YOU HAVE BIG DREAMS. YOU HAVE TALENTS AND GIFTS THAT HAVE THE POWER TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD. Let’s make it happen. At Belmont’s College of Music & Performing Arts, we understand the far-reaching value of creative expression. That’s why we are committed to offering the best education and opportunities for artists like you to grow in your craft and pursue a meaningful, lasting career.
Our internationally renowned programs in music, theatre and dance provide world-class stages, one-of-a-kind experiences and expert mentorship to help you turn those big dreams into reality. Our students and alumni never cease to amaze us, whether they’re performing on campus or on Broadway, conducting coursework or a symphony.
It’s no secret that creative career paths come with unique challenges and require hard work. Here’s what you should know: we believe in you. We see your exceptional abilities and determination. We see the unrelenting heart you pour into your passions. And we’re ready to stand by your side with the right tools and the right creative community to support every goal you have — and then some.
Stephen Eaves, D.M.A.
DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the College of Music & Performing Arts at Belmont University. CMPA is a place where you can feed your creativity while fully developing your talent. We offer internationally recognized, nationallyaccredited programs in music, theatre and dance.
Our excellent artist-faculty will teach and mentor you through innovative curriculum and experiences to prepare you to thrive in 21st century arts careers. We provide opportunities to connect and learn through study away, internships, guest artists and alumni. The vibrant arts culture in Nashville enhances our top-rated programs by providing opportunities and partnerships.
CMPA is embedded in a top-rated university that values the arts. We are a student-focused, Christcentered community developing the whole person and preparing students for the present and the future.
As Dean of the college, I am honored to serve Belmont and use my diverse experiences as a performer, musician, teacher and an arts leader to ensure that we are providing a relevant and an engaging experience for students. I invite you to join our creative community. We are fully committed to challenging you to develop your passions and talents to make the world a better place.
See you around, Stephen Eaves
STUDENT SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES Each Year RANKED 15TH AMONG THE WORLD’S
20 MUSIC SCHOOLS – Hollywood Reporter, 2024
College of Music & Performing Arts is home to 900 STUDENT
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Renowned Tradition “Christmas at Belmont,” Featuring SPECIAL GUESTS AND 600+ STUDENT PERFORMERS Streamed on Prime Video in 2024
STUDY MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS IN
Nashville
WHY NOT STUDY THE PERFORMING ARTS IN NASHVILLE?
Living in a city that not only embraces creativity but actively fosters and encourages it is a gamechanger for pursuing the performing arts. And that’s just what you’ll find in Nashville.
Artistic expression is the heartbeat of our hometown’s culture. On campus and off, our city is made of music, theatre and dance. Symphonies and standing ovations...costumes and crescendos. No matter your major, your instrument, your craft or your dream job, Nashville has a stage with your name on it.
These vast, vibrant creative scenes provide outstanding partnerships for CMPA and offer abundant opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. Belmont is connected with a variety of artistic organizations in the greater Nashville area, giving students the chance to perform, job-shadow, teach, intern, serve the community and so much more. Just a few partnerships include the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville Children’s Choir, Nashville Opera and the Tennessee Arts Academy.
In addition, Nashville is simply a fun place to be! Big-city vibes with small-town heart, we love our home. Great local restaurants and coffee shops, professional sports, beautiful nature spaces, infinite concerts and bustling neighborhoods... you’ll only be bored if you want to be.
Photo Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
MAJORS
• Theatre Directing
• Theatre Education
• Theatre Performance
• Dance
• Theatre Production Design
• Theatre & Drama
MINORS
• Film Acting
• Theatre
*THEATRE COMMON CORE (24 HOURS)
For the BFA and BA degrees
• Fundamentals of Production Design
• Acting I
• Directing I
• Scriptwriting I
• Theatre History I
• Theatre History II
• Dramatic Literature and Criticism
• Play Analysis
THEATRE COMMON SUPPORTIVE COURSES
Required for both BFA and BA students
• Performance and Production Lab†
• Theatre Electives
• Free Electives
†Eight semesters of Production Lab are required for the BA and BFA Emphasis in Performance, Directing and Production Design. Six semesters are required for BFA Emphasis in Theatre Education.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Theatre is nothing short of magic. One-of-a-kind characters show us incredible worlds and take us on journeys that become real. Theatre inspires us, challenges us, moves us. It’s an invitation to see life through new perspectives.
But it doesn’t happen by magic. It happens because of diligent work and dedication from theatrical artists, who know the impact this craft can make.
Belmont’s Theatre and Dance programs prepare students to succeed professionally as performers, directors, designers, educators and more, focusing on the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the theatrical process.
* All Belmont students participate in the BELL Core curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of learning beyond the classroom and applying it to the real world. All students in the College of Music & Performing Arts will pair this with their college common core.
