Why Major in Songwriting?
There is no better place to pursue a songwriting degree in Nashville than Belmont University. Students from across the U.S. and abroad come to explore music composition programs and commercial song development in the heart of Music City.
As a Songwriting (SNG) major within the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, you’ll benefit from a curriculum that blends creativity with career readiness. Our program encourages learners to develop leadership with integrity and Christ‑informed character, preparing you to navigate the music industry with purpose.
You’ll train with faculty who have received industry recognition—including Grammys, CMAs, Dove Awards and more. Belmont's professional songwriting degree program is located on Music Row at 34 Music Square East, home to the historic Quonset Hut and Columbia Studio A, where artists like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline recorded.
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From Classroom to Chart-Topper
At Belmont, you're not just studying songwriting — you're living it, right in the heart of Music City. Located steps from legendary Music Row, our program gives you direct access to industry professionals, chart-topping alumni and songwriting legends. With immersive, hands-on learning at its core, the songwriting program helps you refine your voice, grow your catalog and collaborate in real-world settings from your first semester.
Through Belmont’s strong industry connections and Belmont USA opportunities in cities like New York, Los Angeles and beyond, your reach as a songwriter goes far beyond Nashville. Whether you're writing your next hit or co-writing with future stars, you'll be doing it alongside major players such as Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Group, ASCAP, BMI and Warner Music Group — just to name a few.
Belmont Tracks: Arden Snead
Arden Snead is a songwriting major who was glued to music even as a baby. She learned to play guitar at a young age, and songwriting soon followed after. Arden takes most of her inspiration from her family and the stories of others— she believes that the most truth is found in the things that take time. Her primary genres are country and singer-songwriter, and she has been known to pick the banjo on occasion.
What You'll Learn
As a songwriting major, you'll explore the many paths your music can take — across genres, platforms and audiences. You'll stretch your creativity and experiment with new styles and settings to uncover where your writing shines, while building confidence through performance and collaboration.
Highlights include:
- Getting out of your comfort zone to see the multitude of places and genres your writing can exist.
- Collaborating to co-write songs and discover how that generates different and exciting outcomes.
- Improving your skills of recording your own songs.
- Interacting with music business professionals continuously throughout our program. Discover which sectors your music fits into, and collaborate with instead of being intimidated by the industry.
- Performing: There are a multitude of opportunities to perform original songs on small and large stages.
Program Details
Course Requirements
The songwriting major leads to either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. It requires 128 hours of coursework.
- BELL Core requirements: 53 hours
- Major requirements: 43 hours
- Minor requirements: 18 hours
- General Electives: 14 hours
Courses you'll take:
- SNG 2100. Seminars, Workshops, Showcases: Students attend and reflect upon program-specific seminars and showcases intended to demonstrate practical application or exploration of philosophical and current issues related to the music and entertainment industries.
- SNG 2110. Commercial Songwriting I: This is the practical application and technique of the working songwriter. Students will study fundamentals of melody, lyrics, “hooks,” points of view and song logic. Students will also cover solo writing as well as the concept of collaboration.
- SNG 2120. Commercial Songwriting II: Writing on demand will be introduced (examples: a Christmas song, an artist-specific style, etc.) Cataloging works will be taught so that participants can keep their output organized, keep their library of ideas filed and develop other good professional habits and discipline. This course introduces some of the concepts of the business of being a songwriter. Group writing and critiques will occur.
- SNG 3110. Songwriting Practicum: The development of an individual’s unique songwriting “voice” is encouraged while demo production occurs and the study of the songwriting business continues. Songs will be genre specific - pop, country, rock, R&B, etc. depending on the compancy (client) the class is writing for.
- SNG 3120. Lyric Writing: A study of commercial lyric writing. Historical masters of composition and lyric writing will be analyzed. Students will learn title/concept development and write lyrics based on selected readings.
- SNG 4015. Songwriting Senior Capstone: This course is a culminating experience in the major, which also addresses the goals for the Senior Capstone as defined in the course description for BEL 4015. These goals include reflection on the students’ whole educational experiences and on their transition from the university setting to post-graduation.
