M I K E C U R B C O L L
M U S I C B U S I N E S S
OF ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA Lives here
You have the passion, the drive and the creative spirit. Now turn it into a career at the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont University. Located steps away from Music Row in the heart of Nashville, we’re growing the next generation of music and media moguls, filmmakers & videographers, audio engineers, songwriters, sports executives, journalists and business visionaries.
From the moment you step on campus, you’re connected to Nashville’s thriving entertainment scene. Our industry immersion is unmatched — record labels, studios, major sports teams, media outlets, production companies, publishers and tastemakers are our neighbors and partners. You’ll learn from elite pros while experiencing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, just as our alumni have for more than 50 years.
This is where your dreams are given the opportunity to become your future. Our innovative programs allow you to refine your artistic passion, develop your technical skills, learn the business insights, and build the network that will not only equip you to work in the entertainment & media industry… but empower you to excel!
Music Business, Songwriting and Audio Engineering
MUSIC BUSINESS
(B.B.A.) - Your backstage pass to the music industry. Master the business from artist management and publishing to labels and touring. Learn from industry heavy-hitters and dive into real-world projects — contracts, live events, management and more. Combine business acumen with music industry knowhow to emerge as a power player. Whether discovering new acts, running a label or managing a major tour, you’ll have the tools to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
SONGWRITING
(B.A./B.S.) - Find your voice and hone your lyrical storytelling and melody composition skills to craft unforgettable songs. Not only will you study songwriting under award-winning faculty across genres, you’ll learn to navigate the business side, from publishing to pitching your work. Our alumni find success worldwide in pop, country, rock and film/TV markets. From chart-topping hits to sync placements, you’ll gain the tools to succeed.
AUDIO ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
(B.A./B.S.) - Capture sound with technical perfection. Develop mastery in recording, mixing, live sound reinforcement, studio operations and audio production through intensive, hands-on training. In our state-of-the-art studios, you’ll learn to record, mix and shape audio like a pro. From recording in studios to running live sound at packed venues, or mixing audio for films and video games, our program covers it all.
ASHLEY GORLEY ‘99
Music business alumnus and “Songwriter of the Year” winner by Billboard Country, ASCAP, NSAI and iHeart Radio. The most No. 1 Billboard Airplay singles of any songwriter in history including “Last Night,” “I Had Some Help” and 75+ others.
TOP
AUDIO ENGINEERING and MUSIC BUSINESS PROGRAMS By
Billboard Magazine
This is my Song
“On a professional scale, we have had the opportunity to work some pretty hard shows while we are still students. To have 400 students on stage with over 160 microphone inputs is something that would impress even the most professional technicians.”
JANE-CLARE RADDE
‘24 Audio Engineering Technology on her internship at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
RUSTY GASTON Music Business, ’98 CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
“Not a day goes by that I don’t work with someone directly that either I attended Belmont with, or I know attended Belmont.”
PETE GANBARG PRESIDENT OF A&R AT ATLANTIC RECORDS
Pete Ganbarg, president of A&R at Atlantic Records traveled from New York to Belmont for a two-day visit where he delivered an A&R masterclass on the history of artists and repertoire, met with students for an intimate mentorship session and hosted a songwriting camp where 20 songwriting students cowrote songs for Atlantic artists including Ava Max, Breland, Flyana Boss, Maryjo Young, Knox, Faouzia, Enisa, Tiesto, Gayle and Kelly Clarkson Christmas.
“Belmont has given me some of my biggest champions in songwriting,” said Emma Jedow. “The professors here are incredible, and opportunities like these are just amazing. I have five internships under my belt — and three in music publishing. My strengths are not only in songwriting but also on the business side. Through every single class I’ve had, I’ve become a better songwriter.”
SENIOR SONGWRITING MAJOR participant in the Atlantic Records Songwriting Camp EMMA JEDOW
Media & Entertainment
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES
(B.A./B.S.) - Your gateway to leadership in the creative economy. Our Media and Entertainment Industries program prepares students for leadership roles in the dynamic entertainment industry. You’ll critically examine industry foundations while customizing your path in areas such as marketing, sports, music and film. Through realworld experiences and a comprehensive curriculum, we’re not just teaching; we’re developing the next generation of creative leaders.
