Dr. Jeffery Ames Leads 'Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville' Global Streaming Debut

Continuing 15-year legacy as artistic director of beloved holiday tradition 

Since joining Belmont’s faculty in 2009, the distinguished leadership of Director of Choral Activities Dr. Jeffery Ames has helped establish “Christmas at Belmont” as one of Nashville’s most anticipated holiday traditions in the music community, now bringing its festive spirit and artistic excellence to audiences worldwide.  

A well-respected accompanist, composer and arranger, Ames serves as the artistic director for “Christmas at Belmont,” curating the festive lineup from the opening choral piece to the final curtain call.  

“It is both energizing and exciting,” Ames said. “It also gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment for what we in the School of Music do together. It's important to have a variety of both secular and sacred styles of music in this family-oriented show.”  

Collaboration and variety are key components that audiences have come to highly anticipate each holiday season. Each year, Ames strives to find new ways to keep the tradition exciting and meaningful.  

“Sometimes that is with the use of an emcee or writing a script to tie it all together,” he said. “It's been a lot of fun to find ways to put a different twist or spin on the show each year.” 

This year, Ames is incorporating concert gospel, a style he helped define that adapts gospel music for trained voices while preserving its authentic spirit. His expertise as an arranger, combined with his gift for weaving together diverse voices and styles, has become a hallmark of the show’s enduring appeal.   

"It's not just a stage of choral orchestral people singing Christmas song after Christmas song," Ames explained. "We could have a poignant piece by a loft choir followed by pop ensemble singing the latest Christmas chart, then percussion ensemble, country, bluegrass –– and then the orchestra shows their skills." 

Furthermore, his ever calm and composed demeanor resonates deeply with the thousands of students he has led for the last 15 years. This steady leadership has been instrumental in shaping the production’s legacy and nurturing new generations of performers.  

“He is a dream to work with,” said Dr. Jane Warren, assistant artistic director for “Christmas at Belmont.” “There's something about his spirit that permeates the whole show. He is even and calm; a deeply spiritual man. His love for God and his love for the students always shows through.” 

The show's format offers viewers a remarkable evening of seamlessly woven performances, blending classical, commercial and contemporary pieces — from traditional choral arrangements to modern pop ensembles.  

Under his visionary direction, “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville” will be a must-see celebration of music and talent, blending Belmont's rich musical diversity with holiday tradition to captivate audiences around the world.