Our location in the heart of Music City provides unmatched opportunities for industry engagement. Students in upper-level classes have written songs for Sony Records Nashville, Universal Music Publishing, Big Machine Records, Warner Chappell Music, TV shows like “Nashville,” Curb Publishing, Warner Brothers Records Los Angeles and other companies.
Studying songwriting at Belmont’s Curb College offers an incredible collaboration between Songwriting, Audio Engineering and Motion Pictures majors for the production of music videos.
Your studies are enhanced by classes in commercial songwriting, audio engineering, music business and the choice of dozens of minors.
Study Abroad opportunities are plentiful with songwriting courses taught in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Germany.
Background:
The Songwriting application process was initially implemented because the disparity of skill levels in the classroom was so great it was disruptive to the learning process. This was frustrating to both students and faculty so our department used Belmont's School of Music application process as a precedent and a guideline for how we might assess and accept students. Our process is similar to portfolio applications in the Belmont CVPA (or the CVPA of any University). Initially the goal was to keep the acceptance rate at around 30% but as the program started to flourish it reached as high as 60% but tends to be 50%. In addition to weighing the talent pool of the applicants we must equally weigh our graduation rate against our incoming students based on facility space.
Application Process:
Start your application on the form above and then to Acceptd landing page and walk through the steps to submit your portfolio.
Songwriting Portfolio
All applicants must submit a short video portfolio explaining why they would like to be a part of the Belmont Songwriting community and displaying two original songs. Video should be no longer than seven (7) minutes.
Acceptable talking points include:
- Why you chose Belmont University and how you will benefit if accepted
- Your personal goals and how Belmont Songwriting can help you accomplish them
- Your musical influences and how long you have been writing songs
- Why you are a strong candidate
- Your long-term career goal(s) in the music industry
Submission Requirements:
Complete the online submission page in its entirety. Capture a video of yourself singing two of your original compositions. If someone else is accompanying you, you must make an on-camera introduction of each song and its instrumentalists and/or performers. All songs must be written solely by you. Valid submissions must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (CST) on the due date to be considered in that round.
Portfolio Due Dates:
- September 1 (Decisions by October 1 for transfers and current students. December 1 for first-year applicants who apply for Early Action I)
- November 1 (Decisions by December 1 for transfers, current students and first-year applicants who apply for Early Action I)
- January 15 (Decisions by February 15)
- March 1 (Decisions by April 1)
- April 15 – First-time applicants only (Decisions by May 1)
- July 1 – Transfer students only (Decisions by August 1)
Outcomes & Alumni Success
Belmont’s songwriting program equips students with the creative tools, industry knowledge and hands-on experience needed to launch successful careers. With an emphasis on co-writing, performance and mentorship, students graduate ready to navigate the ever-evolving music industry. From their first semester, they’re building a catalog, recording demos, connecting with professionals and performing original work — all within walking distance of Nashville’s Music Row.
Our songwriting alumni have gone on to sign publishing deals, release original music and write for major artists across genres. They’ve landed cuts with chart-topping performers, placed songs in film and television, and built careers as independent artists, producers and collaborators. Whether they stay in Nashville or take their talents worldwide, Belmont songwriters are shaping the sound of today’s music industry.
We're committed to your success
Curb College's Professional Development team helps students and graduates grow their skills and networks, preparing them to enter the entertainment industry. To support this, our team offers one-on-one meetings, weekly workshops led by industry experts, off-campus networking events, and hundreds of internships each semester. We serve as ambassadors and connectors for Curb College students and graduates through active involvement in the entertainment world.
It's no wonder that 98% percent of Curb College graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 89% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.
Alumni Testimonials
Carter Faith
Songwriting
MCA Nashville Recording Artist
“I wouldn’t be the songwriter I am today without the Belmont Songwriting program. In the four years I spent there, I transformed not only as a creative but also as a person, finding confidence and strength to take on this industry. I will forever be grateful to my professors, who were honest with us about the career path we were choosing but also who dreamed alongside us that we could go into the world and make music that inspired others like we had been inspired before.”
Alumni Testimonials
Emily Weisband
Songwriting
Sony Songwriter, Warner Brothers Artist, Grammy Award winner
“[I] have every person on staff in the Songwriting program...to thank for even having a degree....They were just all so supportive and encouraging of everything that I was doing outside of the classroom and the actual music industry, and if it weren't for them lifting me up in that area the whole way through, I wouldn't be the writer that I am.”
