Performing Arts Programs in Nashville, Tennessee

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Nashville, Tennessee

A Performing Arts Degree offers comprehensive training in disciplines such as theater, dance, music, and acting, preparing students for dynamic careers in the creative industries. Degree programs include Bachelor of Music (BM), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and Bachelor of Science (BS) in specialized fields like Music Performance, Dramatic Arts, Musical Theatre, Film & Television, and Music Business. In Nashville—a city known for its deep roots in music and theater—the pathway to a performing arts career is supported by robust local, county, state, and federal agencies. Notable regulatory bodies include:

  • Nashville Department of Education – Oversees public education and arts programs in Nashville. Website | Phone: (615) 259-4636
  • Nashville Arts Commission – Promotes arts and culture through grants and partnerships. Website | Phone: (615) 862-6723
  • Davidson County Board of Education – Manages county-wide educational initiatives including arts integration. Website | Phone: (615) 259-4636
  • Tennessee Department of Education – Sets statewide educational and arts education standards. Website | Phone: (615) 741-1346
  • Tennessee Arts Commission – Supports cultural development and arts education across the state. Website | Phone: (615) 741-1703
  • U.S. Department of Education – Oversees federal education policies, including funding for arts programs. Arts Education at ED
  • National Endowment for the Arts – Offers grants for arts programs nationwide. Website

This guide explores diverse options for performing arts training and highlights the types of courses, experiential learning, and career preparation offered in Nashville.

About Nashville

Nashville, located in Davidson County, Tennessee, is renowned for its role in shaping American music and theater. The city is home to numerous cultural institutions and performance venues, making it an ideal setting for aspiring artists. For more information about the city’s initiatives and public services, visit the official City of Nashville website. Key local landmarks and neighborhoods—such as the West End, downtown, and Morningside—play an integral part in fostering artistic talent and hosting a range of performing arts events.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville offers several accredited schools with robust performing arts curriculum. Below are three notable institutions:

  1. Belmont University

    • Address: 2500 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37204
    • Neighborhood: West End
    • Programs: Offers a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BM in Music Performance, featuring courses in acting, music theory, and production techniques.
    • Program Page: Belmont University College of Music & Performing Arts
    • Highlights: Ranked among the top institutions nationally for music programs with specialized facilities such as the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

  2. Trevecca Nazarene University

    • Address: 3304 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
    • Neighborhood: Morningside
    • Programs: Provides a BA in Dramatic Arts, a BBA in Music Business, and a BS in Film & Television.
    • Program Information: Trevecca Nazarene University
    • Highlights: The curricula integrate performance training, portfolio development, and academic coursework, while meeting NASM accreditation standards for music programs.

  3. Fisk University

    • Address: 1100 S 4th St, Nashville, TN 37203
    • Neighborhood: Downtown
    • Programs: Although primarily known for its liberal arts education, Fisk University offers coursework in music and theater that prepare students for careers in the performing arts.
    • Official Website: Fisk University
    • Highlights: Fisk’s historic campus in downtown Nashville contributes to an immersive cultural experience, complementing traditional academic programs with creative training.

Performing Arts Opportunities in Nashville

Nashville’s cultural landscape provides abundant opportunities for hands-on performance experience and professional exposure. Key venues and organizations include:

  • Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)

    • Purpose: Hosts Broadway productions, concerts, and educational programs.
    • Location: In the City Center neighborhood of Nashville
    • Website: TPAC

  • Nashville Symphony

    • Purpose: A professional orchestra that offers performance opportunities, internships, and community engagement events.
    • Location: Downtown Nashville
    • Website: Nashville Symphony

These organizations, along with additional local dance companies and theater groups, regularly hold auditions and training workshops that are essential for building a solid foundation in performing arts.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Admission to performing arts programs typically requires a combination of academic credentials and demonstrated talent. Common prerequisites include:

  • Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Audition Requirements: Mandatory for music and theatre programs; for instance, Belmont University’s Musical Theatre program requires a combined audition and portfolio review.
  • Portfolio Submissions: Essential for Film/TV and creative arts programs.
  • Minimum GPA: Generally ranges from 2.5 to 3.0, varying by institution.
  • Application Deadlines: Fall applications are often due by December 1, and spring applications by November 1.

Curricula usually cover core courses in music theory, acting, directing, history, playwriting, and production techniques alongside specialized subjects such as music business and theatre education.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree in Nashville can explore a multitude of career paths:

  • Theater and Musical Performance: Roles in acting, stage production, musical performance, and directing.
  • Dance and Choreography: Opportunities in dance companies and performance ensembles.
  • Film and Television: Positions in production, screenwriting, and on-camera performance.
  • Music Industry: Careers in performance, music business, artist management, and composition.

Median salary ranges vary, with musicians typically earning between $45,000 and $70,000, theater educators between $50,000 and $80,000, and film/TV producers between $60,000 and $100,000. Graduates are encouraged to join professional organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and consider union memberships pertinent to their field. For additional career outlook information, visit the job outlook page for Actors on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Get Started Today

The path to a successful career in performing arts begins with education and practical experience. Aspiring artists should research each school’s degree programs, review admission requirements, and explore local performance opportunities. Take the next step toward achieving your creative ambitions by contacting a school today through the forms available on their respective websites.