Project aims to address critical shortage of piano technicians while creating opportunities for visually impaired community
Dr. Jason Terry, assistant professor of music and educational innovation, has been selected as one of more than 400 U.S. citizens for the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program to help develop piano technology training in Tunisia. The program will take him to Northern Africa for two separate visits during 2025 where he will work to address a critical shortage of piano technicians in the country who are specifically trained to tune pianos.
"Currently, there is only one piano tuner in the entire country of Tunisia," Terry explained. "This means institutions and individuals often have to fly in technicians from other countries to service their pianos."
The program aims to create sustainable solutions by training local technicians, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for visually impaired individuals.
"Piano tuning can be done completely through audio feedback, making it an excellent vocational opportunity for the visually impaired community," Terry noted. "This initiative isn't just about maintaining instruments – it's about creating meaningful employment opportunities and helping individuals contribute to their local economy."
Terry, who joined Belmont's faculty in fall 2024, brings a distinct combination of expertise to this project. While his academic background includes a doctorate in piano performance, he began studying piano technology during the COVID-19 pandemic as a personal quest to add credentials most pianists do not have.
Terry sees this expertise as more than just technical knowledge — it's transformed his approach to teaching and cultural understanding. "I've been finding rich reward in seeking out service and scholarship opportunities that enhance my teaching," he explained. He has already incorporated piano technology into his graduate classes, helping students understand and maintain their own instruments. But the impact goes deeper.
"I continue to gain appreciation and respect for other cultures and people groups that don't look like me. It's not just about someone in Northern Africa — it can be someone here in Nashville who has different life experiences,” Terry reflected. “Finding that common ground, getting to know them more, having more grace towards others and continuing to learn from other people — it's a very humbling place to be, but it's a richly rewarding place to be."
The Fulbright Specialist Program, a U.S. State Department initiative, facilitates cultural exchange between American scholars and institutions abroad. Terry sees this opportunity as more than just a teaching assignment.
"I hope this can open doors for Belmont to build more international connections, particularly outside of Western cultures," he said. "Whether that leads to formal institutional agreements or new study abroad opportunities, I'm excited to help expand our global perspective."
Terry will complete his first two-week visit in February, followed by an extended stay for the remainder of his 40-day commitment after Belmont's commencement in May.
"I'm deeply grateful to Belmont, the School of Music and the College of Music and Performing Arts for supporting this endeavor," Terry said. He also expressed gratitude to the Office of Service Learning and the Office of Hope, Unity & Belonging for providing financial support for the upcoming trip.
As this project combines technical expertise, cultural exchange and service to others, it exemplifies Belmont's commitment to fostering meaningful global connections and supporting faculty initiatives that extend beyond traditional academic boundaries.
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