Focus Your Search The nationally acclaimed, accredited music, theatre, and dance programs offered by Belmont University’s College of Music and Performing Arts are available to undergraduate and graduate students. A 21st-century path for student excellence, artistry, and creativity in an inclusive student-centered, Christian environment is provided by artist/mentor faculty, world-class performances, vibrant visual artists, dynamic teaching, and study abroad opportunities. We are devoted to assisting students in discovering their passions and honing their skills in order to fulfill the needs of the world. From here to anywhere.
For the 2022–2023 audition cycle, Belmont offers both in-person and video submission auditions. The following dates for both the School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance are listed on our website. You are welcome to visit campus on a regular basis during the week to learn more about the programs you are interested in. To learn more about our weekday visit program, visit here. Application process for the Department of Theatre and Dance at Belmont School of Music
Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music
A Bachelor of Music with a Commercial Music concentration is available from Belmont University. This program was established in 1979 and is the country’s first accredited program of its kind. The program is designed to enhance the study of more modern musical genres like bluegrass, jazz, pop, and R&B by laying a foundation of classical, jazz, and blues. Students may select one of five emphasis areas within the Commercial Music major: Performance, Songwriting, Composition, and Recording. Professors from the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business as well as the School of Music teach students in the Commercial Music program. To prepare our students for careers in the performing arts and music industry, The School of Music is dedicated to consistently providing cutting-edge programs and curricula.
Voice, viola, cello, upright bass, harp, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, guitar, mandolin, and electric bass are among the instruments studied for the commercial music degree.
- Composition and Arranging Emphasis
- A MIDI sequence mock-up or notated score of the lead sheet for each composition, along with an MP3 file for each composition, should be included with BOTH submissions.
- Music Business Emphasis
- Music Technology Emphasis
- Performance Emphasis
- Songwriting Emphasis
- As PDF files, each song’s “charts” or scores (as well as lyrics for vocalists) must be submitted.
- Recordings of each song must be included as MP3 files.
The Major in Commercial Music with Composition & Arranging emphasis provides the commercial music composition student with well-rounded skills in commercial arranging and orchestration for small ensembles through larger orchestral ensembles. Many of our graduates have become influential composers and arrangers for the music industry in Nashville and beyond. The degree culminates in a 25-minute recital in Massey Concert Hall. *Each Composition & Arranging emphasis candidate must perform a vocal OR instrumental audition, as well as submit the below materials: Two (2) compositions and/or arrangements in contrasting styles / tempos.
This emphasis must be confirmed after submission and approval of required material—typically by mid-term of the second semester. Students who enter above Freshman level (or any student desiring immediate confirmation) should submit material at the time of audition or as soon as possible. Please contact Holly Newsome, Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator for the College of Music and Performing Arts, for more details regarding submission of materials.
The students who pursue the music business emphasis in the Commercial Music major leave Belmont with a diverse applied knowledge 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, students with a music business emphasis take a variety of courses in entertainment industry studies and the business of music. The degree culminates in a 25-minute recital in Massey Concert Hall.
Music Technology is a rapidly changing discipline with the most potential for career opportunities. Belmonts Commercial Music Major with Music Technology Emphasis students complete their program having a wide knowledge of audio and MIDI based programming and a portfolio of self-produced “DAW” based productions. As a culminating project, all students in this emphasis area are required to incorporate sequenced tracks into their senior recitals. This emphasis is a concentrated focus on the art of “Digital Musicianship”. It combines the disciplines and skills of the utilization of technology along with the knowledge of composing, arranging, and orchestrating. We have a strong, thriving music technology department and believe that music technology is an important tool for todays “Digital Musician”. Music Technology students are given access to our various Music Technology labs and software applications. The degree culminates in a 25-minute recital in Massey Concert Hall. A consultation is recommended with coordinator Keith Mason before starting the Music Technology Emphasis (or during the first semester, if a first-year student). Wilson Music Building Music Technology labs: Students are able to take various courses in music technology so that they can be well prepared for the music industry upon graduation. Our Music Technology labs are outfitted with equipment to use during music technology or commercial composition and arranging classes. Students may use these labs for class-related projects. The software used in instruction are Logic Pro X, Ableton “LIVE Suite 10”, Finale, numerous virtual instruments and sample libraries from Spectrasonics, Native Instruments, EastWest, and many others. Keith Mason is the coordinator of the Music Technology labs.
The performance emphasis for the Commercial Music major provides an excellent learning environment for the student who wishes to pursue music in both the professional and/or academic arena. This emphasis gives students opportunity to study with instructors that are established musicians in the studio and performance platforms. Classes in theory, ear training, harmony, ensemble orchestration, applied lessons, studio techniques, and class piano courses create the foundation of the commercial performance emphasis student. Performance emphasis students are given many outstanding opportunities for performing throughout their college years. Whether it may be singing with a vocal ensemble, performing with peers in a variety of venues, or taking part in the auditions for our annual Commercial Music Showcase, the performance emphasis student graduates with practical training for the working musician. Students in this emphasis give both a 25-minute Junior and 50-minute Senior recital in Massey Concert Hall. *This 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.
The Commercial Music Major with songwriting emphasis gives students an opportunity to explore and learn the craft of songwriting. The 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 25-minute recital in Massey Concert Hall. * Download the Songwriting Emphasis Application Information. Each Songwriting emphasis candidate must perform a vocal OR instrumental audition, as well as submit the below materials: Two (2) solo songs of contrasting styles/tempos in PDF and MP3 format; Co-written songs will not be accepted. Please note:
After admission as a Commercial Music Major, students must submit songwriting materials for approval by the Commercial Music faculty in order to be accepted in the Songwriting Emphasis program. Freshmen should submit materials during the second semester of their sophomore year before advising or earlier. Students who enter the Major above Freshman level should submit materials at the time of their audition or during their first semester. Transfer students should submit their materials as soon as possible. Students will not be able to enroll in songwriting (SNG) classes until they have been admitted in the Songwriting Emphasis program. Any questions about this process should be directed by email to Holly Newsome and copy Henry Smiley.
Belmont University Commercial Voice audition (ACCEPTED) 2021
FAQ
Is it hard to get into Belmont School of Music?
The acceptance rate at Belmont University is 83. 8%. For every 100 applicants, 84 are admitted. This means the school is lightly selective.
Is Belmont school of music good?
The unrivaled and nationally renowned Belmont University School of Music is known for its unique programs that uphold the highest standards of artistic scholarship and performance while promoting innovation and stylistic diversity.
What can you do with a degree in commercial music?
Here is a list of positions and career paths that graduates with a degree in music production typically hold: Audio Visual Specialist Music Producer. Music Director. Media and Event Support Specialist. Keyboard and Studio Recording Specialist. Music Instructor. Studio Engineer. Studio Manager.
How selective is Belmont School of Music?
The Belmont acceptance rate is 83%. Popular majors include nursing, arts, entertainment, and media management, and music management.