidman is a powerhouse, commanding top fees and advocating for women’s rights via UN Women.

Urban and Kidman’s romance began in January 2005 at the G’Day USA Gala in Los Angeles, an event celebrating Australians. Urban, instantly smitten, sent her flowers weekly until she agreed to a date. They wed on June 25, 2006, in Sydney, in a fairy-tale ceremony attended by 230 guests. Challenges arose early; Urban’s 2006 rehab stint tested their bond, but Kidman’s support was unwavering. They welcomed daughters Sunday Rose in 2008 and Faith Margaret via surrogate in 2010, creating a tight-knit family. Their timeline is marked by mutual admiration: joint red-carpet walks at the Oscars and CMAs, family vacations in Australia, and collaborative moments like Kidman appearing in Urban’s music videos.

In recent years, they’ve navigated rumors—tabloids speculated about strains in 2022 and even a 2025 move by Kidman to Europe without Urban—but the couple dismisses them, emphasizing communication. Kidman has called Urban her “anchor,” while he dedicates songs to her. For this tutoring project, her encouragement was pivotal. “Nicole’s been my biggest cheerleader,” Urban said. “She knows how much music education means to me and pushed me to stop talking and start doing.” Insiders reveal Kidman helped scout the studio space and brainstorm curriculum, blending her artistic insight with his musical expertise.

Fan reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive. On X (formerly Twitter), posts flooded in after the announcement, with one user tweeting, “Keith Urban teaching guitar classes? Sign me up! And shoutout to Nicole for being the ultimate supportive spouse!” Another shared, “This is what legends do—give back. Keith’s passion for music ed is inspiring.” Searches for Urban’s recent activities show excitement around his “HIGH” album and tours, but this educational pivot adds a new layer to his legacy.

The impact of “Urban Strings Academy” could be profound. Psychologists note that music tutoring boosts cognitive skills, confidence, and emotional well-being, especially for youth. Urban plans to donate proceeds to music programs in underserved schools, echoing his CMA efforts. Future expansions might include online masterclasses or partnerships with organizations like the GRAMMY Music Educator Award, which Urban has supported via PSAs.

As the classes launch next week, Urban’s venture reminds us of music’s transformative power. With Kidman by his side—his “rock-solid support”—this chapter promises to be as harmonious as their enduring love. In an industry of fleeting fame, Urban and Kidman exemplify commitment, creativity, and compassion, inspiring fans to pick up an instrument and strum their own success story.