CMA donates $1M to Nashville schools

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 – The CMA Foundation donated $1 million to benefit music education programs for Nashville public school students from 2013 CMA Music Festival through the Keep the Music Playing campaign at the new CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame tonight.

The announcement raises CMA's support of music education in metropolitan Nashville schools from $6.5 million to more than $7.5 million. This money has been used to build music labs and purchase instruments and supplies for all Metro Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation.

"CMA is extremely proud of being able to provide access to instruments for every child in metro schools on behalf of our artist community," said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "A thriving music education program is an investment in the future and provides important motivation to keep children engaged and in school."

In 2006, the CMA Artist Relations Committee established the Keep the Music Playing program to give back to the community on behalf of the hundreds of country artists who perform and make appearances at CMA Music Festival each year for free.

The announcement of the 2013 CMA Music Festival donation was made at a reception prior to the Fifth Annual CMA Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert at the new CMA Theater. The All Stars Concert honors exemplary elementary, middle, and high school performance groups selected from the district.