NASHVILLE, Tennessee — ASCAP recently held a private showcase at their offices for Nashville music publishers showcasing Middle Tennessee State University’s songwriting program.

Performing were student writers Nick Carpenter, Zach Russell, Kyle Crownover, and the group “Maybe April,” which includes MTSU’s Katy Bishop and Kristen Castro along with Alaina Stacy. Publishing companies in attendance were Sony/ATV, Warner Chapel, BMG, Sea-Gayle Music, Creative Nation, and Round Hill Music.

Located just a half-hour south of Nashville, MTSU offers its students exceptional opportunities through the Department of Recording Industry’s commercial songwriting program. The program is led by veteran songwriter Odie Blackmon, who continues to strengthen partnerships with organizations such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, more commonly known as ASCAP.

The program is taught by talented faculty members who have ties to all parts of the industry and is home to the only college chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International NSAI. For more information about the program, visit www.mtsu.edu/programs/commercial-songwriting.

AMTSU’s commercial songwriting program students and friends gather for a photo during a special private showcase, hosted by ASCAP at its Nashville offices, for Nashville music publishers to spread the word about the Department of Recording Industry program. Standing are, from left, MTSU students Nick Carpenter and Kyle Crownover, ASCAP Vice President LeAnn Phalen, MTSU student Zach Russell and songwriting concentration coordinator Odie Blackmon; and seated, from left, “Maybe April” members Alaina Stacey, Kristen Castro and Katy Bishop. Bishop and Castro are former MTSU students. (Submitted photo)