Young songwriters invited to learn from Music City’s best
The commercial music program gives aspiring musicians a chance to win professional feedback and top-notch equipment
Cate Zenzen |
The commercial music program at Lipscomb University, located in the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, is intimately connected with the community of musicians that make Nashville the songwriting capital of the world. Students are trained to be creative in the art and business of music production. The department is opening this valuable training to the community through a songwriting contest.
“While the songwriting industry is concentrated in Nashville, we know that songwriting talent is not,” said Jeff McPherson, assistant professor in the Lipscomb's School of Music.
Young songwriters who are interested in honing their craft are invited to submit a song for professional judging. Submissions of any genre must feature music and lyric content, and be between two to six minutes in length. Entry should be an audio recording delivered as an emailed file or link to an online delivery platform. The songwriter and/or co-writers must all be between the ages of 13 and 18.
“We want to connect blossoming young songwriters with professional writers and producers for feedback no matter where they are located. The Songwriting Contest is the first step in our plan to do just that, and it is one of the things that makes the mentorship at Lipscomb University so valuable!” said McPherson.
Finalists will receive feedback on their song from professional commercial songwriters and producers within the Nashville community. Through generous support by industry sponsors, the winning submission will receive a Sennheiser MK4 Condenser microphone, Universal Audio Apollo Twin and a pair of Presonus Eris Monitors.
Submissions are due by May 1, 2020 and must include an audio recording and lyric sheet. Finalists will be announced on May 18 and the winner announced on May 30.
Songs are not being submitted for publication and Lipscomb University will not retain any of the rights for songs that a writer presents.
To apply or for more information click here.
The Nashville music scene is thriving, with people coming from all over the world to make music in a thousand different ways. The Commercial School of Music in the College of Entertainment and the Arts prepares students to be industry professionals. The mentor-based approach to teaching ensures students have the tools needed to adapt to a changing industry. With small-class access to excellent resources and top-notch faculty, including scholars, musicians and entrepreneurs, students learn from the best Music City has to offer.