Program FAQ’s
When and how do I apply?
Applications for the Class of 2027 will be open from February 2, 2026 - February 27, 2026. You have the entire month of February to submit your application.
If I have applied in previous years and I want to re-apply for the upcoming Program year, do I need to complete a new application?
Yes. A new application is required each year, even if you’ve applied previously. If you’d like a copy of your past application to help streamline the process (for copying and pasting), please email carley@leadershipmusic.org and she’ll be happy to assist you.
I’ve applied several times. Is there a certain number of times to apply before being accepted?
There’s no set number of times you need to apply before being accepted. Some applicants are selected on their first try, while many of our alumni applied multiple times before being invited to join a class.
Leadership Music receives an average of 300 applications each year, and the applicant pool can vary significantly from year to year. The selection committee carefully considers a wide range of factors, including your area of work within the music industry, leadership qualities, community involvement, diversity, genre, and how many times you’ve applied. The goal is to build a class that is both diverse and well-balanced.
We have a favorite saying at Leadership Music: “The class you’re in is the class you’re meant to be in.”
If this program is something you truly want to experience, the best advice is to keep applying each year. Persistence and passion matter.
What is the deadline for applying?
A completed application must be submitted to Leadership Music by midnight on February 28, 2027 for the program year starting October 2027. No exceptions will be made.
I understand Leadership Music Alumni are asked to nominate candidates for the incoming class. If I am nominated, do I still need to apply?
Yes—being nominated does not take the place of applying. Regardless of whether you are nominated, you must complete and submit an application each year.
Leadership Music accepts alumni nominations in January. If you are nominated, you will receive an email from Leadership Music in February with a link to the application.
Please note: You do not need to be nominated to apply. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria is welcome to apply.
Is there a personal interview component of the selection process?
No, personal interviews are not a formal part of the Leadership Music selection process. However, in some cases, staff may reach out to applicants for clarification or additional information.
Additionally, the selection committee may consult with the alumnus who nominated a candidate, if applicable, to gain further insight.
Who selects the members of the incoming class?
A selection committee of approximately 30 Leadership Music alumni, representing all segments of the music industry, reviews applications and submits a final recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board then votes to approve the class slate based on this recommendation.
When does the selection committee meet?
The selection committee meets during March and April to review applications.
When will I be notified about my status for the next Program year?
The Leadership Music Board of Directors reviews and approves the class slate recommended by the Selection Committee at their May board meeting. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance in June.
How many applicants are accepted for each Program year?
The number of participants accepted each year can vary slightly, but the class typically consists of approximately 45 members.
What are some of the criteria for acceptance?
The success of the Leadership Music program depends heavily on the composition of each class. The selection committee’s goal is to assemble a group that is diverse, well-balanced, and representative of a broad cross-section of proven leaders within—or closely connected to—the music industry.
There is no single formula for selection. Many factors are considered, including:
· Demonstrated leadership in both professional and personal endeavors
· Diversity of background, genre, and perspective
· Area of work within or connected to the music industry
· Community involvement and service
· Passion for collaboration and lifelong learning
The ideal candidate shows a strong commitment to leadership, excellence, and contributing meaningfully to both the music community and the broader world.
What is the attendance policy?
Leadership Music requires a strong commitment from each participant. Attendance is critical to the success of the program—for both individual participants and the class as a whole.
· Participants may miss no more than one Program Day or up to 12 hours total during the year, and only in cases of extreme circumstances (such as unavoidable job or health-related issues).
· Any anticipated absence must be communicated in writing to the Executive Director as soon as possible.
· Opening and Closing Retreats are mandatory. No portion may be missed under any circumstances. Missing either retreat will result in disqualification from graduation.
Participation in the program requires a full commitment from both the applicant and their employer. Please consider this carefully before applying.What is the cell phone policy?
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.
Are there any costs involved in the Program?
Yes, there is a non-refundable tuition fee of $1,750, due in August upon acceptance into the program. Thanks to the generous support of our corporate donors, the majority of program costs are underwritten—we are deeply grateful for their ongoing commitment to Leadership Music.
If your participation requires travel to Nashville, please note that Leadership Music does not cover expenses related to air travel, hotel accommodations, or ground transportation to and from Nashville. However, Leadership Music does provide ground transportation on all Program Days. The class meets at a central location, and from there, travels together by luxury coach throughout the day.
To support out-of-town participants, Leadership Music has negotiated discounted rates at several Nashville-area hotels.
Please don’t let the tuition fee deter you from applying or accepting an invitation to join the class. If cost is a concern, we encourage you to contact the Leadership Music office to learn more about available tuition assistance.
What are the proposed program dates for the Class of 2026?
3 PROGRAM DAYS ARE TUESDAY, 3 ARE FRIDAY. BOTH RETREATS (OPENING AND CLOSING) ARE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. 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 Alumni Welcome Reception for the Class of 2027 Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Orientation 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Alumni Welcome Reception for the Class of 2027 4:30pm – 7:00pm
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Opening Retreat Weekend THURSDAY/FRIDAYOctober 8 - 9, 2026 7:00am Thur– 5:00pm Fri
Songwriting / Publishing FRIDAY, Nov. 6, 2026 7:00am – 7:30pm
Artist TUESDAY Dec. 8, 2026 7:00am – 7:30pm
Live Entertainment TUESDAY Jan. 12, 2027 7:00am – 7:30pm
Production FRIDAY Feb. 12, 2027 7:00am – 7:30pm
Record Company TUESDAY, March 16, 2027 7:00am – 7:30pm
Media FRIDAY, April 9, 2027 7:00am – 7:30pm
Closing Retreat Weekend THURSDAY/FRIDAY May 6 - 7, 2027 7:00am Thur– 5:00pm Fri
What happens after I graduate in May?
Graduation isn’t the end of your Leadership Music journey—it’s the beginning of your role in shaping the experience for the next class. At the end of the program year, the graduating class takes on the important responsibility of designing the content for one of the Program Days for the incoming class.
Each member of your class will be asked to either co-chair or serve on a Program Day committee. Working alongside Leadership Music staff and volunteer alumni from previous classes, you’ll help conceptualize, plan, and execute the programming for your assigned day.
Preparation begins in June, with committee meetings and check-ins starting in July and continuing through your Program Day. Your input and creativity will directly influence the quality and impact of the new classes experience.