JOURNALISM
(B.A./B.S.) - Want to be on the front lines pursuing truth and telling real stories that matter? Not only will you hone crucial ethical reporting and investigative practices, but you’ll also master multimedia journalism skills across digital, broadcast and print platforms, all while defending the core First Amendment principles we can’t live without. Through your time at Belmont, you’ll become the journalist everyone counts on for honest, impactful storytelling, emerging as an impactful voice shaping media’s future.
BELMONT VISION
NAMED BEST VIDEO NEWSCAST At 2024 Southeastern Journalism Conference
TOP 10 C OLLEGE FOR PUBLISHING
College Magazine, 2023
PUBLISHING
(B.A./B.S.) - Immerse yourself in the publishing process from manuscript to marketplace. Study book and magazine editing, design, publishing operations, licensing and digital publishing strategy to power global storytelling. You’ll master every stage of the publishing process — editing, design, marketing, distribution — becoming a versatile industry pro. Whether you dream of discovering the next bestseller or driving digital innovation, our publishing program equips you to shape the stories that captivate the world.
EMERGING MEDIA
(B.A./B.S.) - The future of media is being created daily through new technologies and boundary-pushing digital experiences. In our innovative emerging media program, you’ll help pioneer that frontier. You’ll study the latest platforms, channels and distribution models and have firsthand experience producing cutting-edge digital. Through experiential learning opportunities, you will actively engage in practices that will help shape the future of digital media.
is my Story This
Film, TV & Media Production
FILM & TV WRITING
(B.A./B.S.) - Bring your stories to life on the big and small screens. Master the art and craft of compelling narratives, unforgettable characters and gripping dialogues. Whether you dream of writing arthouse cinema, commercial Hollywood blockbusters or binge-worthy series, you will learn to write, pitch and sell your original stories to producers and networks. Turn your creative vision into a successful writing career.
CINEMA & TELEVISION STUDIES
(B.A./B.S.) - Every industry utilizes video content, and media literacy is paramount like never before. From academia and film fests to major medical and fortune 500s, everyone needs help to shape policy about content creation and to analyze their own content through a critical lens. Cinema, like all communication, interplays with society for better or worse. Let’s make it better.
MOTION PICTURES PRODUCTION
(B.A./B.S./B.F.A.) - Gain comprehensive expertise in the ever-evolving film and tv storytelling industries taught by award-winning career professionals. Bring your unique voice to producing, directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, visual effects and production management with more concentrations on the horizon.
MEDIA PRODUCTION
(B.A./B.S.) - Take an immersive dive into multimedia and live event production. Sports, concerts, podcasts, music videos, corporate content, brand content and much more need your skills to reach local and global audiences. Nashville’s position as a sports, medical and growing tech hub make it the perfect place to study this rapidly growing field.
EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO:
square foot sound stage
seat Dolby Atmos mixing theater
seat audio mixing theater
channel audio mixing stage
private client style editing suites
motion picture group-editing suites
tech stages: color correction, ADR/Foley, and audio mixing
support spaces: writer’s room, green room, and conference room
25-seat computer labs
additional studios: tv green screen and anechoic chamber
• Avid S6 Mix Console
• Mix Stage equipped for creating 7.1 audio mixes
• 2k Christie Digital Projector
• Connection to Avid NEXIS Server
• Rednet Connectivity through Dante Network
• Blackmagic 4k Extreme Video Playback System
• Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio System for Playback
• Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit for Dolby Atmos Mix Authoring
• 4k Christie CP4220 Digital Cinema Projector
• Christie Digital Cinema Server
• Cameras including Arri Alexa LF, Arri Amira, Sony FX9, Canon C300s
ALEXA CAMPBELL ‘18
Motion pictures alumna Alexa Campbell directed her first CMT-winning video, “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” by Carly Pearce (ft. Chris Stapleton).
Sport Administration
(B.A./B.S.) - Turn your passion for sport into a powerhouse career. You’ll master the business side of the industry, from marketing and finance to operations and media relations. You’ll dive into the strategies driving successful sport organizations through internships and learn from industry insiders. Whether your goal is to manage a team, run a sport marketing agency or positively impact the culture of sport, our program will give you the skills and network to make that happen.
JEFF ROBBEN
MASTER OF SPORT ADMINISTRATION ‘18
Interned for Nashville SC during M.S.A. program and was named by Major League Soccer as the 2023 Club Administrator of the Year.
