Leslie Roberts '85 – Partnering Across Music

Leslie Roberts, an alumna of St. Cecilia Academy’s class of 1985 and a recognized music business executive, has gained a reputation within the industry for building strong relationships. Her journey from St. Cecilia to her current role as Assistant Vice President of Creative for BMI shows the power of passion, respect, and kindness.

Roberts saw firsthand the generosity of others when she transferred to St. Cecilia Academy in her junior year. She knew no one and was nervous about the change. She recalls how welcoming the students were, and how she soon found lifelong friends. Being part of campus organizations taught her the importance of working well with others. She learned that the building process is better when you respect your teammates and work collaboratively, which she says she practices daily.

In college, Roberts began her studies at the University of Mississippi, later transferring to Belmont University, where she studied business. While she did not initially pursue a career in the music industry, it was a chance conversation with a SCA friend whose father was a music producer that sparked her interest in the field. While it took several years for her to make it into the business, she credits her passion for the industry as a reason for her persistence. This perseverance eventually led her to BMI, an American performing rights organization that represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers.

Today, Roberts is responsible for signing and developing new talent and supporting BMI’s extensive network of songwriters and publishers across Country and Christian genres. She collaborates with creative teams in Nashville and across BMI’s seven other offices, supporting songwriters throughout their careers, such as helping to secure co-writes, making introductions, and providing promotional and educational opportunities.

Others have described Roberts as a “natural” and shared that her reputation for being a trustworthy partner was part of her success. When asked what motivates her about her job, she said, “It’s amazing to see the emerging talent among the songwriters, and nurturing that talent inspires me every single day.”

In addition to her work with artists, she spearheads key networking events for BMI, such as its Next Big Wave Mixer, where rising affiliates and industry leaders have a chance to build new relationships within the community. She coordinates and hosts the BMI Christian Awards and the BMI Country Awards and leads her team in booking talent for events such as the Key West Songwriters Festival and the BMI Ryman Block Party. “It’s all about building and maintaining relationships in this business,” Roberts explained. “You never know where someone will end up one day, so if you are viewed as kind and helpful from the start, you will always be remembered that way.”

Roberts has touched the lives of many in the music business. She has received multiple accolades, including Music Row Magazine’s “Rising Women on the Row” (2016) and AIMP Nashville “Song Champion of the Year” (2019).

She cites the close bonds fostered among her St. Cecilia classmates and the individual attention of teachers who encouraged her passions. “The dedication to excellence and the camaraderie I felt with my fellow students was something I will never forget,” she recalled. “I truly felt like I could be myself at SCA.”

Her advice to others is to be kind, work hard, and never quit. She said, “It’s a tough business, but it is so rewarding.”