Recording Industry
Unleash your songwriting talent develop a diverse and industry-relevant set of songwriting skills.
Recording Industry, Commercial Songwriting Concentration, B.S.
MTSU offers a songwriting degree through the College of Media and Entertainment as a Concentration of the Bachelor of Science in Recording Industry. Students must choose between the Commercial Songwriting Concentration and the Music Business Concentration.
Music is an important part of life, and for many, music means songs. Songs are a magic combination of lyrics and melody that makes a difference, ranging from lifting a mood to driving a movement. Located near Nashville, the nation's songwriting mecca, MTSU offers students exceptional opportunities through its Commercial Songwriting degree program. With talented faculty members who have ties to all parts of the industry and the founding college chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), students enter a crowded field with valuable advantages.
Among award winners who started at MTSU are:
- Luke Laird, whose songs have been recorded by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, and Tim McGraw
- HunterGirl, of "American Idol" fame
- Rufio Hooks, the writer of Billboard 5-week #1 "Butter," performed by K-pop supergroup BTS
- Aaron Raitiere, whose songs have been recorded by Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, and Robert Randolph
- Amy Lee, the songwriting and singing powerhouse for multi-platinum alternative rock band Evanescence
- Country music superstar, Hardy, whose songs have been recorded by Florida-Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, and Blake Shelton
Additionally, the Commercial Songwriting concentration offers instruction for students who want a career in the music industry. These careers include arranger, artist, musician, producer, singer, songwriter, A&R executive, Music Supervisor, and publisher.
Tours
The Recording Industry Department offers faculty-led tours every Friday at 1 p.m., during the Fall and Spring terms. You may also schedule a tour during the Summer term by appointment. To schedule a tour, e-mail: [email protected].
If you live in one of these states: AR GA KY LA MD MS OK SC VA WV; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
MTSU’s Blackmon gives students taste of CMA Awards thanks to alum, partnership
The plan to attend this year’s Country Music Association Awards was a conversation a year in the making and began in 2023.[ Read More ]
Song co-written by MTSU’s Blackmon recorded by former ‘The Voice’ winner Bryce Leatherwood
The song, “Cheap Cologne,” will be on Leatherwood’s upcoming album which is set to be released later this fall.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU’s Blackmon gives students taste of CMA Awards thanks to alum, partnership
The plan to attend this year’s Country Music Association Awards was a conversation a year in the making and began in 2023.[ Read More ]
Song co-written by MTSU’s Blackmon recorded by former ‘The Voice’ winner Bryce Leatherwood
The song, “Cheap Cologne,” will be on Leatherwood’s upcoming album which is set to be released later this fall.[ Read More ]
Recording Industry, Commercial Songwriting Concentration, B.S.
Created with input from music industry professionals and the leading industry associations, MTSU's innovative Recording Industry curriculum is a cutting-edge program that helps blaze a tailor-made path for its students into any of the many rewarding careers of Tennessee's robust music industries. Examples include
- Arranger
- Artist
- Musician
- Producer
- Singer
- Songwriter
Employers of MTSU songwriting degree alumni include
- ASCAP
- BMG Music Publishing
- BMI
- Cal IV Entertainment
- Creative Nation
- EMI Music Publishing
- Universal Music Publishing
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Degrees
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