Alumnus Dwan Hill Harmonizes Faith, Music and Community with The Choir Room

Creative Arts Collective Grant Helps Alumnus Amplify Intersection of Faith and Art

Dwan Hill, a two-time Belmont alumnus and Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, is striking a powerful chord in Nashville and beyond with his innovative project, The Choir Room. This groundbreaking initiative, recently awarded a grant from Belmont's new Creative Arts Collective, exemplifies the harmonious blend of faith, artistry and community service that Belmont strives to cultivate in its students.

Hill's journey began at Belmont in 2004 when he arrived as a wide-eyed freshman with a full Presidential Scholarship. "Belmont changed my life," Hill reflected. Initially majoring in music education with plans to become a high school choir teacher, Hill immersed himself in campus life, participating in various ensembles, showcases and serving as a Belmont Ambassador.

Though his career path diverged from his original plan, Hill's Belmont education proved invaluable. "The most valuable thing I got from Belmont was the relationships," he said, citing connections with professors, peers and industry professionals that continue to influence his life and career. Notable mentors included retired faculty member and alumnus Chester Thompson, former University president Dr. Bob Fisher and Associate Music Professor Bruce Dudley, among others. 

After graduation, Hill's career soared. He toured with renowned artists like Jonny Lang and CeCe Winans, earning Grammy and Dove awards along the way. However, it was a return to his roots that sparked his most impactful project yet.

The Choir Room, born from the passion for gospel choirs and community building of Hill and his friends involved, has grown from a simple idea into a movement. What started as a casual gathering in Belmont's Columbia Studio A has blossomed into events drawing crowds of 700+ at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The project has expanded to other cities and even earned a Dove Award nomination for their collaboration with Ben Rector on the song "Joy." The official music video for "Joy" was recorded at the Fisher Center.

"Everyone has a voice," Hill emphasized, explaining The Choir Room's mission. This ethos aligns perfectly with the goals of Belmont's Creative Arts Collective, which recently awarded The Choir Room a grant to further its work. The Collective, funded by a $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., aims to explore and nurture the relationship between Christianity and the arts.

Hill sees this partnership as an opportunity to bridge the gap between missional work and artistic expression. "I think this is a good example of how art can be as missional as a mission trip to a different country," he explained. The grant will allow The Choir Room to create resources for churches, travel to more cities and potentially hire staff to expand their impact.

Reflecting on his Belmont experience and his advice for current students, Hill emphasized the importance of faith, flexibility and perseverance. "You have no idea what you're doing, and that's okay," he said with a laugh. "Take one day and one step at a time with the Lord, and let Him lead you."

As The Choir Room continues to grow, Hill remains grateful for the foundation Belmont provided. "I wouldn't be where I am today without God and what God did through Belmont," he affirmed. With his continued involvement as an alumnus and now as a grant recipient, Hill's story exemplifies the ongoing impact of the Belmont community in nurturing talent, faith and service long after graduation.