Desmond Child Leads Belmont University's First Songwriting Master Class
On March 17, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Belmont University held their first songwriting master class, featuring 2008 SHOF Inductee and Board Member, Desmond Child. The event drew dozens of aspiring songwriters, as well as many other Belmont University students.For over four decades, Child has reigned as one of music's most successful creative forces. His list of accolades includes Grammy awards, 70 Top 40 singles, and songs that have sold over 300 million albums worldwide.
SHOF Board Member and Belmont University alumnus, Fletcher Foster, kicked off the event, speaking to SHOF's partnership with Belmont - saying this would be “the first of many master sessions with Belmont.”
Jodi Marr, instructor of songwriting at Belmont, served as moderator for the class. “The Songwriters Hall of Fame is an incredible organization and their outreach to young songwriters is second to none,” Marr said of the partnership before welcoming her friend and mentor, songwriter Desmond Child to the stage.
Child started off by sharing his own journey as a musician, first as a performer in the pop-rock band “Desmond Child and Rouge,” and later as his rise to fame as a songwriter. “It’s a nickel and dime business,” he said. “Everything counts.”
As he reflected on the numerous artists and performers he has worked with, he emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself. Songwriting is a “whole person approach,” he said. “It’s not just the song, it’s not just the 10,000 hours. It’s making yourself part of the song.”
To end the session, he left students with encouragement to stay curious and continue honing their craft. “It’s never too late to keep learning. College is just the start. Keep educating yourself and filling your mind with amazing things.”