Belmont University

1. “Where words fail, music speaks.” “To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.” “When people hear good music, it makes them homesick for something they never had, and never will have.” “Music is the poetry of the air.” Belmont University Taylor Bushard “Music is what feelings sound like.” “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” “Music is the harmonious voice of creation; an echo of the invisible world.” “Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.” “Without music, life would be an error.”

2. What is it? • Covers 75 acres of historic land just outside of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. • Christian community that provides an academic challenge used to educate men and women of all backgrounds. • Their goal is to engage students and build intelligence, compassion, courage, and faith.

3. What are some numbers? • Belmont is fast growing with more than 5,900 students from all states plus 25 countries. • The community is close and students are brought together through the art and professional education offered there. • There are more than 75 areas of study, 20 master’s programs, and three doctoral degrees that are offered.

4. Why choose Belmont? • Many acclaimed singer/songwriters have hailed from Belmont (Josh Turner, Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley to name a few.) • Belmont is home to the only AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International Accredited Music Business program in the world. • Has three professional-quality recording studios on campus for use by students and artists alike (Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews, Bob Seger among those that record there.)

5. Why choose Belmont? (cont.) • The location of this school is beautiful and I’ve been to Nashville many times and plan moving there after high school. • A school in Nashville would be convenient and enjoyable to attend. • Over 80 student organizations (volunteer work inside the music industry among many others) • 13 vocal ensembles and 22 instrumental ensembles on campus

6. The program I would choose. • Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business • I’m interested in researching this program because of the unique opportunities that come with it. • It is right in the heart of the country music industry • Multiple degree options/flexible courses • Great track record with decades of contributions to the industry

7. How will this program help? • This program allows students to get involved with hands on volunteer work and studio time. • This will be helpful because I hope to be a country music artist in the future. • Wynonna Judd once told me to always follow my heart and that it takes a special soul to really feel music, not just sing it. She said not to wish to be a singer because I already am. She told me I’ll always be a singer, but it’s what I do with my talents that makes me who I am. Anyone can be a singer, but not everyone can be an artist.

8. What is my goal? • My short term goal is to gather more information on this school and the program I am looking at. • I hope to apply, audition, and get accepted into the program I am interested in. • My ultimate dream is to move to Nashville and make a living singing and playing music that I love.

9. My connection to music. • Ever since I was little music has been a deep passion of mine. • I began to show signs of my ability to sing when I was a toddler dancing and singing to Disney classics such as The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and the Jungle book to name a few. • As I got older, I continued listening to music non stop and sharing my love for it with others by competing in local talent shows and teaching myself the basics of the guitar.

10. Something to reflect on. • If I can make music that touches at least one person I will be happy. I’ve gotten so much positive feedback from friends, family, and even strangers, that I don’t want to stop now. • With hard work and determination I think anything is possible for me. • I’ve never been one to give up easily. I know there are many challenges facing people in an industry like music but I’m willing to work harder than ever to reach my dream.

11. 10.13.09 Fear is an army.I am like a poor man walking the battlefield alone.Fear is fighting against me.Fear rages, burns, and deepens itself into my soul until I cannot breathe.Fear is a complicated thing, yet so simple.It is evil, dark, and deadening.Fear is a knife that cuts, a needle that stabs, and a leash that chokes.Fear reaches out to grab me, pull me in tight, and squeeze me to death.Its long arms slowly sneak towards me.They feel around for a while until they find what they want.Fear’s boney fingers pull at my heart and soul, trying to suck the life from me.It fumbles for a minute, until it finally succeeds, crushing my spirit.The salt from my tears stings my lips when they roll down my sullen face.Fear burns me so and stabs all depths of my heart.Light floods the dark alley; I sit by myself.It stings and I pull my empty hand back; help seems so far away.It’s as if I’m screaming out for help and nobody even looks up.My cries are lost in the wind.As the crisp, cool autumn air fills my nose, I take a deep breath.Fear crashes around me; the silence is ear-piercing.I am the typical girl, normal in every way.But looks can be deceiving. Fear does that to a person.Fear is an army fighting against me… but I am fearless.