LOS ANGELES — Middle Tennessee State University alumnus Torrance “Street Symphony” Esmond, honored Feb. 9 by his alma mater as part of its events before the Grammy Awards, had three pieces of advice to current students.

The multiple Grammy and Dove award winner told them to graduate, network and take advantage of all the opportunities that the College of Media and Entertainment offers.

Beverly Keel, left, chair of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry, interviews Grammy winner Torrance “Street Symphony” Esmond, who was honored Saturday, Feb. 9, by Middle Tennessee State University as part of its events before the Grammy Awards. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

“What it did was help me understand the business side,” Esmond said of his 2003 music business degree. “And it saved me a lot of money.”

Esmond, a songwriter/producer, was nominated at this year’s Grammys for producing “Hussle & Motivate” on Nipsey Hussle’s best rap album-nominated “Victory Lap” CD.

President Sidney A. McPhee, Provost Mark Byrnes and Dean Ken Paulson recognized Esmond at an event for industry officials, alumni and artists at The Standard hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

Beverly Keel, chair of the Department of Recording Industry, interviewed Esmond in front of the event’s audience. Video excerpts from the event are available below.

Esmond, who recently established a scholarship for MTSU students, has maintained close ties with his alma mater. That networking, he said, has helped him make and keep connections that continue to help his career.

“You never know which of your fellow classmates will run what label,” he said. “Nobody would have ever thought I would be a Grammy winner.”

And he urged students to “take advantage of the school” and what it has to offer, including “world-class studios and world-class programs.”

Then, later Saturday night, MTSU co-sponsored The Americana Music Association’s pre-Grammy Salute to John Prine, a career-spanning tribute concert set for the legendary Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood, Calif.

And, on Sunday, MTSU teamed with Leadership Music for a reception for Nashville-area recording industry executives and artists before the national telecast of the 61st annual Grammy Awards ceremony.

Nine university-connected people, including Esmond, contributed to Grammy-nominated projects this year in rap, Americana, country, pop and gospel projects.

— Andrew Oppmann (andrew.oppmann@mtsu.edu)

Recent MTSU graduate and rising hip-hop music producer BryTavious “Tay Keith” Chambers, fourth from left, joins students and faculty from the MTSU College of Media and Entertainment at a reception Saturday night, Feb. 9, at the renowned Troubadour music venue. MTSU co-sponsored a tribute by the Americana Music Association of legendary artist John Prine. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

President Sidney A. McPhee, right, congratulates MTSU alumnus and Grammy winner Torrance “Street Symphony” Esmond, who was honored Saturday, Feb. 9, by Middle Tennessee State University as part of its events before the Grammy Awards. At left is Beverly Keel, chair of the Department of Recording Industry. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)