February 18, 2005
Brad Paisley's Homegrown Talent - The Washington Post
Paisley didn't have Nashville ambitions, even after starting at West Liberty State College, 12 miles from Wheeling. ... Fortunately, Jim Watson, Paisley's student adviser at West Liberty, suggested he transfer to Nashville's Belmont University, whose well-known music business program might better advance Paisley's talent.
"It only took me walking into that studio they had, which was a good million-dollar facility," Paisley recalls. "I would have been a fool not to go to a school that gives you credit for pretty much the things I needed to learn." And a school that was perfect for networking, he adds. "I totally understood the fact that it was about who you know and who knew of you as well. I don't think you can get everything based on who you know, but you can't get anything until you do know the right people."
Among Paisley's fellow students were Frank Rogers (now his producer), Kelley Lovelace (a frequent songwriting partner, including on his first No. 1, "He Didn't Have to Be") and several of the musicians in his band. And Belmont is at the base of 16th Avenue, better known as Publisher's Row, "the absolute place to be in country music," Paisley says. "You could take classes and then walk to your internship." - Read the whole story in The Washington Post.
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About Belmont University
Named one of the top two “Schools to Watch” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is a fast-growing community of more than 5,400 students who come from every state and 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. With more than 75 areas of study, 20 master’s programs and three doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.
For more information visit www.belmont.edu
