Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business celebrates its 50th anniversary, announcing a significant evolution of its inspiring music industry footprint – literally.
Belmont University will make its presence felt during the “Belmont at the Opry'' Grand Ole Opry Show, featuring Belmont University alumni talent including Trisha Yearwood, Tyler Hubbard, Haley Whitters, and more. To expand, it announced a $58 million donation from philanthropist and Nashville music executive Mike Curb. In the music line.
The donation is the largest in the university's history. We will support the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of a new state-of-the-art Music Row facility.
“Mike Curb's incredible generosity and long-standing partnership with Belmont have been invaluable in advancing entertainment and music business education,” said University President Dr. Greg Jones. “This latest transformational gift solidifies Belmont's position at the forefront of developing the next generation of music industry leaders. We would like to thank Mike and Linda for their continued investment in Belmont's mission. I am deeply grateful.”
Brittany Schaefer of Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business added:
“For 50 years, our faculty, staff, and world-class facilities have made Belmont a premier destination for future music executives, engineers, artists, and songwriters. “We have been able to continually improve our entertainment curriculum and facilities in tandem with the industry.” This lead gift exposes students to industry leaders and opportunities while driving innovation with our partners in the Nashville entertainment industry. By creating an unprecedented and immersive experience that connects directly with Music Row, we can further integrate Music Row. ”
The two-phase project includes a 17,000-square-foot renovation of the former home of Capitol Records and Buddy Lee Attractions (through 2018) at 38 Music Square East. The renovation will add a songwriting room, listening spaces, live sound classrooms, a student lounge in the College of Entertainment and Music Business, and a new and updated space for the Nashville Leadership Music Office (continuing an existing partnership between the organizations) That is planned.
The second phase will involve constructing a 75,000-square-foot building behind Belmont's existing MusicRow site at 34 Music Square E. Over the next two years, Belmont will begin construction on a facility that will include performance venues, networking, and events that can accommodate more than 150 people. It features gathering space for Belmont students and industry professionals, a coffee shop, content capture room, and underground parking.
The university has also launched a second stage fundraising campaign.
“As Nashville's music industry grows and evolves into an international entertainment hub, it is important that our education system keeps pace with developing skilled talent,” said Mike Curb.
“Belmont has long been a great partner in developing ambitious artists, songwriters, engineers, and music business leaders who become valuable employees to record companies throughout Nashville and the industry as a whole. With this latest investment, , we will build on that strong foundation to drive entertainment and music business education to the next level, ensuring a steady stream of well-prepared professionals for our ever-growing industry.”
Fifty years ago, Belmont's Music Business Program was founded by former university president Dr. Herbert Gabbert, professor and program founder Bob Molloy, and pioneering Memphis and Nashville industry executives Curb and Cecil Scaife. It was born by creating both an industry connector and a talent incubator for ambitious undergraduate students. Also included are graduate-level audio engineers, songwriters, and industry creators.
For more information about Belmont's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, visit https://www.belmont.edu/curb/.