New MTSU Commercial Songwriting Building. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
Nestled on the outskirts of Nashville in nearby Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). With its Recording Industry department, including concentrations in Music Business, Commercial Songwriting, and Audio Production, the University is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Nashville music business.
Since beginning its Commercial Songwriting program in 2008 under the direction of professional songwriter Odie Blackmon (“I May Hate Myself In The Morning” by Lee Ann Womack, “She’ll Leave You With A Smile” by George Strait, “Nothin’ On But The Radio” by Gary Allan), the concentration has nearly doubled its enrollment, hosting 158 students this semester.
Nancy Jones, widow of country music legend George Jones in the Center for Popular Music visiting with commercial songwriting students in professor Odie Blackmon’s “Life and Music of George Jones” class. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
Called a “Grammy Factory” by NBC Nightly News, the program boasts many accomplishments, including award-winning alumni like Luke Laird, who has cuts by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, and Tim McGraw; Laura Rogers, one of the Secret Sisters; Erin Enderlin, who has written songs for Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack; country recording artists Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny; and many more.
MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting department also features eight adjunct faculty members who have ties to all parts of the industry, including alumni Dez Dickerson, founding member and guitar player of Prince & The Revolutions; Grammy-winning hip hop producer and songwriter Torrance “Street Symphony” Esmond (Yo Gotti, G-Eazy, 2 Chainz); No. 1 pop songwriter Shelly Peiken (“What a Girl Wants” by Christina Aguilera, “I’m a Mess” by Bebe Rexha); and more.
“We serve a lot of different types of songwriters. The classes are intimate, so there’s only around 12 students in a songwriting class. It’s been a joy creating the program,” Blackmon shares with MusicRow. “I’m most proud of the diversity of the faculty in the program, because it mirrors the diversity of our student body.
MTSU students in the Recording Industry program. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
“If you look at the different people that are teaching, we have all genres and backgrounds covered. Collaboration of people from different worlds and backgrounds is what makes great music,” he explains. “When you come to MTSU, you’re not in a bubble. We have a diverse faculty and student body, and we’re inclusive in nature. We’re open arms and we welcome all of the different people that come through our doors.”
Though not located directly on Nashville’s historic Music Row, MTSU has deservedly been receiving more and more attention over the last few years. The University has also celebrated many successful alumni within the music business, including Brian Wright, Executive VP, A&R at Universal Music Group Nashville; Kent Earls, publishing veteran and President of Kane Brown’s Verse 2 Music; Mike Molinar, General Manager of Big Machine Music; Daniel Miller, manager at Red Light Management and managing partner at Fusion Music; and award-winning producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry); to name just a few.
With the growing exposure and student body, the Commercial Songwriting program will soon be moving into a new home on the campus.
The new Songwriting Center will include classrooms and a lounge area, both of which will be functional by January of 2022, as well as a state of the art beat lab, writers’ rooms, offices, a vending area, and an atrium fit for live performances for up to 300 people.
Rendering of new MTSU Commercial Songwriting Building. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
“[This new building] shows a commitment to the songwriting concentration, which is newer compared to the music business or audio,” Blackmon states. “It gives students confidence too. We’re going to have Gold and Platinum award plaques from different alumni line the walls so that when students walk down a hallway, they see people that have come before them that have actually done it. They’ll know they’re at the right place and that they can do this if they work hard.
“[Our students] deserve it and they’re going to get it at the cost of a state school education and not $60,000 a year,” he says.
Rendering of MTSU’s new Commercial Songwriting building floor plan. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
The project, which is expected to be completed in its entirety in January of 2023, has already received over $300,000 in funding, but still needs some help for the new equipment.
Post-COVID, Blackmon expresses plans for live performance fundraisers with students from the program. “Several years ago, Eric Paslay, who’s an alumni, did a show where students opened up and got the experiential learning of opening a show. Eric closed the show and we sold tickets and also got donations, so I plan on doing more of those.”
