The Department of Music at Trevecca Nazarene University announced the formation of a new advisory board. Comprised of a diverse range of producers, songwriters, and music industry professionals, the board will advise the faculty regarding a proposed songwriting certificate program.

While much of the two-year songwriting program will focus on developing students’ talent and musical understanding, they will also learn vital skills to help them navigate the music industry.

“Students will learn the practical skills they need as songwriters,” said Dean Diehl, director of Trevecca’s music business program. “In addition, they’ll also have the experiences they need to connect to the industry.”

The board will help Trevecca determine the skills, experiences, and knowledge base students will need to receive certification in the program. In addition, advisory board members will continue to help Trevecca connect students to the music industry through quality interactions, apprenticeships, practicums, and internships.

“This is a win for students,” Diehl said. “Nashville is such a rich influence for students interested in songwriting and this will allow them to interact with industry professionals.”

The songwriting advisory board members include:

• Dave Clark is the creative director for Lillenas Music Publishing, producer of two Grammy^®-nominated projects, and a well-known songwriter.
• Benji Cowart  has been a worship leader for more than 15 years, serving alongside his wife, Jenna. Their songwriting credits include songs for Big Daddy Weave and Ben Catelone.
• Dean Diehl, director of Trevecca’s music business program, is also a member of the faculty at Trevecca’s Skinner School of Business and Technology. He serves as senior vice president of Provident Music Group and has worked with artists such as Casting Crowns, Third Day, and Michael W. Smith during his 20 years in the industry.
• Bart Herbison is the executive director of the National Songwriters Association. He previously worked as a journalist and was instrumental in the passage of the Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act, which helped songwriters get royalties when their music was purchased through subscription services.
• Dan Huff, formerly of the Christian rock band Whiteheart and the rock band Giant, and has played guitar in sessions with the likes of Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, and Celine Dion. He has also worked as a producer for Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, and Brantley Gilbert, among others. He is a two-time Country Music Association Musician of the Year. 
• Pamela Lewis is the founder and president of PLA Media, a marketing and PR firm. She was a member of the team that launched MTV and has worked with clients ranging from Dolly Parton and the Judds to Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks.
• Mike Meade, vice president of Buddy Lee Attractions, leads the agency’s speaker and guest appearance division. He has also worked with TLE, Tracy Lawrence’s management company, and at his own company, The Meade Group.
• Ralph Murphy is an artist, author, and songwriter. He has written hit songs for Crystal Gayle, Don Williams, Ronnie Millsap, and Randy Travis. He works with ASCAP to facilitate workshops for songwriters as well as protect songwriters’ rights. He is the author of Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting.
• Devon O’Day is a radio broadcaster known for her work with Gerry House and the House Foundation. A voice professional, she has been the voice of Hilton Hotels, KFC, and was the announcer for the Dove Awards for nine years. She is also a songwriter, with songs recorded by George Strait, Trace Adkins, Lee Ann Womack, and others. She owns Hippie Chick Twang Media, has written six books, and narrated more than 20 audio books for Harper Collins.

David Diehl and Kim McLean, a Trevecca alumna and songwriter for the likes of Tim McGraw and Lee Ann Womack, serve as moderators for the advisory board. McClean also teaches songwriting at Trevecca.

The creation of the songwriting advisory board was an important step in the proposal process for the planned certificate program. The proposal must now be approved by Trevecca’s School of Arts and Sciences, the university, and the National Association of Schools of Music, the national accrediting agency for music and music-related disciplines. 

--Trevecca Nazarene University