RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - We've all heard interviews with musicians who talk about a hit song they wrote that had personal meaning. Many songwriters talk about the words to a song and how those words were created after an event or struggle took place in their own life... (Written and performed by Dolly Parton, “Down on Music Row” - 1973)

Locally, MTSU has been helping future musicians for years, but how do you teach someone to be creative when it comes to writing music?

That was Michelle Conceison, the new chair of MTSU’s Recording Industry Department. She brings into her career a strong mix of real-world experience as she works to lead an innovative department that is celebrating a half-century of existence this year.

The department has a humble beginning and 50-Years ago, they lacked even a recording studio... Since that time, the department has turned into a highly regarded program whose alumni have produced an impressive haul of Grammy gold and many other accolades across all facets of the music industry.  The department has grown to more than two dozen professors, 1,400 students, 13 high-end facilities that include several recording studios, multiple labs and a songwriting center.  

MTSU’s Recording Industry Department trains song creators and performers in its Commercial Songwriting Program, experts in recording live music and audio in its Audio Production Program, and music entrepreneurs, including managers and publishers, in its Music Business Program.    

For more information about the department, visit https://mtsu.edu/recording-industry/.