MTSU is launching Bridges to Nashville: Exciting Career Opportunities in Country Music, a five-month pilot program designed to educate college students of color nationwide about the country music industry.
Beverly Keel, MTSU’s Dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, created the initiative and will host the series.
The first session will be held on Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. CT and feature a conversation between artist and hit songwriter Shy Carter and Shannon Sanders, songwriter/producer and executive director of BMI’s Nashville office.
It will be followed by a 5 p.m. panel on record labels that will be moderated by Gina Miller, Sr. VP and GM of Entertainment One, and founding board member of Nashville Music Equality.
“The goal of this program is to educate students of color about country music in hopes that they will consider country music as a viable career path after graduation,” Keel says. “The program will explore what today’s country music is, how the industry operates and what the potential career opportunities are.
“In addition, this program will introduce industry leaders to African-American students who are interested in internships and jobs. The goal is to create more diversity in all areas of the country music industry.”
The 90-minute Zoom sessions will begin at 4 p.m. CT and include a conversation with a creator of color and focus on one segment of the industry. There is no cost to students.
The other program dates are:
March 31—Publishers, Performing Rights Organizations and Songwriters;
April 21—Talent Agencies and Promoters;
May 26—Studios, Producers and Engineers;
June 23—Entrepreneurial Opportunities (Digital Marketing, Publicity, etc.).
Series sponsors are BMI, Change the Conversation, CMT, Country Music Association, Diversify the Stage, Nashville Music Equality and the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter.
Details and registration here.
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