On Friday, September 29, Belmont hosted a Morris Family Mentor/Lecture Series in the Johnson Theater featuring Ric Robbins, producer and promoter for Crowd Music, owner and president of Incorporated Elements and DJ for DJ Form. Robbins shared with students his experience as a DJ and how to make the most of careers in the music industry.

Robbins advised aspiring DJs to do their research, decide what kind of DJs they want to be and start working events. He said that to be a good DJ today, students should begin studying the craft and its history. Robbins shared that he learned his basis for production and DJ work while at Belmont.

He said that as a producer, he likes to work with engineers because he believes in their creative mindset. He advised songwriters to learn the basics of engineering so they can do production on their own. He said that by doing so, songwriters can move faster in their careers and further their ideas.

Robbins said that balancing business and creativity is challenging because the creative side is subjective, while business, by nature, objective. He said that this dichotomy lives in all pieces of the industry and that professionals must be sure not to take things personally.

Robbins concluded by telling students that they have an opportunity at Belmont that most do not in other cities and to get out, meet people, collaborate with their peers and find their voice. He said that whatever students want to do, they should make the most of their time at Belmont and in Nashville. This event was moderated by Katie Braile, junior music business and marketing student.

On Monday, September 25, Belmont hosted a curb seminar entitled “Artist Development & Music Publishing” in the Johnson Theater featuring Leslie Dipiero, general manager for Tree Vibez Music, manager for Advanced Alternative Media (AAM) and music publisher, creative manager and partner for Tom-Leis Music. Dipiero shared her experience working with country pop band Florida Georgia Line (FGL) through Tree Vibez Music and as a woman in the music industry.

Dipiero shared that when she started working with FGL, one of the first changes she made was signing the label’s first female songwriter. She said the band was very supportive and have continued to give permission to her ideas. For FGL, Tree Vibez is a music platform after-hours, a sub-culture of more music and another branch on their tree.

When asked what her biggest challenge as a woman in the industry has been so far, Dipiero pointed to equal pay. Emphasizing the importance of equal pay, she highlighted her commitment to hiring women throughout her career. She said that the key to success in this industry as a woman is to lead and not lean even though “leading is working twice as hard.”

Dipiero concluded by advising students to finish college as finding the time later in your career can be challenging. She said that if she had prioritized her education that way, she could have progressed more quickly. She also said that no task should ever be beneath anyone, an important tip to remember in the internship environment. Dipiero encouraged students to be noticed and be excellent at what they do, and that nothing is too small for you to show that excellence. This event was co-sponsored by music business professor Dan Keen and the Belmont University Songwriters Association (BUSA).