Foundation gifts six Gibson guitars to current students
In celebration of Belmont’s six alumni 2024 Grammy nominees and the University’s significant contributions to the music industry, Gibson Gives — the charitable arm of iconic guitar brand Gibson — today gifted six guitars to students to mark the occasion.
Belmont alumni Grammy nominees include:
- Brandy Clark, nominated for six awards including Best Musical Theater Album (“Shucked”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Buried”), Best Country Song (“Buried”), Best Americana Performance (“Dear Insecurity”), Best American Roots Song (“Dear Insecurity”) and Best Americana Album (“Brandy Clark”)
- Ashley Gorley & John Byron: Best Country Song (“Last Night”)
- Brothers Osborne*: Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Nobody’s Nobody”), Best Country Album (Brothers Osborne) | *John Osborne is the alumnus.
- Alysa Vanderheym: Best Country Album, (co-writer and producer, “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat”)
- Blessing Offor: Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (“Believe”), Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (“My Tribe”)
The guitars, each given in honor of the six alumni Grammy nominees, were awarded to selected students who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and talent within the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and the College of Music and Performing Arts.
For 50 years, Belmont University has been a hub for aspiring musicians and industry professionals, shaping the next generation with its renowned Music Business program. Belmont has since expanded its degree programs to encompass all aspects of the entertainment industry including 11 undergraduate and two graduate programs within Curb College.
The six student recipients include Arden Snead, senior songwriting major; Ella Wagner, sophomore music business major; Sam Livio, senior audio engineering technology major; Cooper Michael Alber, senior commercial music major; Julia Campopiano, senior songwriting major; Sharayah Daves, senior songwriting major.
Established in 2002, the Gibson Foundation, now Gibson Gives, has provided thousands of guitars and related in-kind donations totaling nearly $46 million. The 501(c)3 exists to introduce, inspire and amplify the power of music through guitars.
“The support from Gibson Gives further strengthens our commitment to providing an environment where students can thrive in their entertainment industry journeys. We appreciate this recognition and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our students," said Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer. “The Grammys represent the pinnacle of music achievement, and we are extremely proud to celebrate our alumni nominees. Our six nominees not only highlight the exceptional talent that has emerged from Belmont, but also boldly pave the path for the next generation of artists, songwriters, and producers, showing students what can be within reach. This recognition underscores the dedication and passion that define a Belmont education.”
On Saturday, Feb. 3, the Belmont community will gather in Los Angeles to celebrate the future of the University and honor its Grammy-nominated alumni, along with all who contribute to the global creative culture. Five alumni nominees are scheduled to be in attendance including Brandy Clark, Ashley Gorley, John Byron, Alysa Vanderheym and Blessing Offor.