With much in store over the coming months, MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting program has the promise of a bright, hopeful future ahead for the department and its many students. To contribute to the fundraising efforts for the program’s new home, you can go to the MTSU development webpage or click here to make a tax deductible donation to the Songwriting Center.
For more information on MTSU’s Recording Industry program and the Commercial Songwriting department, click here.
Opry Entertainment Announces Lineup For First-Ever “Opry NextStage Live In Concert”
/by Steven BoeroOpry Entertainment Group has announced its first-ever “Opry NextStage Live In Concert,” taking place on Nov. 21 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Tickets are available for purchase now.
The lineup includes 2021 NextStage artists Parker McCollum, Niko Moon, Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, and November’s featured artist Priscilla Block, with special performances by NextStage alumni Travis Denning and host Tenille Townes.
“It is an honor to be a part of the Opry NextStage family, and I’m so excited for the opportunity to host and play at this event!” says Townes. “Feeling the support and belief from the Grand Ole Opry in the beginning of going after this dream is a pretty incredible thing. Stepping into that circle to play, you can’t help but feel inspired by all the footsteps who have come before and feeling the continuation of that legacy with everybody playing this show is a really cool thing to be a part of.”
Throughout the year, Opry Entertainment works closely with Opry NextStage artists by investing in career development and providing opportunities for live performances, strategic marketing support, and short-form documentary-style storytelling.
“We’ve been able to showcase incredible talent through Opry NextStage so far this year,” says Opry’s Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit. “Opry NextStage was created with the goal to invest in the next generation of Opry performers by sharing their music, stories and personalities with fans across our family of brands. We look forward to welcoming many of them back to the Opry stage to celebrate another successful year.”
The 2021 NextStage class also features Grammy-nominated vocalist Yola who was the featured artist for October. The final member of the 2021 class will be revealed during “Opry NextStage Live In Concert.”
Trace Adkins Announces “The Way I Wanna Go Tour” With Stop At Historic Ryman Auditorium
/by Lorie HollabaughTrace Adkins
Trace Adkins has announced his upcoming headlining tour, “The Way I Wanna Go Tour.” The tour will include a special stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on April 8, marking his first show at the venue since his 2012 “Songs And Stories Tour.”
“The Ryman. Only two words, but I say them with such reverence,” shares Adkins. “It is my honor to be performing on this hallowed stage, at the Mother Church of Country music. It is such a special place, and I look forward to visiting again with great anticipation.”
“The Way I Wanna Go Tour” will kick off Dec. 1 in Tampa, and will run through much of 2022. Other shows on the coast-to-coast run include stops in Bristol, Tenn.; Flint, Mich.; and Sioux Falls, S.D., with more to be announced soon. Pre-sale tickets for the Ryman Auditorium show are available beginning today with public onsale at 10 a.m. CT on Oct. 15.
Adkins recently released his expansive The Way I Wanna Go album, which celebrates his 25-year country career with 25 all new tracks. He is also part of a new drama series on Fox called Monarch, which is set to air in January 2022.
12/01/2021 – Hard Rock Event Center – Tampa FL
12/02/2021 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
12/03/2021 – Seminole Casino Hotel – Immokalee, FL
12/04/2021 – Orlando Amphitheater – Orlando, FL
12/18/2021 – Paramount Bristol – Bristol, TN
1/08/2022 – Hollywood Casino – Charles Town, WV
1/09/2022 – Clay Center – Charleston, WV
1/29/2022 – French Lick Resort Casino – French Lick, IN
4/08/2022 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
4/19/2022 – Wilson Center – Wilmington, NC
4/21/2022 – American Music Theatre – Lancaster, PA
4/22/2022 – Penn’s Peak – Jim Thorpe, PA
4/23/2022 – Midland Theatre – Newark, OH
4/24/2022 – Ritz Theatre – Tiffin, OH
4/25/2022 – Packard Music Hall – Warren, OH
4/28/2022 – Riverpark Center – Owensboro, KY
4/29/2022 – Effingham Performance Center – Effingham, IL
5/04/2022 – Capitol Theatre – Wheeling, WV
5/05/2022 – Capitol Theatre – Flint, MI
5/06/2022 – Del Lago Resort & Casino – Waterloo, NY
5/13/2022 – Graton Resort & Casino – Rohnert Park, CA
6/05/2022 – Indian Ranch Amphitheatre – Webster, MA
6/14/2022 – Sioux Falls Alliance Center – Sioux Falls, SD
6/18/2022 – Morgan County Fairgrounds – Martinsville, IN
7/02/2022 – ABATE Freedom Park – Algona, IA
7/30/2022 – Oregon Jamboree – Sweet Home, OR
Joy Oladokun Confirms First Nationwide Headline Tour Kicking Off Next Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughJoy Oladokun
Joy Oladokun is heading out on her first ever headlining tour next spring with support from Bre Kennedy.