Alumni Testimonials
Anna Vaus
Songwriting
Big Machine Songwriter, Independent Artist
“Studying songwriting at Belmont was awesome because it just gave me the opportunity to connect with a lot of different people and people on Music Row, and that was thanks to my professors....”
Alumni Testimonials
Jake Wesley Rogers
Songwriting
Sony Songwriter, Warner Brothers Artist
“For my career, it's changed my whole life. It put me in front of the publishing company I’m with now and everything has changed because of this program.”
Career Possibilities
The Songwriting major equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to pursue a professional career as a songwriter in today’s entertainment industry. An emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration encourages individuality and creativity as you develop skills in lyric writing, musical composition and demo production. This practical knowledge gained through this program prepares students for all aspects of the songwriting and publishing industry.
The following is mere snapshot of some of the jobs student pursue upon graduation.
Within a music publishing company, the creative director works directly with the staff songwriters on direction in song creation. The creative director also meets with record producers and industry executives to pitch songs for recording and other commercial applications.
Belmont Songwriting major graduates have built many successful companies, including MadeIn Network (Kevin Grosh/Keith Johnson), EVA Entertainment (Channing Moreland) and Lucky Money Entertainment (Sarah Morey).
A music publisher’s job is to secure commercially released recordings of songs it controls, encouraging and working with their staff songwriters. To achieve that goal, they work with record company A&R executives, producers, recording artists, music supervisors and managers. Publishers also oversee proper administration of musical compositions, registering copyrights, filing necessary information to mechanical and performing rights organizations, auditing record companies, negotiating licenses and collecting monies due. Belmont Songwriting graduates are working at record labels, publishing companies and music supervision companies like Warner Brothers, Sony, Big Loud Records, Integrity Music, Warner-Chappell Production Music and many others.
Many of our former students and alumni pursue and secure recording contracts with record labels. Recording artists are at the center of a curated team with representatives from all sectors of the industry. Artists need an attorney, manager and booking agent and will partner with the label’s creative team, a producer, co-writers and other collaborators to craft their sound and a deliverable product that will hopefully benefit everyone involved. Our former students on this path include Dasha, Carter Faith, Jack Van Cleaf, Katie Pruitt, Jake Wesley Rogers, Liza Anne, TORRES, Ian Munsick, Annie DiRusso, Anna Vaus, Kelsey Waldon, Mackenzie Carpenter, Natalie Layne and many others.
A contract position with a music publishing company, typically a one year, exclusive contract with a series of 1–3 year options. Staff songwriters are hired to write songs that will be promoted to recording artists, used in film or television and other commercial uses. Belmont Songwriting graduates have signed publishing contacts with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, This Music/Warner Chappell Music, Sea Gayle Music and others.
Perform on recording sessions in studios in Nashville, Los Angeles, Miami or New York.
Perform live on tour with recording artists on U.S. and international tours.
Learn from Industry Veterans
Our songwriting faculty are accomplished writers, performers and industry professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom. From hitmakers and producers to artists and engineers, they’ve worked across genres and stages — and they’re passionate about helping you find your voice. Through storytelling, collaboration and one-on-one mentorship, they’ll guide you as you grow as both a songwriter and an artist.
Victoria Banks
Email: victoria.banks@belmont.edu
Office Location: 34 Music Square East 208
James I. Elliott
Email: james.elliott@belmont.edu
Office Location: 34 Music Square East 214
Thomm Jutz
Email: thomas.jutz@belmont.edu
Office Location: 34 Music Square East 210
Drew Ramsey
Email: drew.ramsey@belmont.edu
Office Location: 34 Music Square East
Frequently Asked Questions
Submitted video portfolios should be no longer than seven (7) minutes.
Videos should include a brief introduction of yourself, an explanation of why you’d like to be a part of the Belmont Songwriting community and two original songs.
There's a lot of valuable content our committee would like to see in a short amount of time. Some helpful tips for meeting the time requirement: Practice a timed introduction that captures everything you'd like to say in about a minute. Shorten the amount of time between sections. Shorten musical intros and outros for songs where applicable. Perform a modified version of your song that captures the essential components (example: verse, chorus, bridge, chorus).
