By Zach Farnum
Songwriters who attend Trevecca are organizing themselves to make their mark on the music industry.
Around 20 students have joined the Trevecca Songwriter’s Association (TSA), an organization aimed at supporting songwriters.
Songwriting has always been one of the most integral parts of the music industry. Over the years, Trevecca has increasingly encouraged these artists on campus to hone their skills by providing more classes geared towards educating on industry standards and best practices, club members said.
Kim McLean, who teaches many of these classes, has been writing professionally since the ‘90s and has an extensive list of cuts in both Christian and secular music.
“The idea was to have it be student run, I like to be there and support and be a part of it, but it needs to be student run,” McLean said. “Until I approached Jake [Neumar], I hadn’t had anyone who would take responsibility for it and lead.”
Jake Neumar, junior communication studies major, has been appointed as the president of the Trevecca Songwriter’s Association. He has three primary goals for TSA: to encourage and ultimately introduce a songwriting major at Trevecca; to build community between the songwriters on campus from many different genres and styles; and to create a safe environment for the songwriters to be vulnerable and open.
“Every single [Trevecca] person is welcome, if you like to write a song, even if you want to come and learn and you like the environment; the more the merrier,” said Neumar.
One of the unique opportunities afforded to Jake and another Trevecca songwriter, Hamil Rich, was the chance to perform at the critically acclaimed Bluebird Café. McLean was able to invite them to play in a writer’s round with fellow industry songwriter, Lori Brokop.
“We should never shy away from places we can carry God’s light into,” McLean said. “We’re not just Christian songwriters, per say, we’re songwriters who are Christians. What we do, what we write, what we sing, is all going to be laced with God’s light.”
The Trevecca Songwriter’s Association meets bi-weekly to share songs, ideas, and fellowship.
Interested songwriters can contact Jake Neumar at jtneumar@trevecca.edu or on Facebook for more information on how to join.
