Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Dan Keen
Instructor, “Music Publishing”
http://belmont.edu/cemb
Nashville’s Belmont University created a Music Business Program designed to prepare students for operational, administrative, creative and technical careers in the music industry. The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business (established in 2003) provides educational programs for future entertainment industry professionals. Belmont’s Curb College offers three academic degrees and four areas of study in Music Business, Audio Engineering Technology, Entertainment Industry Studies and Songwriting.
Dan Keen has enjoyed a multi-faceted career in Nashville’s music industry. While Vice President of the American Society of Authors Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) in Nashville, Keen signed several notable acts, including award-winning rock band Paramore, RCA country superstar Chris Young, ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley and many others. After serving on the Board of Advisors for Belmont University’s Curb College, Keen was appointed to the faculty in 2010. He was nominated for the “Chaney Distinguished Professor Award” and was a “Presidential Faculty Achievement” finalist.
Why Did You Become a Teacher?
Teaching is in my DNA. Some people are just wired for it and it comes naturally to them. In my case, it’s a “calling.” It’s something I love to do. And, even though it may not pay as much as I could earn in the private sector, it fulfills me in other ways. I like to empower my students so that they can succeed in the career of their choice.
What’s Required to Be a Teacher at Belmont’s Curb College?
A degree is preferred, especially for full-time instructors, but it’s not absolutely necessary if a person has enough industry experience. We give potential teacher candidates a chance to show what they can do by hiring them as adjunct (part-time) professors. If they do well, the administration will consider them for full-time employment.
Have Your Teaching Methods Changed Over The Years?
They have, because the industry has changed. It’s a DIY world now, so the perspective is different. That created changes in the curriculum and teaching methods. It’s not just about how the industry works anymore. Today, we explore how you identify the needs of the consumer, fulfill the needs of the creative and how to bridge the gap between the two.
Why Do Artists Need to Go to Music School?
There are three basic reasons. Some go to please their parents who want them to get an education. Others are artists who just want to learn as much as they can and protect themselves. Then, there are the students who are nuts about music and are eager to learn about the business so that they can do what they love for a living.
What Special Opportunities Does Your School Offer?
We give a lot of value to face-time. We counsel students and help them get internships. We’re in Nashville, so we organize networking events where students can meet industry professionals. We also host a lot of showcases in every genre, and have ASCAP “Writers Night” on a regular basis. The students who take advantage of these opportunities are the ones most likely to succeed.
What’s Unique About Your School?
We go beyond traditional academics and pay attention to all aspects of a person, including mind, body and spirit. We emphasize a spiritual life—not necessarily a religious one, but one that has moral standards. You know, there are temptations in every industry, but in the music business they’re much more obvious.
