Image courtesy of Belmont University
The expansion project will unfold in two phases: Phase One, already underway, involves renovating the historic Buddy Lee Attractions/Capitol Records building at 38 Music Square East while adding 17,000 square feet of writing rooms to tracks, listening areas, live sound classrooms and student lounges. The second phase of the project will develop a new 75,000 sq.ft. building behind Belmont’s existing Music Row footprint.
A $58 million lead gift from philanthropist and music industry icon Mike Curb and the Mike Curb Foundation to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, was announced by the school on April 9.
The funds will be used to catalyze the expansion of Belmont’s nationally renowned Mike Curb College and music business.
The gift is the largest in Belmont’s history and will, in part, support the renovation of the college’s existing buildings. In addition, it will pay for the construction of a new facility on Nashville’s Music Row, preserving the area’s rich history while providing innovative spaces for entertainment industry education and collaboration.
Curb is an American musician, record label executive, motorsports car owner, philanthropist, and former politician. He is also the founder and chairman of Curb Records in Nashville.
“Mike Curb’s remarkable generosity and partnership with Belmont over many years has been invaluable to the development of entertainment and music business education,” Greg Jones, the university’s president, said in a statement. “This latest transformational gift solidifies Belmont’s position at the forefront of developing the next generation of music industry leaders. We are deeply grateful to Mike and Linda for their continued investment in Belmont’s mission.”
The expansion project will unfold in two phases, the school notes.
A first phase, already underway, includes renovating the historic Buddy Lee Attractions/Capitol Records Building at 38 Music Square East while adding 17,000 square feet of songwriting rooms, listening spaces, live classrooms and student deckchairs. The renovation will include a new and updated space for Leadership Nashville’s leadership offices, a continuation of Belmont University’s and College Exercise’s partnership with the organization.
The second phase of the project will develop a new 75,000 sq.ft. Building behind Belmont’s existing Music Row footprint.
The university said that construction on this facility will commence over the next 24 months and integrate all facets of the entertainment industry, including a performance venue anticipated to accommodate more than 150 people, networking and gathering spaces for students and industry professionals, a coffee shop, content recording rooms and underground parking.
The centerpiece project reinforces the shared commitment by Belmont and Mike and Linda Curb to preserve the legacy of Music Row and drive innovation for the future of Curb College, the largest free-standing entertainment and music business college in the world.
Phase two will also require a broader fundraising campaign for the building, which Belmont launched on April 9.
“As Nashville’s music industry has grown and become an international entertainment hub, it is essential that our education system keep pace with developing skilled talent,” explained Mike Curb. “Belmont has been a fantastic partner over the years in preparing aspiring artists, songwriters, engineers and music business leaders who go on to become invaluable employees to record companies throughout Nashville and the industry at large.
“With this latest investment, we will build on this strong foundation to push entertainment and music business education forward to the next level, ensuring a steady stream of well-prepared professionals for the ever-growing industry.”
Creating innovative facilities for music industry students
Belmont College of Entertainment and Music’s Business Project reflects the values important to the Row and the University: Upholding the history and ethos of Music Row while supporting innovative collaborations between industry and education.
“For 50 years, our world-class faculty, staff and facilities have made Belmont a top destination for future music executives, engineers, artists and songwriters,” said Brittany Shaffer, dean of Belmont’s Curb College. “Mike’s partnership over the decades has allowed Belmont to continually improve our entertainment program and facilities in step with the needs of the industry.
“This lead gift allows us to deepen our integration with Music Row, creating an unprecedented immersive experience that will directly connect our students with industry leaders and opportunities while driving innovation alongside our partners in Nashville’s entertainment landscape.”
To fully realize this pioneering vision, Belmont launched a fundraising campaign to provide additional support beyond the Curb family’s lead gift.
Construction details and timelines for the Music Row project will be announced as plans progress, according to the school.