Belmont Takes Center Stage at the Opry: 50 Years of Music Business

belmont opry performers
Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business

Belmont Takes Center Stage at the Opry: 50 Years of Music Business

January 19, 2024 | by Julia Couch Copeland

‘Belmont at the Opry’ tickets on sale to public, performers announced

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Belmont University is taking over the Grand Ole Opry, Tuesday, April 9, for “Belmont at the Opry.” The partnership comes as the culminating event of the 50th anniversary celebration of Belmont’s pioneering Music Business program.

The April 9 lineup boasts some of Belmont’s most notable music business alumni including Trisha Yearwood, Tyler Hubbard and Hailey Whitters and a songwriters’ round featuring:

  • Ashley Gorley, who has penned more than 60 no. 1 songs
  • Grammy Award winner Hillary Lindsey, who will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this summer
  • NSAI and ACM award winner Nicolle Galyon

"We are thrilled to team up with the Opry for this momentous occasion, celebrating 50 years of Music Business at Belmont," said Brittany Schaffer, dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. "This program started as a partnership between Belmont and Music Row, and it is a joy to honor that legacy by highlighting the diverse accomplishments of our talented alumni on country music’s most famous stage.”

Officially launched in 1973, Belmont’s music business program has numerous origin stories, woven together by visionaries who created an enduring legacy for Belmont within the music industry. With support from former University president Dr. Herbert Gabhart, beloved professor and program-founder Bob Mulloy, industry executive Cecil Scaife — and propelled forward by the incredible generosity of Mike Curb — the program has graduated more than 6,000 alumni throughout its 50 years.

The beginning was uncharted territory. The program’s success came from a commitment from the industry to come to Belmont and teach as adjunct professors. Belmont served as a connector, ultimately filling the need to train college-educated businesspeople to work in the music industry.

The growth of music business made way for more specialized programs within the entertainment space including audio engineering technology, songwriting, creative & entertainment industries, film and more. Today, the Curb College boasts 11 undergraduate and two graduate programs of study.  

Tickets for the April 9 "Belmont at the Opry" show are on sale now and available at opry.com.