By: Grace Brown

Eden Leach (20) has recently become an alumnus of Belmont University after graduating in December of 2020 with a major in corporate communication and a minor in music business.

Leach originally applied to Belmont because she was interested in beginning a career in the music industry, and Belmont was rated one of the top music business schools in the nation. Another draw for her was Belmont’s Bonnaroo University “Maymester” program which she attended during the spring of 2019.

During her senior year of high school in Sarasota, Florida, Leach was able to take dual enrollment classes at her local community college which allowed her to have a full year of college under her belt before even enrolling at Belmont. While at Belmont, Leach took classes during the summer in addition to the standard semester classes. This led to her being able to graduate after only two and a half years.

Leach began her academic career at Belmont as a music business major but later changed her degree to a major in corporate communication with a minor in music business. “I picked Corporate Communications because Professor Jimmy Davis convinced me that I would do really well in the major. He also showed me that it would be a better fit for me and that I would still be able to minor in music business and graduate on time. I am so thankful that he helped me make the switch,” said Leach.

While at Belmont, Leach was able to make numerous connections within the music industry. Leach said that her education at Belmont is how she has both of her jobs today. She met her boss Brigitte Wright from The Assembly while at Bonnaroo University, and her other boss Paul Steele from Good Time Records through the Curb career services.

Despite the music industry’s struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic, Leach has been able to find two jobs after graduating in December. Her positions mainly focus on the marketing side of the industry. She works in artist management at The Assembly, and she also works at Good Time Records with a small team based in Nashville and London. Good Time Records specializes in musical catalogs from the 60s-80s. In her personal life, Eden lives with her boyfriend in East Nashville, and she has a puppy and two pet bunnies.

In the future, Leach hopes to become even more connected in the music industry and wants to be able to manage more artists. Leach said, “Alas, you can never have too many friends in the music industry.” She is excited for the return of live music, so she is able to discover new artists and begin networking again with other music industry professionals.

Leach’s advice to current Belmont students is to form a relationship with the career service advisors so they can help connect you with those within your industry. “They will truly be there to help you network and find a job once you graduate,” said Leach.

Eden Leach has the incredible ability to network and make meaningful connections with anyone she meets. Throughout her time at Belmont, Leach was able to connect with multiple people linked to the music industry as well as with her professors and advisers which has served her well at the beginning of her career. Her ability to make connections and communicate with those around her is just a part of what makes her such a strong graduate. We know that she is doing great things now and has even greater things ahead.