DR. KRISTI OSHIRO
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SPORT ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Kristi Oshiro, a former collegiate softball player with a Ph.D. in sport management, investigated the intersections of race, gender and empowerment through research leading up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She followed the Philippines Women’s National Football Team during its World Cup run, aiming to share their unique story and give voice to an under-studied area in sport.
Access Leads to Outcomes
YOUR CLASSROOMS IN NASHVILLE AND BEYOND
Your education extends far beyond the classroom walls. As a student, you’ll have unparalleled access to the heart of the entertainment industry in Nashville and beyond. Dive into hands-on internships with leading companies, network with industry professionals at exclusive events and learn from masterclasses by industry icons.
Students have access to top-notch equipment both on campus and at adjacent Music Row facilities, from multiple studios and editing spaces on campus, a Dolby atmos theater, sound stage, Foley/ADR studio, anechoic chamber and more.
On Music Row, students benefit from facilities like historic Columbia Studio A, Quonset Hut and Ocean Way Nashville. At Belmont, students are immersed in the entertainment industry from the start.
IMMERSIVE MUSIC PUBLISHING EXPERIENCE WITH BMI
BMI Catalog Cast is an exclusive opportunity for juniors and seniors to dive into the heart of music publishing. This competitive program pairs students with Broadcast Music, Inc. supervisors for a semester of networking, learning and hands-on song plugging. Participants gather songs from over 50 publishers and pitch their favorites for a coveted spot on a 10-song compilation. Belmont students have uncovered hit songs like Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” and Cody Johnson’s “Till You Can’t.”
STUDENTS IN ACTION
WHERE OUR STUDENTS HAVE INTERNED IN NASHVILLE
• Big Machine Records
• Grand Ole Opry
• Gibson Brands, Inc.
• Universal Pictures
• Harper Collins
• Tennessee Titans
• Warner Music Nashville
• Sony Music Nashville
• RCA Records Nashville
• Bridgestone Arena
• Country Music Association
• ...and many more
World-Class Facilities
DESIGNED FOR INDUSTRY INTEGRATION
Our state-of-the-art facilities are more than just spaces — they’re launchpads for collaboration and real-world industry experiences.
The Johnson Center: A multifunctional hub designed to foster collaboration among all programs from music to film, media and sport.
• Editing Suites: Work alongside your peers in group edit bays, perfecting your projects and learning from each other’s creative process.
• Remote Computer Lab: Access the same industrystandard software and powerful editing systems used by professionals, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your future career.
• Film Spaces: Sound stage, Foley stage, 7.1-channel audio mixing stage, TV studio, anechoic chamber, motion capture space, “writer’s room,” green room and more, providing access to any type of space needed to film a variety of projects.
Mulloy Studios: A 9,000 square foot, multi-studio complex on the main campus featuring Dolby Atmos and classroom teaching labs which are intended solely for use by Belmont students.
Ocean Way Nashville: A world-renowned commercial recording facility that serves as a premier teaching lab for Belmont students. At this studio, students can learn in an environment where some of the most popular albums, film scores and video game soundtracks are recorded daily.
34 Music Square East: Located in the heart of Music Row, write songs, record and refine your production skills in the same space as legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, built around historic Columbia Studio A and Quonset Hut.
COMING SOON
Belmont’s Music Row campus is expanding with two new Curb College additions. Opening August 2025, a 17,000-squarefoot expansion will triple available songwriting rooms and add classroom and performance space. Behind the existing footprint, a new building will provide students more authentic industry collaboration and include a live performance venue, cuttingedge technology and space for interdisciplinary teamwork.
YOUR JOURNEY DOESN’T STOP IN NASHVILLE
With Belmont’s study abroad and study away programs, you can expand your horizons in global entertainment hubs.
Pair your Belmont academic coursework with a semester-long internship in Los Angeles, New York City or Atlanta. Courses are taught by Belmont faculty and local industry professionals serving as adjunct faculty.
Whatever your field, there’s an immersive experience waiting for you in our Belmont USA program.
WHERE OUR STUDENTS HAVE INTERNED IN NYC AND LA
• Disney/ABC
• NBC Universal
• CBS Corporation
• Paramount Pictures
• Lionsgate
• Columbia Records
• Atlantic Records
• LiveNation
• The Recording Academy
• Saturday Night Live
• ABC News Live
• ...and many more
“Belmont West gave me the opportunity to really go for my career as an artist, while also juggling an internship that taught me the ins-and-outs of the music industry. This experience allowed me to create a network for myself in LA and build upon the network I had
already established in Nashville as a Belmont student.”