MORGAN-ELLENE DAVIS
B.F.A. Theatre Performance, 2016
“Spending four years sharpening my discipline at Belmont’s Department of Theatre & Dance certainly set me up for success. I’m always pulling from the toolbox I gained at Belmont, and am every day grateful for the hard work and dedication put forth by the faculty during my time there.”
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
The department is proud to partner with many professional theatre and dance companies, offering a valuable training ground for student actors, directors and designers, as they work side-by-side with industry professionals.
• The Nashville Shakespeare Festival
• Di Mossa
• Friends Life Community
• The Nashville Children’s Theatre
• Rejoice Ministries
• Salama Ministries
BELMONT REPERTORY COMPANY
In addition, students in the Department of Theatre & Dance showcase the power of theatre to elementary school children through Belmont Repertory Company (Rep Co). For over a decade, members of this touring group have not only gained valuable performance experience but have shared the magic and value of the arts to young communities!
LEARN MORE ABOUT BELMONT REP CO. AND OUR THEATRE STUDENTS
YOUTUBE.COM/BELMONTU
School of Music
"MUSIC IS THE SHORTHAND OF EMOTION."
Whether you’re an aspiring vocalist, composer, instrumentalist, arts educator or beyond, Belmont’s School of Music provides exceptional training that prepares you for a career of excellence in your field. With world-class performance spaces, high standards of artistic scholarship, unique masterclasses and a commitment to stylistic diversity, our program is among the very best in the country, championing both classical and commercial performance.
MAJORS
• Church Music
• Commercial Music
• Music
• Music Composition
• Music Education
• Music Performance
• Music Theory
• Music Therapy
• Music Technology
• Musical Theatre
• Piano Pedagogy
MUSIC COMMON CORE*
For the BM degree. BFA and BA are similar but have fewer required hours in the music core.
• Applied Study (private lessons and seminars)
• Music Theory
• Theory I–IV
• Aural Skills I–IV
Plus at least one additional course based on major
• Music History
• Introduction to Music: History, Culture, and Style
• History of Western Music: 1700–Present
Plus one additional course based on major
• Piano Study (class or private study leading to proficiency)
• Introduction to Digital Musicianship
• Basic Conducting
At least one Ensemble each semester
• Recital (Junior and/or Senior, based on major)
• Electives (music or non-music.)
*All Belmont students participate in the BELL Core curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of learning beyond the classroom and applying it to the real world. All students in the College of Music & Performing Arts will pair this with their college common core.
INSTRUMENTS OF STUDY INCLUDE
• Voice
• Viola
• Violin
• Cello
• Upright Bass
• Harp
• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• French Horn
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• Percussion
• Organ
• Piano
• Guitar
PRINCIPAL INSTRUMENTS/VOICE + APPLIED STUDY
Every music major will receive weekly one-on-one training with an instructor focused on their primary instrument of choice (voice or instrumental). Along with these private lessons, students attend seminars with their peers, which provide them opportunities to perform for their colleagues and to discuss common questions.
STUDENT ENSEMBLES
In addition to curriculum led by award-winning faculty, students benefit from over 36 university ensembles covering multiple genres (vocal and instrumental) and countless performance opportunities, including the historic annual tradition of Christmas at Belmont.
CAROLINE EISEMAN
Musical Theatre, Class of 2022
Portrayed Tracy Turnblad in the National Tour of Hairspray
“More than anything, what Belmont gave me that sets it apart from some other schools are the tools to be a human. We are telling human stories on stage about real-life humans, and Belmont creates good humans that are easy to work with, fun to work with and smart in the room.”
HEAR
CODY FRY
Class of 2012, Commercial Music
“Belmont has always been great at creating amazing experiences for students. The first orchestral piece I ever wrote was performed at Christmas at Belmont when I was a student. To hear it performed and then have it broadcast on PBS...it was just one of those moments where I found myself being so encouraged. Those experiences stick with you after the classes are over and after you’ve graduated. It’s those experiences that really make you want to keep going.”
HEAR MORE ABOUT CODY'S
WE BELIEVE EXPERIENCING THE FULLNESS OF LIFE AND THE EXCITEMENT OF COLLEGE ONLY FUELS YOUR CREATIVITY.
THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE BELMONT.
You are a multifaceted individual, with a fantastic range of talents and passions. Maybe it’s music and sports. Theatre and science. Dance and volunteer work. That’s why Belmont offers you the space to dive into everything that sparks light for you. We believe experiencing the fullness of life and the excitement of college fuels creativity and artistic expression.
Our bottom line: this is a campus built on community and belonging. You will always find a place where you feel supported and encouraged to grow, where you can engage with opportunities as vast, fun, unique and interesting as you are.
You’ll find Grammy-winning alumni teaching masterclasses. You’ll find Fraternity & Sorority Life. NCAA Division 1 Athletic teams (Go Bruins!).
