Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers welcomed 27 new and returning campers for its 2025 ACM Lifting Lives® Music Camp, June 17-24. Music Camp is an annual event during which adults with Williams syndrome come together from around the world to spend time with old and new friends and explore the country music scene with some up-and-coming singing and songwriting talent.
Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition associated with an unusual pattern of strengths and weaknesses in linguistic and cognitive profiles, as well as intellectual disability. A common attribute in individuals with Williams syndrome is a deep love for music, which makes the partnership with the Academy of Country Music so meaningful.
During breaks between camp activities, campers had the opportunity to volunteer for VKC research with Williams syndrome experts as well as with VKC member Julia Sheffield, Ph.D., and her research team.
“Research this year focused on strengths in Williams syndrome along with developing a better understanding how people with Williams syndrome see their condition as a challenge or a strength,” said senior research specialist and Music Camp research director Elizabeth Roof, HSP, M.A. “We hope this type of research helps better inform the community about living with Williams syndrome and how it affects people in their day-to-day lives.”
This year, campers kicked off camp with a songwriting session with longtime Music Camp mentors and songwriters Ross Copperman and J.T. Harding. Dalton Dover helped them brainstorm their original song “Our Best Year Yet,” named to honor the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary. Campers later recorded the song at Ocean Way Studios with Lauren Watkins.
Campers enjoyed a private concert at the Bluebird Café with Bryce Leatherwood; visited Riley Green’s Duck Blind for some karaoke with Tyler Braden; took part in some line dancing at Nashville Palace; hung out at Seacrest Studios and interviewed Emily Ann Roberts; and visited Hatch Show Print to create their own concert posters celebrating their upcoming performance. To end the camp experience, Music Campers took to the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside Jackson Dean to perform “Our Best Year Yet” and received a standing ovation.
Brand-new activities this year included a stage presence workshop with improv education team Unscripted at Third Coast Comedy Club, a tour of Gold Pacific Studios with Parmalee, a visit to the National Museum of African American Music and chipping a few balls at Topgolf Nashville with Priscilla Block and Roman Alexander.
“It’s a highlight of each summer to have campers come to Nashville for ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp,” said ACM Lifting Lives Director Taylor Wolf. “The incredible experiences shared amongst the campers, country music artists, and hosts at each stop along the way leave us all with big smiles, the joy of community, and a deepened appreciation for the power of music. Celebrating the Opry’s 100th anniversary this year was a special bonus! Thank you to everyone that participated and made it another great year.”
Dates for the 2026 ACM Lifting Lives® Music Camp are still being determined. Click here for more information on ACM Lifting Lives® Music Camp, including an option to join the Music Camp interest list for future camp applications.
About ACM Lifting Lives®
ACM Lifting Lives is the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. They harness the strength of the country music community to provide aid in times of need, with a focus on health-related initiatives. Learn more about ACM Lifting Lives® here.
Photos by ACM Lifting Lives/ Terry Wyatt
