Spring Break in Nashville! Earn 3 credits, and gain exclusive access to premier studios, venues and industry leaders. No matter your interest or involvement with music—experience it all in Nashville. Open to all majors.

Program Overview

The Nashville Experience is an immersive travel course designed to give students direct access to "Music City," the heart of the commercial music and entertainment industry. Open to all Rider University students—including alumni—this program connects participants directly with recording artists, studio engineers, and executive professionals.

The program is led by Johnathan Richeson (Instructor in Rider’s Music Production Major, with years of professional experience living and working in Nashville) and Dr. Justin Burton (Professor of Music Production.) Students will explore world-class studios, digital media hubs, and historic musical landmarks. Pre-trip Zoom sessions will prepare students by covering industry trends, networking strategies, and professional standards in the Nashville market.

Academic Credit

  • Course Enrollment: MUS 495
  • Credits Earned: 3 credits (counts towards the Spring 2027 semester)
  • Eligibility: Open to all Rider University students and alumni

Program Dates

  • Travel Dates: Spring Break – March 13 – 20, 2027
  • Pre-Trip Preparations: Virtual Zoom orientation meetings scheduled prior to departure 
Students at sound board

Program Highlights

The Creative (Production & Performance)

  • Go inside world-famous recording facilities, such as Blackbird Studio
  • Observe professional session workflows, tracking, mixing, and session performance
  • Master professional studio etiquette and participate in active session recording

The Strategist (AEIM, Management & Business)

  • Study corporate monetization, intellectual property, and backend copyright revenue streams
  • Engage in private roundtables and dynamic Q&A sessions at major record labels, talent agencies, and Performance Rights Organizations
  • Network directly industry professionals

The Storyteller (PR, Marketing & Media)

  • Go behind the scenes with digital content factories and artist publicity networks
  • Discover how artist management, digital streaming campaigns, and media strategies use creative assets to support hit records

Cultural & Professional Experiences

  • Iconic Venues & Cultural Landmarks: Inclusive, organized group visits to Nashville’s legendary music landmarks and live-performance venues
  • Professional Networking: Direct connections with working professionals in the Nashville creative community
  • Cohort Debriefs: Collaborative debriefs to review daily site visits and industry insights

Accommodations & Logistics

  • Included in Program: Round-trip airfare, lodging, studio tours, session recording, and planned live venue visits
  • Accommodations: Housing will be located adjacent to historic Music Row

Program Fee & Payment Schedule

  • Program Cost: TBA

(Cost is subject to change based on a 10-student enrollment minimum and final airfare pricing. All program materials will be available after September 1, 2026.)

  • October 15, 2026: $125 Application Fee due
  • November 15, 2026: $1,000 First Payment due*
  • December 15, 2026: Final Balance due*

Important Notes

  • Meals: Food/meals are not included
  • Personal Transit: Transportation outside of scheduled group programming (e.g., personal rideshares or public options for free-time exploration) is the responsibility of the student
  • Baggage: Baggage exceeding standard airline weight restrictions (typically over 50 lbs) may incur additional airline fees
  • Itinerary and site visits are subject to change based on studio and industry partner availability

For more information, contact

Justin Burton

Professor

Fine Arts Building

jburton [at] rider.edu

(609) 895-5692

Academic Focus: Music Production

Justin Burton headshot