A Gallery of Iconic Guitars. A priority on mental wellness. Recording studios on campus. A world-class performance venue. Your adventures here are infinite.
Student Opportunities
ENDLESS WAYS TO GROW AND SHINE
At Belmont, you’ll find so many ways to strengthen your artistry, gain performance opportunities and to develop your best work — all while building a meaningful community of friends and mentors and living out a well-rounded college experience.
MASTERCLASSES
Our masterclasses are special opportunities for students to gain insight and instruction from industry leaders and legends.
Some of our past masterclasses include:
• Kristin Chenoweth providing advice to musical theatre and theatre students.
• Chris De’Sean Lee, a former Belmont musical theatre major, talking about his active career including “Hamilton”, “S.W.A.T” and CW Network series “Legacies.”
• A Vanderbilt Voice Clinic guest lecture about vocal injury prevention.
• Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet, an internationally acclaimed jazz quartet, teaching and performing for commercial instrumental students.
• Cody Fry, Chris Potter, Norm Lewis, Carolyn Wann Bailey, The Opry Band, Joyce Yang, Jacob Szekely and more!
HEAR MORE ABOUT OUR MASTERCLASSES YOUTUBE.COM/ BELMONTU
LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
• The Dean’s Advisory Council
• The Belmont Repertory Company
• Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, Epsilon Eta Chapter
• Belmont American Music Therapy Association for Students
• Student Chapter of the National Association for Music Education
• American Choral Directors Association
• Theatre Honor Society, Alpha Psi Omega
• Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
• Sigma Alpha Iota
STUDY ABROAD/ AWAY
As much as we love Nashville and our campus, we know there’s a whole world out there, full of amazing sights to see and creative communities to engage with. We support our students interested in taking their studies across the country or the globe, whether it’s a semester-long, Maymester or summer session.
STUDY ABROAD
Belmont music and theatre faculty have led sessions in:
• Athens
• Italy
• Helsinki
• London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) - London, England
• Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (Honors only) - Cardiff, Wales
• St Mary's University/ Arcadia UniversityTwickenham, London, England
• and more!
BELMONT USA
Maybe you want a new environment that doesn’t require a passport. Welcome to Belmont USA! This unique program offers semester-long programs in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and other cities across the USA. Students continue their studies while also holding an internship.
YOU HAVE WORLD-CLASS TALENT, AND YOU DESERVE WORLD-CLASS SPACES TO SHOWCASE IT.
Take the Stage
Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FACILITIES! BELMONT. EDU/CMPA/ FACILITIES
FISHER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The 150,000 sq. ft. center contains a 1,727-seat European-style performance hall, two multipurpose ballrooms, rehearsal space, dressing rooms and impressive technical facilities. The top-caliber performing arts center acts both as an academic resource for student main stage productions and as toptier venue for Nashville itself.
TROUTT THEATER
This 300-seat proscenium theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and audio equipment and serves as a performance and teaching facility.
MCAFEE CONCERT HALL
An 876-seat venue which houses a 55-rank Aeolian Skinner organ, 2 nine-foot Steinway Grand pianos and frequently features performances from Belmont’s classical choral and instrumental ensembles and special guests.
BLACK BOX THEATER
A 150-seat experimental performance and classroom venue for all movement-based performance courses. The Black Box is a flexible performance space with moveable seating risers, equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and audio equipment.
MASSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Housing both instructional and performance spaces, MPAC is in motion year-round with student recitals, concert events, school assemblies, classes and musical production. MPAC also features several teaching studios and practice rooms, three large classrooms and a dance space.
Massey Performing Arts Center
McAfree Concert Hall
Troutt Theater Black Box Theater
Start your Journey
1. APPLY TO BELMONT
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
2 Audition or Portfolio Submission (In-Person or Virtually via Accepted)
The audition determines admissibility into the School of Music, which is separate from the University admission decision.
Music Composition applicants: A portfolio is required along with an audition on your primary instrument.
3. Receive a Departmental Decision SCHOLARSHIPS
Performance-based music scholarships are awarded to incoming College of Music & Performing Arts majors who demonstrate exceptional performance skills.
Music scholarships are awarded across the full range of music majors and divided equally among the voice, keyboard and instrumental departments.
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
2. Register for an Audition/Portfolio Review
The audition or portfolio submission determines admissibility into the Department of Theatre & Dance, which is separate from the University admission decision.
Applicants pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Drama, Theatre Minor, Film Acting Minor or Dance Minor are not required to audition or submit a portfolio for review.
3. Register for an In-Person Theatre Audition/ Portfolio Review
4. Receive a Departmental Decision
Students may have a College of Music & Performing Arts scholarship in addition to their merit or need-based aid from the University. Students who audition in person or by video will automatically be considered for scholarships. Department of Theatre & Dance students are also considered based upon an audition or portfolio submission.
SECURE YOUR SPOT!
More in-depth details and deadlines regarding the application and audition process
