The Band Perry Gives Master Class at Nashville’s Belmont University

Pictured (L-R): Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry and Kristy Reeves (Red Light Management)

Last week, sibling trio The Band Perry visited Belmont University’s School of Music in Nashville to lead a Master Class, aimed at giving advice to aspiring musicians. The trio discussed the band’s history, including raising money for sound gear by selling caramel apples door to door, as well as early gigs playing shopping malls, campsites and restaurants. They offered advice on perseverance, accepting constructive criticism, and the importance of developing stage presence alongside technical skills.

They ended the hour talk by answering questions from students, and played an impromptu acoustic rendition of their 2010 hit “If I Die Young.”

“It was great to have Kimberly, Reid and Neil speak to our music students,” said Dr. Cynthia Curtis, Dean of The College of Visual and Performing Arts. “Practical advice from professional musicians is an integral part of our students’ education, and we could not have scripted this Master Class any better. The Band Perry offered our students real-life information about what the combination of talent and hard work can bring. Coming from an intelligent, accomplished and relatable act like The Band Perry, this advice was exactly what our students needed to hear as they begin to pursue their own professional careers.”