Workshop series for industry professionals continues University's commitment to addressing mental health challenges in entertainment
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business is expanding its mental health advocacy with the launch of "24/7: Mental Health in Entertainment Summer Sessions," a three-part workshop series designed specifically for industry professionals, artists and creatives.
Building on the success of last year's inaugural 24/7 Mental Health in Entertainment Conference that drew more than 100 attendees, this summer's programming takes a more intimate approach with focused workshops addressing critical mental health topics facing entertainment professionals today.
The entertainment industry faces a growing mental health crisis, with professionals experiencing unique lifestyle pressures and emotional demands that are rarely understood or adequately supported. According to the Greater Nashville Music Census, which surveyed over 4,250 music industry professionals in 2024, 33% of Davidson County respondents reported struggling with their mental health. While several organizations in Nashville work to support music industry mental health, the scale of need continues to grow alongside the city's expanding creative community.
"Strong mental health isn't just important for individual success –– it's essential for a thriving entertainment industry," said Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer. "As both an educational institution and industry partner, Belmont is uniquely positioned to provide resources and foster connections that support professionals throughout their careers. We're committed to being leaders in this space, not just preparing our students for the industry, but actively working to improve the industry they'll enter."
The summer series kicks off June 3 with "Shame as an Artist's Superpower," hosted by Jared Farley of Porter's Call. This session reframes shame — an emotion often avoided at all costs — as a powerful tool for healthier decision-making and more fulfilling relationships and careers.
On June 11, Laura Melrose of Onsite will lead "Maintaining a Sense of Self: Navigating the Performance Expectations and Demands of the Music Industry." This interactive workshop will help music industry professionals identify stressors and high demands that can shift priorities and values, offering practical tools to meet image-driven challenges while maintaining personal identity.
The series concludes June 25 with "Work/Life Unbalance in Artist Management," facilitated by Elizabeth Porter of Entertainment Health Services. Rather than pursuing perfect balance, this session focuses on maintaining mental wellness within the inevitable unbalance of entertainment careers, particularly in artist management.
These targeted workshops reflect the ongoing development of Belmont's Center for Mental Health in Entertainment, announced at last year's conference. Currently in development, the Center represents a first-of-its-kind initiative built on three foundational pillars:
- Resources & Community: Creating accessible, trusted, and personalized mental health support for entertainment professionals and students, which includes by building a centralized, user-friendly database of resources, providing a dedicated helpline and guidance services and opening a future physical space on Music Row.
- Research: Generating original, data-driven insights into mental health experiences across music, film, television, sports and media to inform industry programs and policies while challenging harmful norms.
- Education: Integrating practical mental health curriculum into Curb College courses and offering specialized training for counseling professionals to serve the entertainment community.
The Center is guided by an esteemed industry steering committee including Debbie Carroll of Onsite, Tatum Allsep of Music Health Alliance, Rachel Wein of Prescription Songs and Al Andrews, founder of Porter's Call.
The summer sessions continue this mission of supporting mental health awareness and practical tools for entertainment professionals. As the industry grapples with the demands of a 24/7 work culture where personal and professional lines often blur, Belmont is positioning itself as both educator and advocate for sustainable, healthy careers in entertainment.
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