The new tour includes newly confirmed shows at Austin’s Antone’s, Dallas’ Club Dada, Los Angeles’ Troubadour, Denver’s Marquis Theater, Chicago’s Lincoln Hall, New York’s Bowery Ballroom, Atlanta’s Terminal West and Nashville’s The Basement East, among several others. Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. local time.
The tour adds to a landmark year for Oladokun, who released her major label debut, In Defense Of My Own Happiness, this past summer via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. She recently released a deluxe edition of the project, In Defense Of My Own Happiness (Complete), which includes all 14 tracks from her debut, ten additional songs from her self-released 2020 record and one new track, “Judas.”
She has been named a Billboard LGBTQ Artist of the Month, Spotify’s Radar US: Artists to Watch 2021 and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch 2021, and had her music featured on CBS’ CSI: Vegas, NBC’s This Is Us, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, ABC’s Station 19 and NBC’s America’s Got Talent. She will make her debut on PBS’ Austin City Limits early next year as part of the legendary program’s 47th season.
Lauren Funk Joins Endurance Music Group As Senior Creative Director
/by Lydia FarthingLauren Funk
Endurance Music Group (EMG) has added longtime songwriter advocate and publishing veteran Lauren Funk as Senior Creative Director, effective immediately.
In this role, she will be responsible for managing EMG’s relationships with its songwriting and artist roster, while also identifying new talent.
Funk joins EMG from Big Yellow Dog Music as Sr. Creative Director, where she spent seven years working with Grammy award-winning artists and songwriters Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, Josh Kear, and Daniel Tashian. During her time there, she secured numerous cuts with artists like Gary Allan, Jessie James Decker, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Chris Lane, LoCash, Dustin Lynch, Michael Ray, Runaway June, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner and more.
Funk also helped develop Sony Music Nashville’s Tenille Townes, as well as signed songwriters Jim Beavers and Dave Pittenger. Her most recent signing was songwriter and producer Zarni deVette, who co-wrote Tigirlily’s “Somebody Does,” which debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes all-genre chart and neared the top of Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart.
“Lauren’s passion for songs, songwriters, and artists is what makes her truly stand out as a creative director. She was fortunate to work closely with Carla Wallace, and to experience her leadership and the tremendous success of Big Yellow Dog,” shares Endurance President Michael Martin. “We are excited to welcome Lauren to the EMG family and kickstart her new creative journey together.”
She can be reached at lauren@endurancemg.com.
Jordan James Signs With The AMG
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan James
Jordan James has signed with the AMG for representation.
James’ musical career began at 12 when he was invited by Kenny Rogers to appear in his annual Christmas concert at Gwinnett Arena. Since then, he’s shared the stage with Jake Owen, Charles Kelley and David Foster, and penned songs for Andy Grammer and Haley Steinfeld. He has recently signed a publishing deal with Eclipse Music.
His debut single, “Left Like That,” is set for release on Oct 15. The ballad was written by James, Matt Alderman, and Dallas Wilson, and produced by Brad Hill and Lalo Guzman.
