From Industry to Instruction: Curb College Welcomes Pam Matthews as New Faculty

From Industry to Instruction: Curb College Welcomes Pam Matthews as New Faculty 

When students step into the classrooms of the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, they encounter more than just long lectures and theories from a textbook. They’re guided by professors who bridge industry history with the future of its leaders. 

Pam Matthews began her music business journey at just 15 years old, working as a runner for the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis. Early on, she worked in accounting for major tours for performers like KISS and Ozzy Osbourne, quickly paving a path that would lead to 45 years of hands-on industry experience. 

Highlights of her illustrious career include:

• Working closely with The Judds, overseeing five Grammy wins, managing historic tours and launching Wynonna’s solo career.
• Holding the position of general manager of the Ryman Auditorium, leading the venue to its National Historic Landmark status and establishing it as one of the world’s top-grossing theaters.  
• An 11-year tenure at the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) culminating in her role as executive director. 

Journey to Belmont

 Matthews’ connection with Belmont University began long before she joined the classroom fulltime. Through her work with IEBA, she championed the organization’s educational outreach fund, which awards nine scholarships totaling over $92,000 each year to students pursuing careers in entertainment. As a result of this program, Matthews helped open doors for Belmont students, kickstarting her longstanding desire to support the next generation of entertainment professionals. 

An essential part of IEBA’s mission was “to create extraordinary experiences for students who aspire to a career in live entertainment,” Matthews said. Her periodic visits to Belmont, where she led WELL Core sessions and guest lectured in classes, served as stepping stones toward this goal, allowing her to engage directly with students. She later taught as an adjunct professor and co-led a Maymester trip to New York City in 2017. With her career foundation rooted in international and national music experiences, it was only fitting to bring her expertise to students in Nashville.  

Now, as a fulltime faculty member, Matthews is looking forward to not only instructing students in the classroom but also guiding their professional development. 

Teaching Philosophy

Matthews’ lessons are rooted in lived industry knowledge, rather than textbooks. “I have my own glossary of terms that I have created over the last 20 years,” she shared.  

She and her cohort from the Leadership Music Program, a highly selective initiative that identifies established leaders from across the North American music industry, began creating this glossary in 2006. She regularly updates her glossary as terminology arises and evolves, thoughtfully shaped by her personal experiences. 

Matthews’ deep network informs her teaching as much as her glossary. “I have hired 117 recent college graduates in the last 25 years,” she added. “I have seen resumes from every music business program in the country.”  

This wide lens gives her insight into what makes Belmont distinct: Nashville’s industry-rich environment. “In Nashville, you have the ability to make meaningful connections in the music business because that’s where you’re going to get your internships and then your jobs.” 

The Value of Live Entertainment

For Matthews, the future of the music business is rooted in live entertainment. “Most of my career has been in Live, touring and working in and with concert venues.” Her extensive experience in this sector which employs over 18 million Americans gives students entering the field an incredible mentoring and training opportunity.   

“Putting on a single arena show can require roughly 500 individuals working together.” This scale makes live entertainment one of the most promising career tracks in the broader industry. Matthews believes that Belmont prepares students to stand out by combining practical training with strong professional networks. For her, the goal is straightforward: “The best possible outcome from your time at university is meaningful employment upon graduation.” 

Recognition and Legacy

Matthews’ impact isn’t confined to the classroom. She has been consistently recognized for her leadership in the entertainment industry, including being featured in Billboard Magazine’s Top 20 Women in Music.  More recently, Matthews was featured in both Nashville Business Journal’s “Women in Music City” and VenuesNow’s “Women of Influence.”  

Her advice to the students echos her professional mantra: in an interview with Pollstar News, she advised, “Be as kind as you can always.” This mantra aligns seamlessly with Belmont’s commitment to developing diverse leaders of purpose and character, making her an inspiring example of the values the university strives to instill.