CMA Foundation Donates $1 Million To Metro Nashville Public Schools

The CMA Foundation donated $1 million to benefit music education programs for Nashville public school students at the new CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame last night (Jan. 28). The money was raised from the 2013 CMA Music Festival and donated through the Keep the Music Playing campaign.

The donation raises CMA’s support of music education in Metropolitan Nashville Public 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.

Eric Paslay

CMA Awards nominee and EMI Records Nashville recording artist Eric Paslay hosted the concert and was on hand for the donation announcement. Paslay has written No. 1 hits for Jake Owen, Love and Theft, and the Eli Young Band. His self-titled debut album will be released on Feb. 4. In addition to hosting the concert, Paslay performed “Less Than Whole,” with guitar students from Nashville School of the Arts.

“What an incredible night! I am so honored that I was able to be part of such a special night for CMA and music education through the Keep the Music Playing program,” Paslay said. “Performing with the students from the Nashville School of the Arts was amazing and I am in awe of their talents. I look forward to helping CMA continue to raise money and awareness for this empowering program for years to come.”