Brandon Fraley
Everyone who enters the School of Music at Belmont University has a dream. Whether you want to be a singer, an instrumentalist, a songwriter, or even a producer, Belmont can make it happen. For me, I wanted to do it all. Being a voice major, I received invaluable knowledge about all the different avenues of being a singer. I learned how to handle myself not only on stage through countless live performance opportunities, but also how to deal with singing in the studio as well. Playing the piano and guitar as well, it seemed every other day I was performing somewhere either in a showcase/recital setting or just hanging out with my friends and being creative. If you're a songwriter like me, you'll love the creative environment that just seems to magically exist all over campus. I can't even begin to explain how I was always being inspired and motivated to create new ideas for songs not to mention the classes offered to help you learn the structure of writing a song and making it the absolute best it can be. One of the other things I wanted learn in college was how to be a producer. The music technology department at Belmont leaves no stone unturned. I learned all the tools that I needed to know in order to compete with other programmers/producers in my field.
Today, I am currently playing piano and singing background vocals for country artist Gretchen Wilson. I have also spent the last few years working alongside of Grammy Award Winner writer/producer Tommy Sims. I have been fortunate enough to work with such musicians as Jaci Velasquez, David Phelps, Joy Williams, American Idol's Kelly Clarkson & George Huff, Rachael Lampa, Shania Twain, & Kaci Brown. I was also blessed with a co-publishing deal with the L.A. branch of Sony Music Publishing after graduating in 2000. I am also working on a mainstream pop/R&B duo record with my wife Jamelle Fraley who is also a Belmont graduate.
It is safe to say that 90% of the people that I know and work with today in the music business can be traced back to a connection with someone at Belmont University. This fact alone speaks volumes for what level of professionalism you can expect from your professors at Belmont. The other thing that impresses me about Belmont is how often I see their graduates popping up more and more throughout the industry. Whether I'm in L.A., NY, or right here in Nashville, I'm always running into someone who attended Belmont. I think that is the biggest point I can make. Belmont is turning students into working professional musicians. All you need is the talent, drive, and determination and Belmont can help your dreams, like mine, become a reality.
Brandon Fraley
CMM Comp and Arranging '02
