Belmont University Songwriting Major

There is no better place to pursue a career as a professional songwriter. Students come from across the U.S. and several foreign countries to study commercial songwriting in the heart of Music City.

As a Songwriting (SNG) major, you’ll study with faculty who have won every major industry award from Grammys to CMAs, ACMs, Dove Awards, Emmys and more.

Belmont's Songwriting Department is housed on Music Row at 34 Music Square East, the historic home of the Quonset Hut and Columbia Studio A Recording studios where iconic artists such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Patsy Cline, Leonard Cohen and Simon and Garfunkel have recorded.

• 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.
• Improve your skills of recording your own songs.
• Interactions with music business professionals is continuous throughout our program. Discover which sectors your music fits into, and collaborate with instead of being intimidated by the industry.
• Our curriculum encourages performance. There are a multitude of opportunities to perform original songs on small and large stages.

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

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 15 (Decisions by October 15)
• November 1 (Decisions by December 1)
• January 15 (Decisions by February 15)
• March 1 (Decisions by April 1)
• July 1 – transfers only (Decisions by August 1)

Please reach out to natalie.peterson@belmont.edu with any questions!