Dr. Robert Garfrerick is a Professor and Eminent Scholar in Entertainment Industry at the University of North Alabama. In addition to his teaching duties he is the Chair of the Department of Entertainment Industry. He has written songs recorded by Crystal Gayle, T. G. Sheppard, Marie Osmond, Johnny Lee, Gus Hardin, David Slater and others.

Dr. Garfrerick has a bachelor of music degree from the University of Alabama, a Master of Arts in music from Middle Tennessee State University, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee State University. His research interest is in the area of creativity, songwriting, and curriculum development. He has been a speaker, presenter, performer or clinician for groups such as The Songwriter’s Guild of America (SGA), The Balsam Mountain Songwriter’s Camp, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA). He is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS), The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), the Muscle Shoals Music Association (MSMA), MEIEA, the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) and NSAI.