Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business welcomed the inaugural class of its online Master of Art in Media and Entertainment Industries (MAMEI) program for their opening immersive experience, Aug. 7-9.

Created in collaboration with Belmont’s Educational Innovation team, the program has garnered exceptional interest, resulting in a cohort of 53 students from 21 states, including 15 Belmont alumni.

The immersive experience, designed to foster a sense of belonging to the Belmont and Nashville communities, included networking events, resource information sessions, an entertainment industry panel, and a downtown excursion.

As a final wrap-up before concluding with visits to Nashville staples Assembly Food Hall, the Ryman, and the National Museum for African American Music, MAMEI students met and learned from alumni industry professionals:

• Kristoff Hart (2016), vice president of partner marketing at Wonder Project: Oversaw segmented marketing for The Chosen, helping reach 30+ million viewers and developed and executed marketing campaigns for brands like Swisher Sweets, Johnson Controls, and Warner Music Group, as well as artists including T.I. and Brad Paisley

• Cassidy Zuver (2021), artist manager at Red Light Management: Manager of Grammy-winning country trio Lady A and emerging artist Ryman

• Alex Stefano (2015), vice president, Sync at Big Yellow Dog: Placed writers in spots with Target, Apple, Ikea, Walmart, Air Canada, Jeep, and HBO MAX, and in shows and films like Grey’s Anatomy, Ransom Canyon, The Perfect Couple, and Bridgerton

“The in-person immersion experience was an awesome way to interact with both classmates and professors alike and get excited for the year to come,” said student Emma Johansson, a 2022 Belmont alumna. “We got to explore Nashville, get a sneak peek at our courses, hear from accomplished alumni and dream together about what this program could look like for each of us.”