Frequently Asked Questions

4 PROGRAM DAYS ARE TUESDAY, 2 ARE FRIDAY.  BOTH RETREATS (OPENING AND CLOSING) ARE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. 

ALL DATES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 

PLEASE NOTE: IN ADDITION TO ATTENDING THE 8 PROGRAM DAYS, CLASS MEMBERS WORK IN STUDY GROUPS OUTSIDE THE PROGRAM DAYS AND PRESENT A REPORT AT CLOSING RETREAT.

Orientation and Welcome Reception for the Class of 2025
Thursday, Oct 17, 2024

Orientation
3:00pm – 4:30pm

Alumni Welcome Reception for the Class of 2025
4:30pm – 7:00pm

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Opening Retreat Weekend         

FRIDAY/SATURDAY Oct. 18-19, 2024
7:00am Fri – 5:00pm Sat

Songwriting / Publishing
 FRIDAY Nov. 8, 2024
7:00am – 7:30pm

Artist
TUESDAY Dec. 10, 2024
7:00am – 7:30pm

Live Music
TUESDAY Jan. 14, 2025
7:00am – 7:30pm

Production
FRIDAY Feb. 7, 2025
7:00am – 7:30pm

Record Company
TUESDAY Mar 18, 2025
7:00am – 7:30pm

Media
TUESDAY, April 15, 2025
7:00am – 7:30pm

Closing Retreat Weekend
FRIDAY/SATURDAY May 16-17, 2025
7:00am Fri – 5:00pm Sat

Application forms will be available online at www.leadershipmusic.org  from February 1 – February 28, 2025 for the Class of 2026.

A completed application must be submitted to Leadership Music no later than midnight February 28, 2025, for the Program year beginning October 2025.  No exceptions.

Yes.  You need to reapply every year.  If you have applied previously and would like a copy of that application to simplify the process (copy and paste) please email Leah@leadershipmusic.org

There is no magic number when it comes to applying.  Many alums have applied numerous times.  Occasionally, an applicant may be accepted in their first year.

On average, Leadership Music receives 300 applications each year. The pool of applicants in specific categories changes from year to year, and many exceptional candidates apply numerous times before being accepted into the program. The classes are designed to be diverse and balanced, so there may be one slot in your area of expertise.  Additionally, other factors are considered by the selection committee – segment of business in which you work, diversity, genre, leadership qualities, community service, how many times you’ve applied, are just a few of the examples.

We have a favorite saying here at Leadership Music.  The class you are in is the class you are meant to be in.  If the Leadership Music program is truly something you are determined to experience, the best advice would be to continue to apply every year.

Yes, regardless of whether you are nominated, you must apply each year.  Leadership Music accepts nominations from alumni in January.  All those nominated will receive an email from Leadership Music in February with a link to apply. You DO NOT need to be nominated to apply.

Although personal interviews are not a part of the selection process, some applicants may be contacted by the staff.  In some instances, the selection committee may consult with the alum who nominate a candidate.

A selection committee comprised of approximately 20 Leadership Music alumni representing all segments of the music industry review the applications and submit a final recommendation to the board of directors. The board of directors vote on the proposed class slate as recommended by the selection committee.

The selection committee meets during the months of March and April.

The Leadership Music Board of Directors votes and approves the class slate as recommended by the Selection Committee at its May board meeting. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance in June.

The number fluctuates from year to year; however, on average, the class size is approximately 45.

The success of program depends largely on the composition of the class. The goal of the selection committee is to choose a class that is well-balanced, diverse and represents various segments of proven leaders within, or associated with the music industry.  There are many factors considered in determining whether an applicant will be invited into the Program. The ideal candidate displays leadership qualities in all facets of their life, both personally and professionally.

Each participant is permitted to miss a maximum of 1 program day or the equivalent of 12 hours due to extreme circumstances except for Opening and Closing retreat. Extreme circumstances are defined as unavoidable absences that may be job or health related.  If a participant must be absent due to an extreme circumstance, the Leadership Music Executive Director must be notified in writing as soon as it is anticipated. Opening and Closing Retreats are mandatory, and no portion may be missed.  No exceptions.  Missing Opening or Closing Retreat will preclude participants from graduating from the Leadership Music Program. The Leadership Music program should not be entered into without the commitment of the applicant and the applicant’s employer.

To ensure participants are fully engaged and respectful of the process, the special guests, the committee and fellow classmates, all devices must be turned off. During each program day, there are scheduled device breaks where devices are permitted during that time only. For emergency situations, Leadership Music provides all class members with staff cell phone numbers where they may be contacted during a program day.  These devices are kept on all day. We recommend Supervisors, co-workers, family, and friends be advised of this policy.

Yes, there is a non-refundable tuition fee of $1,750 due August, once accepted into the program. *   Our corporate donors generously underwrite most of the costs related to the program. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to Leadership Music and the program.

If your participation in the program requires travel to Nashville, Leadership Music is not responsible for paying any cost associated with, or reserving, air travel, hotel accommodations, or ground transportation outside of the program itself.  Leadership Music provides ground transportation during all program days.  The class meets at a central location with all members of the class riding a luxury coach throughout the day.

Leadership Music has negotiated rates at several Nashville area hotels.

* The inability to pay tuition should not discourage any applicant from applying or accepting the invitation to join the class.  Please contact the Leadership Music office for more information regarding tuition assistance.

At the end of the program year after graduation, the graduating class will be assigned to either co-chair or serve on a program day committee for the next class of Leadership Music.  The role you play is an important part of the process.  Alumni from previous classes volunteer to serve on committees to help the graduating class design the program for the along with the Leadership Music staff.  Preparation begins in June of 2025, and program day committees meet with the Leadership Music staff for a series of meetings and check ins throughout the year, beginning in July and leading up until their assigned program day.

Due to COVID, Leadership Music may adjust the program as needed to help ensure the safety of all participants.  As a member of the class, you will agree to follow all safety protocol, as directed by the organization.