Seven MTSU Students Connect With Taylor Swift at Nashville Songwriters Hall
Seven students from Middle Tennessee State University’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment crossed paths with industry icons including Taylor Swift at the 56th annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. Held on Oct. 26, 2026, at the Music City Center in Nashville, the event brought together emerging scholars and legendary music creators to celebrate the Hall’s Class of 2026.
The invitation originated through Recording Industry faculty member Denise Shackelford, who secured a table of 10 for the evening. Instead of filling those seats with additional faculty members, the college invited students to apply for the opportunity. Seven were ultimately selected: three songwriting students, two music business students, and two audio production students. Shackelford and assistant professor Bess Rogers joined the students at the event.
For music business senior Emily Eastep-VanLinden, meeting Swift served as a defining milestone of her academic career. Swift made history at the gala by entering the hall as the youngest person ever inducted. Getting the chance to meet Taylor Swift, the artist who first made me fall in love with music, was the highlight of my senior year,
Eastep-VanLinden said.
The evening offered students a direct view of the relationships powering the industry they intend to enter. Alongside Swift, the attendees spoke with Amy Grant, Jamey Johnson, Jennifer Cook, and other prominent figures in the local music community.
Honoring Music’s Class of 2026
The gala welcomed six new members into the Hall. Taylor Swift entered in the songwriter-artist category, joined by J.I. Allison in the legacy category, Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category, and Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter-artist category. Songwriters Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller rounded out the inductees.
Brad Paisley inducted Swift, telling her that at her core, she remains a songwriter. Lainey Wilson honored the superstar with a performance of “Love Story.” During her remarks, Swift reflected on the foundation Nashville provided during her formative years.
The only reason that I’ve been able to have that kind of dexterity in my creative process is because of the fundamentals and the foundation that I learned here in Nashville,
Swift said. And I never forget that for a single second.
The event also featured Robert K. Oermann recognizing J.I. Allison for penning hits like “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue,” with Joanie Allison accepting the honor on behalf of her late husband. Kix Brooks honored Bruce Channel, known for songs including John Conlee’s As Long As I’m Rockin’ With You. Baby.” Additionally, George Strait received the career maker award, having recorded 264 songs written or co-written by 72 Nashville Songwriters Hall members over four decades.”
Students Build Professional Connections at Gala
Beyond meeting performing artists, the MTSU students utilized the gala to build concrete professional connections.
Faculty members emphasized that experiences outside the traditional classroom remain vital for student development. Shackelford noted that the event exemplifies the close-knit nature of Nashville’s music community, reinforcing the core industry belief that everything starts with a song.