“At The AMG, we are passionate about discovering new artists and helping them share their music and stories with the world,” says AMG COO Kristy Reeves. “Jordan’s passion is contagious, his music is fresh and relatable and his delivery is unique. We are excited to begin this journey with him.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of The AMG family,” James adds. “I can’t wait for everyone to hear what I have been working on, starting with ‘Left Like That’. This song is for anyone that has ever been through a heartbreak–just know there is something better for you on the other side.”
Industry Ink: Blaike Ford, Scott Stevens, Janelle Arthur
/by Lydia FarthingRange Media Partners Adds Blaike Ford As SVP, Streaming & Artist Development
Blaike Ford
Range Media Partners has added Blaike Ford as SVP of Streaming and Artist Development. In her new role, she will spearhead DSP relationships and streaming for Range’s artist management roster and its recently announced record label in partnership with Virgin and Capitol.
She joins after over 8 years at Spotify where she started the music marketing department and led over 400 marketing programs, aimed at creating innovative experiences, content and moments in music culture. She also worked in editorial strategy; led efforts for initiatives such as Wrapped, Listen Local, Delta + Spotify and Fresh Finds; and curated playlists such as Soda, Acoustic Covers, Morning Coffee, Alone Again, Creativity Boost and tmore. She also led marketing for Hot Country, New Music Friday, Spotify Singles and Mint and ran point on initiatives such as CMA Fest, Best New Artist and Rise (now Radar).
“Blaike’s energy and excitement for music and helping artists grow their fan base paired with her unique insider understanding of the world’s biggest streaming platform make her an invaluable addition to the Range Music team,” says Matt Graham, Managing Parter at Range Media. “She will help our managers and their associated acts navigate the all-too-often complicated maze of relationships across streaming and better position our new record label to fulfill its mission of launching developing artists. The fact that she’s one of the most beloved people in music is just icing on the cake.”
“To me, Range is the epitome of what a music company should aspire to be. Range places immense value in communication, teamwork and innovation and has structured the company in a way that encourages vital growth for both the individuals and the company at large. The group of humans who make up this family are tremendously inspiring, passionate, supportive and talented—all of whom I am thrilled to surround myself with in this next chapter,” says Ford. “The tangible energy and magnetism that exists amongst the group brilliantly manifests into ideas and outcomes for our clients like I’ve never seen before. I am so honored to be a part of such a visionary company that is here to positively shake things up, transcend previously set norms and rise to the top in an unprecedented way.”
The Kinkead Entertainment Agency Signs Scott Stevens
Scott Stevens
Scott Stevens has signed with Kinkead Entertainment Agency.
His previous releases—”Neon On Ya” and “Missing You”—have both received over one million streams since their release. Stevens will be releasing new music soon with more details to come in the following weeks.
Stevens will also be heading out on a few dates with Justin Moore, including Atlanta (Oct. 21), Huntsville (Oct. 22), and Corbin, Kentucky (Oct. 23).
Janelle Arthur Joins Black Sheep
Janelle Arthur
Black Sheep has added Janelle Arthur to its artist roster. She recently premiered the new video for her self-penned song “Hand Me Downs,” featuring Dolly Parton.
The American Idol finalist began performing professionally at the age of eight in Dollywood’s production of “Paradise Road,” where she portrayed a young Parton. She has traveled the U.S. and abroad performing, including multiple appearances on The Grand Ole Opry stage.
“The first time I heard Janelle’s duet ‘Hand Me Downs’ I knew she had a talent like no one I have ever heard. When I had the opportunity to see her perform live that just solidified my belief in her gift. Janelle is a superstar and we are so blessed to be sharing this journey with her,” says Susan Hobbs, CEO/Black Sheep.
Mitchell Tenpenny Looks Forward To The Holidays With ‘Naughty List’
/by Lorie HollabaughMitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Mitchell Tenpenny is helping usher in the holidays this year with a new 11-song Christmas set, Naughty List. The project will be available on Oct. 29 through Riser House/Columbia Nashville, and the title track is out everywhere now.
Produced by Mitchell, Jordan M. Schmidt and Lindsay Rimes, Naughty List contains all seven tracks from Mitchell’s 2020 project, Neon Christmas, as well as four additional tracks, including two originals co-written by Mitchell–“Don’t Hang The Mistletoe” and “I Hope It Snows.”
