Learn The Nashville Number System At Vanderbilt University

Odie Blackmon

On August 25th, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University will be offering a new class for musicians and songwriters. It will be held on Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm and it will be taught by Odie Blackmon, grammy nominee and the winner of 3 ASCAP Awards. Some of his songwriting credits include George Strait’s 50th number one song, “She’ll Leave You With A Smile” and Gary Allan’s “Baby I Will.”

Says Gary Allan: “I’ve written with Odie Blackmon for many years and have learned a lot from him in that time. He makes songwriting an exciting and almost therapeutic experience each time you sit down and write. Anyone from a beginner to a seasoned professional in the songwriting realm can learn from Odie.”

Students will not need to be able to read traditional music, but Blackmon will explain music theory, notation, and chords. The class will also explore the charting of original songs, classic hits, and the Nashville Number System with some observation and discussion of studio work. One student said, “From the very beginning I felt as though Odie’s Nashville Number System course was specifically designed for me. I am a pretty serious guitar player who, before this class, knew shockingly little about music theory, could not read music notation, and felt that it was too late to start. Odie, however, was able to change all that by teaching us practical and straightforward music theory without taking us back to ‘square one.’ I now feel more prepared for local jams and for playing music with others. I also have a higher understanding and appreciation for the music I listen to.”

Register now for $195 plus a $40 registration fee. You can download the form from the Blair website at http://blair.vanderbilt.edu/pre-college-adult-program/current-offerings and return to Blair School of Music, 2400 Blakemore Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212. For more information, contact trisha.johns@vanderbilt.edu.