Nashville publishers hear MTSU student songwriters

Middle Tennessee State University’s songwriting program recently took center stage at ASCAP’s private showcase for local music publishers.

Publishing companies Sony/ATV, Warner Chapel, BMG, Sea-Gayle Music, Creative Nation and Round Hill Music were on hand to listen to performances by songwriting students Nick Carpenter, Zach Russell, Kyle Crownover and the group “Maybe April,” which includes MTSU’s Katy Bishop and Kristen Castro along with Alaina Stacy.

ASCAP recently held a private showcase at its offices for Nashville music publishers showcasing Middle Tennessee State University’s commercial songwriting program. Pictured top row, from left, are students Nick Carpenter, Kyle Crownover, ASCAP Vice President LeAnn Phalen, student Zach Russell, MTSU Songwriting Concentration Coordinator Odie Blackmon; bottom row, from left, “Maybe April” members Alaina Stacey, Kristen Castro and Katy Bishop. (Submitted photo.)

The MTSU Department of Recording Industry’s commercial songwriting program is led by successful songwriter Odie Blackmon, who partners with organizations such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

“[I’m] proud of my students,” Blackmon said, “[and] grateful to ASCAP.”

The Mass Comm Department of Recording Industry also houses the only college chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

For more information about the program, click here.