What are some good colleges in the Nashville, TN area?

I'm really interested in going to college in Nashville, TN, and I was wondering what some of the best options are around there. I'm looking for a school with a strong music or arts program since I'm passionate about pursuing a career in that field. I've heard about Vanderbilt and Belmont, but I'm curious if there are other schools I should be considering as well. Any info on campus life, academics, or unique programs would be super helpful! Thanks in advance!

Nashville, TN, often referred to as "Music City", is a fantastic choice for students interested in music and the arts. It's the heart of the country music scene but also has diverse offerings in multiple genres of music.

The two schools you've mentioned, Vanderbilt University and Belmont University, are indeed some top choices in Nashville.

Vanderbilt, a top-ranked university nationally hosts the Blair School of Music, where students can choose among various majors such as musical arts, choral/general music for teaching, or even a combined Bachelor of Music/Master of Education degree. Vanderbilt is more academically rigorous and has a competitive admissions process, but once accepted, you'd receive a world-class education among a diverse student body.

Belmont University is highly regarded, especially in the area of music business and music performance. Their Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business is known for providing solid grounding in the business side of the music industry, which can be a fantastic asset for someone interested in a professional career in this field.

Another option to consider is Lipscomb University. They offer a BA in Contemporary Music that blends the study of music theory with practical experience, aiding students to refine their craft.

For a more comprehensive music program with lots of possibilities, you might want to consider Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) located in Murfreesboro, which is about 33 miles southeast of Nashville. Their Department of Recording Industry offers concentrations in Audio Production, Commercial Songwriting, or Music Business.

Moreover, Tennessee State University offers a program in Music with concentrations in Music Education, Commercial Music, and Liberal Arts all of which cover several music fields ranging from performance to administration.

Each of these institutions has a unique campus culture. Vanderbilt's campus often feels like a microcosm within Nashville, with frequent on-campus events, while Lipscomb and Belmont have a close-knit community feel. MTSU, being a bit more of a commute, has a more commuter-school vibe, but the university has been working to bolster its on-campus living experience. All of these schools offer a multitude of student-run organizations, so there are plenty of extracurricular opportunities to choose from.

When making your choice, you might want to visit each campus if possible and perhaps chat with some current students or alumni. These actions will give you a better idea of the campus cultures and what it's like to be a student at each.