Trevecca Nazarene University Forms Advisory Board For Proposed Songwriting Program

On the back row (L-R): Bart Herbison, Ralph Murphy, Mike Meade, Dave Clark, David Diehl Front row (L-R):Devon O’Day, Debbie Zavitson, Kim McLean, Erika Wollam Nichols, Pamela Lewis. Not Pictured: Dann Huff and Benji Cowart

Nashville-based Trevecca Nazarene University’s Department of Music has formed a new advisory board for a proposed songwriting certificate program.

The two-year songwriting program will focus on developing musical talent and understanding, as well as skills to navigate the music industry.

The songwriting advisory board members include:

Dave Clark, the creative director for Lillenas Music Publishing, producer of two Grammy®-nominated projects, and a well-known songwriter.
Benji Cowart, worship leader for more than 15 years, serving alongside his wife, Jenna. Their songwriting credits include songs for Big Daddy Weave and Ben Catelone.
David Diehl, director of Trevecca’s music business program and a member of the faculty at Trevecca’s Skinner School of Business and Technology. He also 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, 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.
Dann Huff, formerly of the Christian rock band Whiteheart, 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 CMA Musician of the Year.
Pamela Lewis, 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, where he 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, artist, author, and songwriter. He has written hit songs for Crystal Gayle, Don Williams, Ronnie Milsap, 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, 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.

Diehl and Kim McClean (Trevecca alumna and songwriter) will serve as moderators for the advisory board. McClean also teaches songwriting at Trevecca.

“Students will learn the practical skills they need as songwriters,” said Diehl. “In addition, they’ll also have the experiences they need to connect to the industry.”