Yes. Submit your two strongest songs in any commercial genre. Please note that we prefer to review songs free of profanity, graphic imagery, risqué/inappropriate content, etc.
No. Songs must be written by the applicant alone. No co-written pieces should be submitted.
Yes. However, applicants may have someone else accompany them. If this is the case, applicants must make an on-camera introduction for all accompanying performers.
The songwriting discipline involves putting words to music. For that reason, songs submitted by applicants must contain both lyrics and music.
If you are a track writer or production-based writer/artist, we encourage you to use your creativity and technology to maximize your video while highlighting your unique musical style and talents. Some examples: While the camera is rolling, show a screenshot of your session, hit play on your computer, then play, rap, sing, etc., live while your track plays in the background. Or while the camera is rolling, show the loop pedal that you're playing or singing into, then create a "live loop" and perform your song live over the newly created loop. Everyone has their own unique style — this is your opportunity to surprise (and impress) us!
No. The songwriting portfolio process is designed to evaluate songwriting ability only as it relates to the requirements and expectations of the songwriting program at Belmont. It is not designed to be evaluative of your overall strengths as a songwriter or to provide you with individual feedback.
Applicants who have been admitted to Belmont University will receive a response from the program's chair within 30 days of the submission deadline. First-time candidates who are admitted to Belmont but not yet enrolled will receive a letter in the mail. Current students and candidates who are reapplying will typically receive an email notification.
Award-Winning Faculty
Our program is blessed to have a full-time faculty made up of award-winning songwriters in multiple genres. Every full-time faculty member has been nominated for major awards within the last six years, including Grammy, Emmy, Latin Grammy, Dove, BMI, ASCAP, NSAI, ACM, CMI, SOCAN, CCMA and IBMA awards.
Genre Expertise
The musical genres of those awards include Americana, bluegrass, blues, country, gospel, contemporary Christian, new age, R&B and reggae.
Notable Artist Recordings
Artists who have recorded our faculty members' songs include India.Arie, Steven Curtis Chapman, Nanci Griffith, Mickey Guyton, Alejandra Guzman, Paloma Faith, John Legend, Ricky Martin, MIKA, Newsong, John Prine, Jessica Simpson, The Oak Ridge Boys, The SteelDrivers, The Temptations, CeCe Winans and many others. Our faculty have also had songs featured in many major films, television shows and advertisement campaigns.
Faculty-Led Selection Process
We rely heavily on our full-time faculty for the selection process (those with a Belmont email address and office location listed on the website). Detailed biographical information can be viewed here. As we go through the applicant portfolio links, we rely on the strengths of our various faculty based on their expertise in their genre or career path.
Reasons for Rejection
If there's a file that doesn't play, a submission includes excessive profanity or an applicant hasn't followed the submission requirements, then their portfolio may be rejected.
Reapplication Welcome
Students can reapply up to four times, and some of our best students over the years were accepted on their third or fourth attempt. Being a professional songwriter involves accepting the fact that about 90% of your songs will be rejected initially. This application process has helped us build a strong program but is also an early initiation into that disposition.
A common misconception is that we expect fully formed professional writers. We're not looking for perfection but rather a discernible talent that can be developed and that, hopefully under our tutelage, can be raised to a level that can serve a sector of the industry.
The "Play" Test
When we hit "play," there should be a lyric, melody, harmonic construction or produced track that stops one or more of the review team and makes them want to rewind and play it again.
Show Your Quirks
Applicants should be willing to display their unique talents, however unusual. Highlight quirks rather than hiding or softening them.
Song Selection Strategy
Select one song that people are always asking you to play (one that you may consider to be too mainstream, cute or pop) so that your second song can potentially be one you consider to be your best-crafted, more artistic representation of your writing.
Our Review Process
Much like a creative staff at a music publishing company or an A&R staff at a record label, some member of the team needs to stand up and vouch that an applicant has promise and can be developed. This is where the vast experience and success of our faculty plays a key role, as we have all been part of developing talent in the music industry and have assisted from the earliest phases of a writer's or artist's career up to the point where those artists are accepting their own awards.
Contact Us
Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Emily Reynolds
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.6453
Email Emily