PHIL VASSAR HEADLINES UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA'S MUSIC BUSINESS CLASS

PHIL VASSAR HEADLINES UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA'S MUSIC BUSINESS CLASS
Submitted By Elaine Schock
Feb 22, 2007

Phil Vassar's latest stop in Athens, GA this month, had the country music star appearing on two stages. One stage was at the Georgia Theatre where a packed house enjoyed one of his acclaimed live performances, and the other in a class room filled with students eager to learn from the master musician in-person.

In Bruce Burch's music business class at Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, Vassar talked about his rise as an award-winning songwriter, transition to acclaimed artist and performer as well as the changes in the industry throughout his journey. He also shared with the class his personal stories and one-of-a-kind point of view on today's industry being driven by importance of entertaining and the presentation of live shows < something in which Phil has great expertise.

"Phil shared how he earned his Doctorate in the music industry, through the school of hard knocks!" Bruce Burch, Academic Director UGA Music Business Program said. "His message was inspiring to the students, many who attended his concert later that evening for an extra tutoring session with 'Dr. Vassar.'"

For the man who has written hits for Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina and more before going on to his own well-established career as a recording artist, Phil's story is a tale of perseverance, talent and success and is a prime case-study for aspiring music professionals. Last September, Phil stepped into the role of professor at Vassar College for "Vassar at Vassar," a
90-minute master course on songwriting, music and the music business at the Hudson Valley-based institution of higher learning.

Phil's star continues to rise in 2007 as ongoing critical acclaim praises him for his innate songwriting abilities and addictive, enthusiastic performances. He has already had a string of sell-out shows on the east coast this year as well as the upcoming back-to-back concerts in Chicago on February 23 and 24. His album, "Greatest Hits Volume 1" landed on top 10 of 2006 lists by the New York Times, Pittsburgh Post Gazette and CMT and he was named 2006 NSAI Songwriter/Artist Of The Year. The NEW YORK TIMES called him "...a winsome singer and a successful songwriter," while the CHICAGO TRIBUNE stated that "Phil Vassar has the talent of a legend." The PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE adds, "the fire and energy of a young Jerry Lee
Lewis...and enough sex appeal to light up a concert stage,² and the HARRISBURG PATRIOT NEWS declare, "he is one of Nashville's hot properties. Energetic and funny, Vassar is a magnetic personality with the material to back it up." Phil returns to the studio to record a new album of original material that will be released in 2007.