Moody by Nature
RTF students dove into Project-Based Learning with their concert, Moody By Nature!
Fall 2025
PBL courses help orient students to the real-world issues they might encounter in the industry, activate prior knowledge, and piques their interest in learning by doing.
In Professor John Peyton's course, RTF 347C, students mirrored professional roles that are common in the music business industry to later produce their own music event. Students collaborated in a variety of "company" roles throughout the semester to plan the production for a concert.
Professor Peyton's PBL teaching style is driven by his enthusiasm for both student development and passion for the music business industry. What first began in 2024 has now grown into a tradition of sorts, with repeating performances designed and based on student-led initiatives. Over the past year, students in Peyton's course have used PBL to both spur productivity and foster professional development as they worked toward completing the semester's project.
The project exceeded my expectations and stood out against all my other assignments in different classes. Originally, I was hesitant about the class as a whole but through the semester I had the opportunity to look through the lens of business in music.
Participating in the Moody By Nature concert was an incredibly innovative and special experience, and it provided me with a clearer understanding of the coordination required for live music production.
Moody by Nature featured a variety of student performances in the Fall 2025 rendition of Radio-Television & Film Professor John Peyton's Introduction to the Music Business (RTF 347C).
The concert follows in the footsteps of Moody Groove (Fall '24) & Red River Reverb (Spring '25). Check them out here!
Professor John Peyton and Radio-Television-Film Department Chair, Cindy McCreery, lead a swag giveaway in front of the audience.
Students learned the importance of collaborative efforts and communication skills while establishing competencies in various areas of the music business industry. Tasks and class assignments reflected the realistic responsibilities of industry professionals and highlighted the effectiveness of PBL in cultivating student growth and development.
Click through the images above for an immersive glimpse into Moody By Nature's production!
Student monitors visuals during the show
Being a part of putting this concert together was really exciting and motivating. I loved seeing the final product successfully come together in the end. It made me appreciate all the behind the scenes that goes into organizing live events a lot more.
Student Companies Build Real-World Competencies
Performers: Student performers took the stage to showcase their singing and musical skills in various bands.
Talent Managers: Talent managers helped coordinate planning and outreach on behalf of the student performers for a successful show.
Production/Stage Managers: Production and Stage Managers oversaw stage setup, logistical elements, and technical details in preparation for the concert.
Light/Sound Directors: Light and Sound Directors tested and created various lighting settings for the show as well as managed acoustic and musical elements.
Photographers/Videographers: Photographers and videographers captured photos and visual media during both the production process and the concert itself.
A group of students sing during their band's performance.
Student performs on guitar in front of Band graphic.
Publicists: Student publicists helped to promote and advertise the concert to increase attendance and awareness among the community.
Producers: Student producers organized, arranged, and rendered tunes for student performances.
Business Managers: Student Business Managers handled budgetary tasks, partnered with local organizations for sponsorships, and oversaw collaboration between student performers and promoters.
Graphic Artists: Students in this role helped design and create visual content for student performers to be showcased during the concert.