RACHEL GIUFFRIDA
Belmont West spring 2023 cohort
Dive into the heart of live entertainment with Bonnaroo University, an immersive summer program that gives students a VIP behind-the-scenes experience of the iconic Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Students earn six credit hours in just a month as they explore the sociology of music, conduct research at the festival and network with industry professionals, all while soaking in the unforgettable atmosphere of The Farm. At the end of the course, students present their findings to festival executives at Live Nation in Nashville.
BONNAROO UNIVERSITY VLOG:
FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD TRIPS
From exploring the birthplace of music streaming in Scandinavia to the cutting-edge music, film and sports scenes in South Korea, Belmont’s faculty-led summer trips offer unparalleled experiences. Whatever your major within Curb College, there are dozens of summer adventures across the globe. belmont.edu/study-abroad
Faculty-led Summer Trips Include:
• The Birthplace of Music Streaming: Denmark, Iceland and Sweden
• Belmont in South Korea: Music Business, Audio Engineering, Sport Administration
• Belmont in England: Music Business, Audio Engineering, Songwriting, Media and Entertainment Industries
• Belmont in New Zealand: Movies in Aotearoa
• Belmont in Scotland and England: Live Audio Production
• Belmont in Southern Europe: Sport Administration
Outside The Classroom
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS
Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded students and industry leaders through Curb College’s student organizations. From GRAMMY U and Songwriters Association to Film Society and Women in Entertainment, these organizations provide the perfect platform to network, gain real-world experience and kickstart your entertainment career.
Work behind the scenes at major award shows with Service Corps (hello, Grammy red carpet!) or take the spotlight in the Showcase Series. At Belmont, you’ll have unrivaled access to industry leaders and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hone your craft alongside talented peers, making student organizations the ultimate launchpad for your future in the entertainment industry.
CURB COLLEGE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
• Audio Engineering Society
• Bear House Writer Management
• Belmont Screenwriters Club
• Belmont Sport Administration Club
• Belmont University Copyright Society
• Belmont University Film Society
• Belmont University Songwriter’s Association
• Belmont Vision
• GRAMMY U
• Korean Music Business Society
• Music Business Association
• Music Row Promo
• Service Corps
• Women in Entertainment
• … and many more!
From the stage to the soundboard, the Belmont Showcase Series is your allaccess pass to real-world live performance production. Take charge of six major concerts and two writers nights, where you’ll plan, execute and shine a spotlight on the incredible musical and technical talents of Belmont students.
With over 150 students participating each year, the Showcase Series allows students to dive into stage design, lighting, artist management, video production, live sound, live event logistics, publicity, graphic design and more.
Showcase eries S SERVICE
CORPS
As a student-led volunteer organization, Service Corps provides hands-on industry experience, cultivating leadership, networking and communication skills within students. This experiential learning opportunity prepares students to meet the challenges of the everevolving industry, ultimately setting them up for successful careers. Students volunteer at events such as Sundance Film Festival, the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards and many more.
THE POWER OF INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
The most groundbreaking ideas and innovations happen at the intersection of different disciplines. That’s why we foster a spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration where students from music, entertainment, film, sport and media can work together, learn from each other and push the boundaries of their respective fields.
Embedded within Belmont’s dynamic liberal arts ecosystem, Curb College students are encouraged to explore various subjects and ideas beyond their chosen majors. Exposure to diverse perspectives and disciplines empowers them to cultivate a nimble skill set, giving them a distinct advantage as they navigate the everevolving entertainment industry.
Our students’ films won 50+ AWARDS and screened internationally in 25 FILM
in 2022-23
EXIT 207:
The Soul of Nashville
Belmont University’s documentary class — dubbed the “ultimate group project” — secured wins at multiple film festivals for its film, “Exit 207: The Soul of Nashville.”
The documentary highlights Jefferson Street in North Nashville, a historically Black neighborhood affected by the construction of Interstate 40 in the 1950s, telling the story of how the interstate changed the once-thriving community, previously home to numerous prosperous businesses and music clubs.
