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a student sits at a desktop on a audio editing software program in a music studio

commercial music: songwriting or production

program overview

program overview

the nashville music scene is thriving, with people coming from all over the world to make music in a thousand different ways. so learn from those who know the music business best. let us prepare you to be an industry professional. we'll teach you more than industry skill. our mentor-based approach to the teacher-student relationship drives every academic decision we make. we will give you the tools you need to adapt to a changing industry. 

you'll have small-class access to excellent resources and top-notch faculty. scholars, musicians and entrepreneurs with hearts for mentoring guide our seminar-style classes and ensembles. take up the opportunity for extended time with music city professionals as you learn about the ins and outs of contemporary music. we can develop your unique gifts in performance, songwriting, production or business into a career where you can serve and work successfully.

we also offer many ensembles and special opportunities to take part in. 

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admission requirements

admission requirements

please refer to our audition page for more information on admission into our commercial program. 

 

courses

courses

music scholarships

music scholarships

all music majors and minors may audition for scholarships. these awards are based solely on the audition, and are not tied to any other academic scholarships for which you may be eligible. in addition, instrumentalists may audition for a participation scholarship. all scholarship recipients participate in the appropriate ensemble or, for pianists, the accompanying class.

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internship

become more competitive in the job market with an internship related to your interests. you’ll gain experience and boost your exposure. an internship will also help you learn whether you’ve chosen a career you’ll enjoy.

expert faculty, small class sizes

learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. our small class sizes allow us to get to know you personally. we lead an approachable community within our respective programs. our faculty connections are the experts on their subject matter, too.

nashville, tn

a big city. an even bigger opportunity. we consider nashville, tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

our faculty

  • brown bannister

    brown bannister

    assistant professor and director of the school of music

    brown bannister brings nearly four decades of industry experience to his work as director of the school of music. best known as a successful mentor and producer for top christian...

    meet brown bannister
  • donald chaffer headshot

    don chaffer

    artist in residence

    artist-in-residence, 世界杯2022预选赛录像回放 school of music, college of entertainment & the arts. academic degrees b.a. music academic department school of music

    meet don chaffer
  • jeff mcpherson headshot

    jeff mcpherson

    assistant professor

    jeff mcpherson moved to nashville in 1985 to get famous, but found success in other ways. he was signed as a songwriter to hot house music in 1993, provided the...

    meet jeff mcpherson
  • jenny snodgrass headshot

    jenny snodgrass

    academic director & professor

    jennifer sterling snodgrass is professor of music theory and academic director and chair in the school of music where she teaches courses in music theory and aural skills. before joining...

    meet jenny snodgrass
  • john thompson headshot

    john thompson

    visiting professor of music industry studies

    meet john thompson

career paths

musicians and singers

musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.

agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes

represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. may handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

composers and conductors

conductors lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.

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