Why Major in Commercial Music?
The explosion of digital media has dramatically transformed the music industry, and the demand for skilled musicians, producers and creators has never been higher.
And at Belmont, you're not preparing for the industry, you're jumping right into it. Our state-of-the-art studios in the heart of Nashville’s legendary Music Row give you access to some of the industry’s top performers, record companies and producers.
Our program – the first of its kind in the nation – builds on a strong foundation of classical music, jazz and blues to equip you for a career in any genre. Whether your passion is bluegrass, pop, R&B, rock, gospel or Christian contemporary, you’ll prepare to thrive on stage or in the studio.
Only at Belmont
- Study on Nashville's Music Row
- Train in state-of-the-art studios
- Learn directly from working artists
- Perform in world-class venues, like Belmont's Fisher Center
What You'll Learn
Build a foundation in music theory, aural skills and history — then apply it through hands-on training in performance, production and the business of music.
Then, customize your path with five career-focused emphases:
Performance
Prepare for a career on stage, on the road or in the studio concentrating on any genre, including country, pop, contemporary Christian, Jazz, Bluegrass and more. The performance emphasis gives you the chance to study with established musicians in the studio and beyond. You'll study theory, ear training, harmony, ensemble orchestration, applied lessons, studio techniques and piano. You'll also have many opportunities to perform, including both a junior and senior recital in Massey Concert Hall.
*Performance emphasis must be confirmed by the applied faculty in the performance area after the student completes their first commercial jury at the end of the fourth semester.
Composition and Arranging
This program prepares you to write and arrange music for orchestras, choirs, bands and other music organizations as well as for films, TV, gaming and much more. In this emphasis, you'll build skills in commercial arranging and orchestration for small and large ensembles. Many of our graduates have become influential composers and arrangers for the music industry in Nashville and beyond.
*Composition and Arranging emphasis must be confirmed after submission and approval of required material—typically by mid-term of the second semester.
Music Business
This emphasis leads to careers in tour promotion and management, publishing, copyright, artist development/A&R and much more. Graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the music industry and the capabilities of a performing musician. In addition to core music courses such as applied lessons, music theory and ear training, you'll take courses in entertainment industry studies and the business of music.
Songwriting
Create original lyrics, instrumental accompaniment and often demo recordings. You’ll learn from award-winning Nashville songwriters and prepare for a dynamic career as a singer-songwriter. This emphasis includes courses in commercial songwriting and lyric writing. Songwriting students become top-notch songwriters in a variety of genres, including pop, rock, country, folk and R&B. The degree culminates in a recital in Massey Concert Hall.
After admission as a Commercial Music Major, you must submit songwriting materials for approval to be accepted in the Songwriting Emphasis program. Learn more about the songwriting application process.
Not sure which Songwriting pathway is right for you? Compare our program options.
Compare Songwriting Programs
Music Technology
The use of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and “cloud-based” music libraries has opened many new possibilities for music professionals, including sound technician, producer, audio-visual specialist and more. Explore a rapidly changing discipline with massive career potential. In this emphasis, you'll gain a broad knowledge of audio and MIDI-based programming and a portfolio of self-produced Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)-based productions. As a culminating project, you'll incorporate sequenced tracks into your senior recital.
Whichever option you choose, you'll build the skills you need to take your career to the next level.
Train with Industry Legends
Belmont students don’t just watch the pros — they work alongside them. Through immersive masterclasses, residencies and guest artist sessions, you’ll rehearse, perform and receive direct feedback from some of the most respected names in music.
These aren’t one-off clinics. You’ll prepare music in advance, collaborate in small groups and, in many cases, share the stage with visiting artists — gaining real-world experience helping you grow into the musician you aspire to be.
Industry Experience in Action
When multi-platinum country artist Russell Dickerson needed string performers for his "Bones (Wedding Version)" music video, he turned to Belmont's commercial music students. Five Symphony Orchestra members — including commercial violin, viola, cello and bass players — stepped out of class and onto a professional video set at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
"While I gain so much from my daily coursework, these hands-on Belmont experiences have taught me invaluable lessons about the industry that I could never learn in a classroom alone," shared Tessa Dalton, commercial violin performance major.
The Road To Bonnaroo
Join us on an incredible journey as we follow the talented musicians from Belmont University on their path to performing at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2024. Watch the excitement, challenges and triumphs of these artists as they showcase their skills and earn a spot on one of the biggest stages in the music world.
