Jenny Burns has always loved music, but it wasn’t until life became still and quiet that she realized it was time to turn the page and pursue a new dream. Now, as a May 2026 graduate of the Athens State University Music Industry Studies program, Burns is stepping confidently into the music industry with real-world experience, creative accomplishments, and a professional network that has been established throughout her time at Athens State University.
Burns returned to college after becoming an empty nester, recognizing she needed a fresh start and a new challenge.
What brought me back to school is that I was getting tired of the same story and realized that I needed to turn the page,” Burns shared. “As I prepared my portfolio, I realized all that I have accomplished. It has truly been a rewarding experience.
Throughout her time at Athens State, Burns embraced opportunities that allowed her to gain practical, hands-on experience in the music industry while building a strong foundation for her future career. Her Honors Program thesis and senior project centered around the recording and production of her original song, “Lemon Drop O’Clock,” which has been released on Spotify. Burns shared that the song is inspired by friendship and connection.
“I originally wrote the song ‘Lemon Drop O’Clock’ for a songwriting class, and it later developed into my Honors Program project,” Burns explained. “Since then, I have been leading the overall creative and production process.”
The project allowed Burns to coordinate recording sessions, collaborate with musicians, document the production process, and present her work at the Southern Regional Honors Council Conference. She worked alongside recording artists Kelly Joyner and James Parker to bring the song to life, gaining valuable experience in artist collaboration, production management, and creative direction.
One lyric from the song especially resonated with recording artist, Kelly Joyner: “Mixing more than drinks. It’s memories we make.”
Burns recently hosted the Singer-Songwriter series on April 26, where she shared her journey through the Music Industry Studies program, interviewed musicians Kelly Joyner and James Parker, and participated in a Q&A session with current student Valerie Lovitt. As she introduced “Lemon Drop O’Clock” to the audience, Burns playfully asked the crowd, “What time is it?…It’s Lemon Drop O’Clock.”
In addition to her creative projects, Burns has built an impressive resume of industry experience while completing her degree. She currently works at The Orion Amphitheater as an Eco Steward on the Sustainability Team, where she is gaining hands-on experience in venue operations and shadowing additional departments to broaden her understanding of live event production. She also completed an internship with WLRH 89.3 FM, producing and editing StoryCorps segments for the station’s morning show and learning audio production through Adobe Audition.
After graduation, Burns plans to pursue opportunities in live event production, artist management, songwriting, and publishing while continuing collaborations with musicians and industry professionals. She plans to remain involved with WLRH as a volunteer and continue expanding her industry connections through organizations such as the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Thank you to Athens State and the Honors Program for making this project possible,” Burns said at the closing of the Singer-Songwriter Series.
This summer, Burns will serve as a facilitator for the Athens State University Writing Center’s Summer Writing & Arts Summit, helping lead discussions on songwriting and the creative process.
Burns often reflects on a quote by the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche that continues to inspire her path forward: “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
For Burns, music has become more than a passion; it has become a new beginning, a career path, and a way to connect with others through creativity and storytelling.
About Music Industry Studies at Athens State
The Music Industry Studies program at Athens State prepares students for careers across the entertainment and music industry through hands-on learning, industry-focused coursework, internships, and experiential opportunities. Students gain practical experience in areas such as artist management, live event production, audio recording, songwriting, marketing, and media while developing the professional skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving music industry. Learn more about the program HERE.