NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Seven students from Middle Tennessee State University’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment connected with some of music’s most influential songwriters, artists and industry leaders at the 2026 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, including inductee and superstar Taylor Swift.

For the students, an invitation to the gala meant more than an evening celebrating some of music’s most influential songwriters. It offered a firsthand look at the relationships, creativity and connections that shape the music industry they hope to join. 

For music business senior Emily Eastep-VanLinden, meeting Swift — who made history as the youngest person ever inducted into the hall — was especially meaningful.

“Getting the chance to meet Taylor Swift, the artist who first made me fall in love with music, was the highlight of my senior year,” Eastep-VanLinden said. “I can’t thank MTSU enough for allowing me to live out one of my biggest dreams.”

The Oct. 26 event brought together artists, songwriters and industry leaders to celebrate the hall’s Class of 2026 at the Music City Center in Nashville. Through an invitation extended to Recording Industry faculty member Denise Shackelford, MTSU secured a table of 10 for the event.

Rather than filling those seats with additional faculty or industry guests, the college invited students to apply for the opportunity. Seven were selected: three songwriting students, two music business students and two audio production students.

Dean Beverly Keel, associate professor Shackelford and assistant professor Bess Rogers attended alongside the students, who had opportunities to meet and speak with Swift, Amy Grant, Jamey Johnson, Jennifer Cook and other prominent figures in the music community. 

The evening also reinforced Eastep-VanLinden’s appreciation for the Nashville songwriting community and the opportunities available to students pursuing careers in music. She was joined at the gala by fellow MTSU students Betsy Adair, Brenna Borzyskowski, Maverick Houston, Jake Javers, Emily Sanders and Cassi Smith.

“Getting to hear songwriters’ stories made me realize how truly special the music community in Nashville is, along with the opportunity to network with those who have made such an impact on this industry,” she said. “It’s a community I’m so thankful MTSU has allowed me to be exposed to and proud to be a part of as I pursue my degree in music business.”

For fellow music business senior Borzyskowski, the experience connected her professional aspirations with the community she hopes to join after graduation.

Borzyskowski moved to Murfreesboro just over two years ago with the dream of finding opportunities like the gala. Set to graduate in December, she has been working in a temporary position at the Mechanical Licensing Collective since March, gaining experience in administrative music publishing.

At the gala, she had the opportunity to introduce herself to MLC’s CEO and discuss her plans after graduation.

“We chatted about my plans upon graduation and how both of us would be thrilled if I joined them come December,” Borzyskowski said.

The evening also renewed her interest in songwriting as a potential career path, reminding her of the creative passion that first drew her to the music industry.

“I’ve learned a lot about administrative music publishing throughout this year. Nonetheless, the gala reminded me just how passionate I am about songwriting myself, and how much of a dream it would be to pursue a career in this field,” she said.

Borzyskowski said the opportunity to connect with renowned songwriters and other industry professionals was one she would never forget.

“I cannot thank MTSU enough for giving me the opportunity to chat with so many renowned songwriters,” she said.

For Shackelford, the event represents the close-knit community at the heart of Nashville’s music industry.

“I have attended this event several times over the years, and it is one of my favorites. Mainly because it feels like such a community,” Shackelford said. “Plus, I wholeheartedly agree with the motto that, ‘It all begins with a song.’ I believe songwriters are the heart of our industry.”

By giving students access to experiences and conversations beyond the classroom, the media college helps students build connections and gain perspective on the many paths available within the music business.

To learn more about the programs offered in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, visit https://sbcme.mtsu.edu/.

— Stacey Tadlock ([email protected])