SongFarm

President & Founder

Ross Copperman is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, and co-host of the podcast "So Tell Me About Your Father." Copperman grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, where he attended Glenvar High School. Ross has written several #1 songs including Keith Urban's "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” and has produced for several artists including Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, and Darius Rucker.

Vice President & Founder

F. Reid Shippen is a multiple Grammy Award-winning mixer, engineer, and record producer, who has worked with a range of artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Kenny Chesney, Steven Tyler, and Dierks Bentley. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Academy of Country Music and is the Chief Creative Officer for the music production house, The Music Playground. An advocate for music education, Shippen co-teaches a class at Middle Tennessee State

Executive Director & Founder

Rachel Bepko has a background in music production and engineering, program leadership, and education. She spent over a decade as a professional educator with a background in instruction, curriculum, professional development, and program and project management in both K-12 and post-secondary institutions.

Director of Technology

Alex started playing and writing his own music at 12 years old. This led him to a unique music education program via a national battle of the bands for high school students called School Jam USA, winning the title of best teen band in the nation 2013. That kick-started his path to Nashville. Alex graduated as a Songwriting major from Belmont University in 2016. After working with multiple Nashville publishers, Alex settled in at BMG as a Copyright Coordinator on their publishing team. In 2019, Alex joined SongFarm as the Director of Technology, ensuring the best gear is placed in the hands of students.

Director of Student Engagement

Avery Shippen is a rising senior at Hume-Fogg Academic High School. She is a youth leader and mentor and is interested in majoring in teaching. Her interests in working with others and helping students is what has led her to the position of Director of Student Engagement.