“I love all Christmas music,” shares Mitchell. “It always brings me back to my childhood and sharing the holidays with my family. ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ is probably my favorite of all time. Makes me think of sitting by the fire and watching Christmas movies. But I love I was able to write a few new songs that are included too!”
The Christmas project follows Mitchell’s Midtown Diaries EP, which was released last month. The EP contains his current single, “Truth About You,” which was his largest streaming debut to date, garnering 2.5 million streams in its first three days of release. Tenpenny also headlined his first hometown show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium this past weekend (Oct. 10).
Naughty List Track List:
1. Neon Christmas (Mitchell Tenpenny/Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers)
2. Snow Angels (Mitchell Tenpenny/Ernest Keith Smith/Rafe Tenpenny)
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane)
4. Naughty List (Mitchell Tenpenny/Andy Albert/Jordan Schmidt)
5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne)
6. Don’t Hang The Mistletoe (Mitchell Tenpenny/Kyle Clark/Jordan Schmidt)
7. Joy To The World (Public Domain)
8. Jingle Bell Rock (Joe Beal/Jim Boothe)
9. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (J. Fred Coots/Haven Gillespie)
10 I Hope It Snows (feat. Meghan Patrick) (Mitchell Tenpenny/Jeff Cibulka/Meghan Patrick)
11. O Holy Night (Public Domain)
Weekly Register: Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ Re-Claims Top Album
/by Lydia FarthingTaylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
This week, Taylor Swift re-claims the top country streaming album as Fearless (Taylor’s Version) adds a staggering 152,000 streams, adding to 8.5 million streams RTD, according to Nielsen. The jump in streams can be accredited to the album’s physical release, including on vinyl.
Morgan Wallen drops to No. 2 with Dangerous: The Double Album earning 40,000 streams this week. Luke Combs takes the third spot with What You See Is What You Get and fourth with This One’s For You receiving 22,000 and 15,000 streams, respectively. Kacey Musgraves rounds out the top five as Star-Crossed adds 15,000 streams this week.
Monument’s Walker Hayes continues his reign at the top of the country streaming songs chart as “Fancy Like” earns another 14 million streams, putting it at No. 6 overall. Since its release, the track has racked in over 180 million streams, according to Nielsen. “If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood) takes second with 7.3 million streams, “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) comes in third with 7.2 million streams, and “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) gets fourth with 6 million streams. Combs seals the top five this week as “Forever After All” receives 5.7 million streams.
Sam Bergeson Renews Publishing Deal With Combustion Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, Sam Bergeson, Combustion Music’s Kelly Lyons, Combustion Music’s Chris Van Belkom
Sam Bergeson has extended his exclusive publishing deal with Combustion Music.
The songwriter, producer and mixer charted a Top 15 Dance single with Caroline Romano’s “I Still Remember,” featuring R2HAB, which he co-wrote and produced. Bergeson also has upcoming cuts with John Oates, Brad Rempel of High Valley, Filmore, and more.
He has arranged and remixed for Blake Shelton, Jameson Rodgers, Chase Rice and others, and his music has been featured in the movie Blush and the TV show Younger.
“Sam is freakishly talented and winning at whatever opportunities present themselves,” says Combustion Music President Chris Farren. “I am proud to continue being his partner and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Combustion Creative Director Blake Duncan comments, “Sam Bergeson is one of the best! As a writer, producer, and person there is no ceiling for him, and the town is just now getting a taste! I’m excited for everyone to see him, and the things that are coming up for him!”
“I’m at home and very happy to be with Combustion,” adds Bergeson.
MTSU Unveils Plans For Commercial Songwriting Program’s New Campus Home [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingNew MTSU Commercial Songwriting Building. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
Nestled on the outskirts of Nashville in nearby Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). With its Recording Industry department, including concentrations in Music Business, Commercial Songwriting, and Audio Production, the University is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Nashville music business.
