Anyone have an opinion on Belmont University? (Nashville)

<p>I can't find too much about the school. CC doesn't have a forum for the school. When I look on another review site by students it's hard to have a positive opinion about any school after reading the negative reviews!</p>

<p>Would there be other schools that would be good for a 'Music Business' major? Would getting a Business degree from a top school be better than a 'Music Business' degree from a lower ranked school?</p>

<p>From The Princeton Review</p>

<p>Academics
““Life at Belmont is all about music,” says one student. “Many people here want to make a career out of their musical abilities, and many people want to make careers out of other people’s musical abilities.” Belmont’s famous music business program lets students tap into the musical lifeblood of surrounding Nashville. “You can get an internship or learn how to manage an artist.” Other School of Music undergraduate majors include church music, commercial music, and musical theater performance. Belmont “has one of the best nursing programs in the state,” and the popular social work program boasts “excellent” faculty. The school’s academic atmosphere emphasizes faith, but students tell us that “religion is not forced on anyone.” Most professors are very attentive, closely monitoring student progress; one student says, “I had a professor call me because I was late to a class once.” In general, faculty members “know your name and face and remember you after you have finished their class.” One student warns, however, that the best teachers are not always the most involved: “So far this semester, the professors who do not know my name have taught me more than the professors who know my name and can’t communicate the time of day effectively.””</p>

<p>Student Body
““Anything that would stand out at a major state university is basically the norm” at Belmont, where the typical student is a “hip,” “Jesus-loving,” “music business major”—a cool Christian kid who is “most likely in a band or working with one.” The ambitious “music junkies” are “very culturally aware” and “know exactly how they’re going to get where they want to be.” Ethnically, Belmont is “not a very diverse school,” but “individuality” reigns “in ideas, styles of dress, taste in music, [and] philosophies.” One student jokes that “the campus looks like an indie band concert.” Students are “very friendly” and “accepting to atypical students.” One happy undergrad says, “Everyone here is their own animal, and we all love the Zoo.””</p>

<p>Campus Life
“The stereotypical college party, with its keg stands and top 40 soundtrack, is definitely not the norm on Belmont’s “dry campus,” located “a block or two from [Nashville’s] Music Row.” Instead of partying, “People think about what they are going to do with the rest of their lives using the talents they have acquired. For fun, people play instruments, eat, and just watch movies or attend concerts” with performers “ranging from small, unsigned artists to major recording artists.” “Everyone has music on their mind”; students “go downtown to the Wildhorse Saloon, The Bluebird Cafe,” or the “Grand Ole Opry.” The same goes on campus, where “At any given moment, you can hear someone practicing or performing.” Belmont’s predominantly religious students appreciate the option to attend “a Bible Study every night of the week.” Nontraditional students report little involvement in college life: “The working adults have full-time jobs during the day that they have to mold class schedules around, and they pretty much stick to themselves.””</p>

<p>Belmont University was “rescued” several years ago by a well known christian country singer in Nashville who appreciated the mission of the school and donated a lot of money. It has a pretty campus literally almost across the street from Vanderbilt. Its developing a strong academic following relative for a school its size. Its sports teams compete very well and it has a very healthy social life. I have been on campus a few times and found the students engaging and friendly. Its the real deal if that is the particular experience you are seeking. Nashville, of course, speaks for itself as far as jobs and entertainment. Nashville boasts a new Symphony Concert Hall which is the envy of most Orchestras in the United States. So its not just about country music, either. There are many beautiful neighborhoods in Nashville with stunning Southern style homes, large magnolia trees, and ciccadas singing in the summer air. </p>

<p>I recommend Belmont University highly, for those seeking a small college, with a christian emphasis. But it is not a school that is dogmatic in its approach or an overbearing influence. Its tempered with acceptance and friendliness. </p>

<p>You will find party people no matter where you go.</p>

<p>There are numerous threads in cc’s <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/&lt;/a&gt; forum with a lot of options for music business and or music technology programs.</p>

<p>While there, search for for posts by the poster henrob, the parent of a student with a Belmont degree who speaks very highly of the program.</p>

<p>Drexel has another very highly regarded program.</p>

<p>My son interested in music recording. We are visting Belmont (along with Butler and IU) in mid August, and can provide feedback afterwards. In the interim, you mightt go on the school website and request its DVD, which is informative. IU has a great DVD as well.</p>

<p>As for other music industry programs, you might check Drexel, Northeastern, American, Syracuse (“Bandier” multi-discipline degree) and Univ. Texas @ Austin (very new program.) School have fairly philosophies and distinct programs in this area. It’s probably best to figure out what you want and then see which school has the closest fit. What is the long-term plan/occupation?</p>

<p>Since moving to Nashville 3 years ago I have gained an appreciation for Belmont. It is a beautiful campus in a fun city. All the retail and restaurants that sprung up to support Vanderbilt and the huge medical center complex are right there for the Belmont students to enjoy. The students are happy and motivated, for the most part. There are some excellent graduate and executive programs that bump up the academics. It is definitely a Christian-focused school, but not in a pushy way. For music, it’s wonderful. I would strongly consider it for your kid. Quality of life is much superior to Drexel, in my opinion.</p>

<p>you might also check out music business programs at American University in DC and also the University of Denver</p>

<p>I join in Momofwildchild’s positive comments regarding Belmont and Nashville. We visited in August. The music business, music recording and business degrees are very impressive. Its campus is somewhat smallish, but beautiful and historic. It has a significant and successful DI hoops team. The internship opportunities at Music Row are simply fantastic. Its tuition price is also below the national average.</p>

<p>As an update, my son just completed his first semester at Belmont University. He is majoring in Audio Engineering Technology. He is doing well, likes his professors and is happy.</p>

<p>Thanks for the update. Stick around, since it seems there are more and more questions about Belmont and the other Nashville schools.</p>

<p>See the brief article in the Chronicle of Higher Education. I personally cannot speak to the truth of the allegation. Even if true it may not bother you.</p>

<p>[Belmont</a> U. Denies Firing Gay Soccer Coach Over Baby - The Ticker - The Chronicle of Higher Education](<a href=“http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/belmont-u-denies-firing-gay-soccer-coach-over-baby/28878]Belmont”>http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/belmont-u-denies-firing-gay-soccer-coach-over-baby/28878)</p>

<p>^^ This was/is a huge issue here (and was in New York Times as well) and is unfortunate and unacceptable. Many Belmont grads, Nashville city officials and the general population have condemned Belmont’s conduct in firing this woman. Belmont is claiming to be committed to the rights of gays and individual gay students (former) that I know have felt supported by the school and faculty.</p>

<p>The current cultural dogma and supportive media have done their best to condemn Belmont U. While the situation is unfortunate, there is little doubt the coach who made her decision to “come out” was in violation of Belmont’s values, mission, and purpose. I’d not give too much credence to what the “general population” or local politicos have to say of Belmont’s decision. One need not be in agreement with Belmont’s views, even as student or campus community member, but they are obligated to behave in accord with them. This coach determined it was her calling to test those waters. If that be the case, kudos to her for putting what she deemed to be personal principal above institutional values and expectations. Conversely, she should have not a legal leg to stand on. She has every right to sleep with whom she chooses. She has no right to expect her employer to support or sustain her in a light that violates theirs.</p>

<p>Can anyone tell me if Belmont is generous for int students? I’m from Vietnam. The tendency of studying abroad is high here but hardly anyone wants to pursue music-related majors, yet i failed to find a Vnmese Belmont student. Belmont is my dream, i searched through the school website and saw only some competitive scholarships. So confused.</p>