David Tough
Professor of Audio Engineering Technology
Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Ed.D., Tennessee State University; M.B.A., Pepperdine University; B.A., University of North Texas
Location: Johnson Center 335
615-460-6381david.tough@belmont.edu
Biography
Dr. David Tough is a tenured, Full Professor of Audio Engineering Technology at Belmont University.
He has written and produced over 500 songs for film, TV, video and ad placements including song featured in the television shows Empire, Glee, CSI, and Nashville. Please visit this link for a full list of credits.
Tough has won several awards for his production and songwriting including a Grammy nomination and winner of two Covenant (Canadian Dove) awards. He is a grand prize winner in the John Lennon song contest, winning in 2009, 2013 and 2021.
After graduating from the University of North Texas with an undergraduate degree in jazz drums, David moved to Los Angeles, where he worked for Capitol Records, Warner Chappell Music Publishing, BMG Music Publishing and TAXI, as well as serving as a consultant for other companies such as Transition Music and WEA.
David earned his MBA from Pepperdine University and EdD in Higher Education Administration for Tenessee State University. David's skillsets include audio engineering, songwriting and music production. His research interests span across music production, songwriting and recording arts curriculum development. He has taught audio engineering, songwriting and music technology at several institutions including UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona and the University of North Alabama since 2002.
Specialties: Audio Education, Music Production, Songwriting, Creative Arts Leadership