Nineteen students from various disciplines collaborated to discover, examine and film all aspects of a complex human story.
With research assistance from Honors students, the interdisciplinary class used those elements to write, edit and produce a short, Nashville-focused documentary throughout two semesters. In total, nearly 55 students contributed to the film representing more than 25 areas of study.
The film has created enduring partnerships across the city, including a private screening at the National Museum of African American Music and a community event hosted in partnership with Nashville Public Television and Nashville Black Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES DEGREE?
The media & entertainment industries major prepares students for diverse roles across the entertainment spectrum, covering principles and practices of film, music, television, radio, sports, video games and publishing industries.
HOW DO I BECOME A SONGWRITING MAJOR?
Our songwriting program is portfolio-based, accepting students on a rolling basis. Submit a video portfolio to Acceptd; expect a decision one month after submission. Open to incoming first-year or current students changing majors. www.belmont.edu/songwriting
I’M INTERESTED IN THE BELMONT USA PROGRAM, BUT I DON’T KNOW ANYONE IN NEW YORK OR LOS ANGELES. HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Belmont USA employs local staff to support students during their semester away. Students room with other Belmont students, check in regularly with onsite managers, and take one in-person class as a cohort. Career coaches help secure internships across the entertainment and media industry in New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. With a vast network of alumni and top entertainment companies, students have no shortage of opportunities during their semesters away.
IS THE MUSIC BUSINESS MAJOR A BUSINESS DEGREE?
Yes, this AACSB-accredited program blends comprehensive business education with music industry insights, preparing students for today’s dynamic music landscape. Covering marketing, management, entrepreneurship and finance, the B.B.A. in music business — a rare offering worldwide — equips graduates with the skills to excel in the industry. Students emerge ready to make their mark in the entertainment industry.
CAN I DOUBLE MAJOR OR MINOR IN ANOTHER SUBJECT WHILE STUDYING AT CURB COLLEGE?
Yes, Curb College students can double major or minor in other Belmont programs, consulting faculty advisors to plan courses. This broadens their skills and interests, enhancing their job market competitiveness.
WHAT KIND OF CAREER SUPPORT DOES CURB COLLEGE OFFER?
Curb College is committed to helping launch students’ entertainment industry careers. Offering various career support services, students have access to career coaching, resume reviews, mock interviews, networking events and hiring fairs. The College’s strong relationships with top companies provide exclusive job and internship opportunities. The best part? Alumni have access to these services for life.
HERE
SOME OF OUR FACULTY
ERIC HOLT
Music Business
Music executive and marketing strategist driving urban entertainment innovation through his role as professor of music business and CEO of Chiminus Enterprises
ROBBIE MATZ
Sport Administration
Golf industry pro with a global research focus on amateur and professional women’s golf
LESLIE RICHTER
Audio Engineering Technology
Producer and engineer with credits spanning Sheryl Crow, Sara Bareilles, Spoon and Kacey Musgraves; active member of The Recording Academy
JEN DUCK
Journalism
Two-time Emmy award-winning producer and White House press veteran teaching storytelling through podcasts and documentaries
DOYUEN KO
Audio Engeneering Technology
Renowned audio engineer and researcher pioneering virtual acoustics and spatial sound design, shaping the future of immersive audio
DAVE WARBURTON
Film
Award-winning Hollywood sound veteran, with experience overseeing music and effects mixing for major studios and networks including NBC Universal
JODI MARR
Songwriting
Latin Grammy Award and Ivor Novellowinning songwriter with multiple ASCAP and BMI Song of the Year awards
SARA WIGAL
Publishing
Trade book publishing expert with published nonfiction; broad inhouse, boutique and consulting work in editorial, PR, author branding, agenting and more
CRISTI WILLIAMS
Media & Entertainment Industries
Mental wellness coaching firm founder teaching social and emotional intelligence in the entertainment industry
CURB COLLEGE ADMISSION
The college search process is exciting, and we at Belmont and the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business are here to help you along your journey. In addition to admission to the University, songwriting is the only major within our college that requires an additional portfolio submission. Information on the portfolio can be found at belmont.edu/curb.
All other Curb College majors do not require an additional portfolio. We look forward to working with you throughout this thrilling time and hope to welcome you to our beautiful campus as you become a Belmont Bruin.
Apply at belmont.edu/apply
615.460.6785 • belmont.edu/curb