CMA FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH TENNESSEE MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
NASHVILLE—The CMA Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving and sustaining music education programs all across the United States, has partnered with the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) to support their annual conference. The conference, held April 11-14 at the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center, is an opportunity for music educators from around the state to earn professional development credit and expand their teaching practices.
The CMA Foundation works to ensure every child has the opportunity to receive a quality music education and every music teacher has the support and resources needed to create a thriving program. Through a $50,000 grant, the CMA Foundation funded scholarships for music teachers to attend the TMEA conference, as well as marketing and programming support to provide the most current and up-to-date offerings for state music educators.
“Research continues to show us that music education is an effective and invaluable tool for academic achievement and social development in children,” said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach. “It’s a huge priority for the CMA Foundation to continue to find ways that we can support and advance the music educators who dedicate their days shaping our youth and instilling a love for music throughout their school and community.”
On Thursday, April 12, five-time CMA Awards winner Martina McBride will join CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Tennessee Education Commissioner Dr. Candice McQueen and Dr. Johnathan Vest, an associate music professor at the University of Tennessee for a fireside chat around the state of music education in Tennessee. A musician, author and philanthropist, McBride is a multiple Grammy nominated Country singer, whose incomparable vocals have kept her at the top of the charts garnering six No. 1 hits and 20 Top 10 singles. Selling more than 18 million albums to date, she has earned 14 Gold, nine Platinum, three Double Platinum and two Triple Platinum certifications.
“Providing opportunities for students to thrive through music is not just something I’m passionate about, but something I find crucial to helping shape our next generation,” said McBride. “As a mother and a musician, I am looking forward to discussing the importance of music education with a room full of inspiring and dedicated educators.”
About the CMA Foundation
Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining music education programs across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested over $21 million in over 87 programs across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, proceeds from CMA Fest, the four-day long music festival held annually in Nashville, are used to power the CMA Foundation’s social impact and unique model of giving. For more information visit CMAfoundation.org.