Program Details
Curriculum
The major in commercial music requires 132 credit hours of coursework. This includes private lessons and seminars on your principal instrument and one-credit courses that focus on the music, technique and topics related to your instrument or musical style.
- BELL core requirements: 38 hours
- Music core: 31 hours
- Major area: 13 hours
- Emphasis area: 40 hours
- General electives: 10 hours
Ensembles & Performance Opportunities
Belmont University's School of Music has a variety of ensembles that showcase the School of Music's incredible musical diversity. From classical chamber groups to popular music ensembles, students have access to many performance opportunities that support the development of their craft.
The Belmont University School of Music is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
All programs in the School of Music require an audition. The audition determines admission into the School of Music, which is separate from the University's admission decision.
After submitting the Application for Undergraduate Admission, applicants to the School of Music will receive an email prompting them to complete the Undergraduate School of Music Audition Registration Form in their BU4U account. They will choose their intended in-person audition date or the video audition option.
The School of Music does not prescreen for any of its programs.
You will be automatically considered for a School of Music talent-based scholarship when you audition. If you are chosen for a scholarship, you will receive an award letter.
International Exchange
With our International Exchange program, students in the School of Music can spend up to two semesters at any of the following schools:
- University of Manchester - Manchester, England
- Russian Academy of Music (Gnesins School) - Moscow, Russia
- Hochschule fur Musik - Dresden, Germany
- Edinburgh Napier University/Arcadia University - Salzburg, Austria
- Music Academy/Scottish Royal Conservatory - Glasgow, Scotland
School of Music students are given extraordinary opportunities to study in a normally competitively-limited audition atmosphere. Credit gained through these programs varies, depending on the international program undertaken by the student and the length of the study abroad
Maymesters
These classes, held during May in locations abroad, are a wonderful opportunity to learn and engage in other cultures. These classes are presented in English by Belmont faculty. Maymesters led by music faculty have included:
- Baltic states, Czech Republic, Germany
- Paris
- England
- France
- Italy
- Ghana
- Morocco
- Norway
- Greece
- Ireland
Belmont USA
For students wishing to remain stateside, the Belmont USA program offers semester-long programs in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and other cities across the USA. These programs allow students to connect and learn in different environments across the USA.
For a complete listing of study away/abroad opportunities, please visit the Office of Study Abroad.
The following are national music organizations with active chapters at Belmont University:
The Epsilon Eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society recognizes high academic achievement and superior musicianship.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia advances the cause of music in America. Membership is based on scholastic standing and is by invitation only to men interested in the development and furtherance of music.
Sigma Alpha Iota brings a bond of sisterhood and mutual interests with great artists, teachers, composers, and students of music throughout the world. Membership is by invitation and is based on scholarship and performance ability.
Belmont American Music Therapy Association for Students, or BAMTAS, is a student-led organization for music therapy majors.
The Student Chapter of the National Association for Music Education is dedicated to advancing the Profession of Teaching Music. Belmont University Collegiate NAfME members have the opportunity to attend monthly meetings related to their future profession, to attend a music education workshop during the spring semester, and to receive journals that enhance knowledge in their chosen field of study. The national NAfME organization also informs the public about the values of music education. NAfME sponsors a “Music in Our Schools” month and completes various public relations work. The association encourages music teachers to see their work as vital to the development of young children and motivates and encourages teachers to approach music education as something to which every child needs exposure. Dr. Deen Entsminger, Faculty Advisor
The American Choral Directors Association is a professional association of active choral directors and those interested in choral art.
Where This Degree Can Take You
Career Possibilities
Whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes, a commercial music degree from Belmont prepares you for careers across the industry:
- Performer
- Songwriter
- Tour Manager
- Tour Promotion
- Publisher
- Artist Developer
- Copyright
- Music Composer
- Sound Technician
- Audio Visual Specialist
- Much more!
Alumni Testimonial
"I noticed most programs across the country would make me choose between classical or jazz. Belmont didn’t. I could explore multiple genres while building real industry connections in Nashville — before I even graduated.”
Kayleigh Moyer, Class of 2015, Professional Drummer
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College of Music & Performing Arts
Alex Kissinger
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.8116
Email Alex