Songwriting Students Head to Nashville for Mentorship With Industry Pros

Known worldwide as the heart of songwriting, Nashville is hosting Cedarville University students for an immersive learning experience this November. Students in the Professional Aspects of Songwriting class are heading to Music City, where they’ll gain firsthand insights from industry professionals and deepen their understanding of Nashville's vibrant music scene. 

Students will have the chance to engage with renowned songwriters, including three-time Grammy winner Seth Mosley and Dove Award recipients Krissy Nordhoff and Tony Wood. Alongside these industry veterans, they’ll also hear from emerging songwriters sharing insights on the challenges and excitement of starting a career in music. 

Part of Cedarville’s songwriting minor, this trip offers students an inside look at the music industry, where they’ll connect with publishers, producers and recording engineers. They will also meet with Justin Fratt, vice president of the Gospel Music Association, the organization behind the annual Dove Awards, to deepen their understanding of the broader music industry landscape. 

“We get to talk to songwriters and while music is an industry we get to hear their heart for music as ministry,” said John Chilcote, assistant professor of worship. “The songs that become hits are almost always written for and sang by the local church before ever being heard on the radio. It’s good for the students to see and understand that Christian music is primarily ministry.”   

2023 graduate Lilly Silveira was on the last trip, and it fueled her passion for songwriting. Silveria is now the worship arts director at Fellowship Church in Springfield, Ohio, where she is launching a songwriting ministry for the congregation. She is also continuing her personal songwriting and is working towards releasing her first album. 

“Not only was I encouraged to continue pursuing songwriting, but I was challenged to consider and seek what God wanted and how it could be used in my life,” said Silveira.  

While some of the students do not plan to become professional songwriters, they do intend to write songs for their local churches, and this opportunity will help them excel.