Since beginning its Commercial Songwriting program in 2008 under the direction of professional songwriter Odie Blackmon (“I May Hate Myself In The Morning” by Lee Ann Womack, “She’ll Leave You With A Smile” by George Strait, “Nothin’ On But The Radio” by Gary Allan), the concentration has nearly doubled its enrollment, hosting 158 students this semester.
Nancy Jones, widow of country music legend George Jones in the Center for Popular Music visiting with commercial songwriting students in professor Odie Blackmon’s “Life and Music of George Jones” class. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
Called a “Grammy Factory” by NBC Nightly News, the program boasts many accomplishments, including award-winning alumni like Luke Laird, who has cuts by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, and Tim McGraw; Laura Rogers, one of the Secret Sisters; Erin Enderlin, who has written songs for Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack; country recording artists Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny; and many more.
MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting department also features eight adjunct faculty members who have ties to all parts of the industry, including alumni Dez Dickerson, founding member and guitar player of Prince & The Revolutions; Grammy-winning hip hop producer and songwriter Torrance “Street Symphony” Esmond (Yo Gotti, G-Eazy, 2 Chainz); No. 1 pop songwriter Shelly Peiken (“What a Girl Wants” by Christina Aguilera, “I’m a Mess” by Bebe Rexha); and more.
“We serve a lot of different types of songwriters. The classes are intimate, so there’s only around 12 students in a songwriting class. It’s been a joy creating the program,” Blackmon shares with MusicRow. “I’m most proud of the diversity of the faculty in the program, because it mirrors the diversity of our student body.
MTSU students in the Recording Industry program. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
“If you look at the different people that are teaching, we have all genres and backgrounds covered. Collaboration of people from different worlds and backgrounds is what makes great music,” he explains. “When you come to MTSU, you’re not in a bubble. We have a diverse faculty and student body, and we’re inclusive in nature. We’re open arms and we welcome all of the different people that come through our doors.”
Though not located directly on Nashville’s historic Music Row, MTSU has deservedly been receiving more and more attention over the last few years. The University has also celebrated many successful alumni within the music business, including Brian Wright, Executive VP, A&R at Universal Music Group Nashville; Kent Earls, publishing veteran and President of Kane Brown’s Verse 2 Music; Mike Molinar, General Manager of Big Machine Music; Daniel Miller, manager at Red Light Management and managing partner at Fusion Music; and award-winning producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry); to name just a few.
With the growing exposure and student body, the Commercial Songwriting program will soon be moving into a new home on the campus.
The new Songwriting Center will include classrooms and a lounge area, both of which will be functional by January of 2022, as well as a state of the art beat lab, writers’ rooms, offices, a vending area, and an atrium fit for live performances for up to 300 people.
Rendering of new MTSU Commercial Songwriting Building. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
“[This new building] shows a commitment to the songwriting concentration, which is newer compared to the music business or audio,” Blackmon states. “It gives students confidence too. We’re going to have Gold and Platinum award plaques from different alumni line the walls so that when students walk down a hallway, they see people that have come before them that have actually done it. They’ll know they’re at the right place and that they can do this if they work hard.
“[Our students] deserve it and they’re going to get it at the cost of a state school education and not $60,000 a year,” he says.
Rendering of MTSU’s new Commercial Songwriting building floor plan. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon
The project, which is expected to be completed in its entirety in January of 2023, has already received over $300,000 in funding, but still needs some help for the new equipment.
Post-COVID, Blackmon expresses plans for live performance fundraisers with students from the program. “Several years ago, Eric Paslay, who’s an alumni, did a show where students opened up and got the experiential learning of opening a show. Eric closed the show and we sold tickets and also got donations, so I plan on doing more of those.”
With much in store over the coming months, MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting program has the promise of a bright, hopeful future ahead for the department and its many students. To contribute to the fundraising efforts for the program’s new home, you can go to the MTSU development webpage or click here to make a tax deductible donation to the Songwriting Center.
For more information on MTSU’s Recording Industry program and the Commercial Songwriting department, click here.