THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION
DRUMS UP SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS
WE’VE ALL HEARD THAT “MUSIC IS THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE.” From the memories a song can carry into our minds, to the documented healing a melody can bring to pain and brain injuries, music touches us like nothing else can. Research shows that when music is part of a child’s education, it increases the child’s ability to stick with their studies and thrive in the classroom. Recent statistics from The Children’s Music Workshop show that schools with music programs have an estimated 90 percent graduation rate and a 94 percent attendance rate compared to schools without music education, which average 73 percent graduation and 85 percent attendance.
“ this country Every child in deserves to have access and opportunity to participate in high-quality music education. The folks at the Country Music Association recognize the power of music. And when they wondered how they could use their influence to better the world, the CMA decided to focus on schools that have suffered cuts to arts programs, and raise awareness for how those cuts have impacted school music programs all across the country. In 2006, the CMA Foundation began to invest in music education, with the overwhelming support of artists and industry professionals who had firsthand knowledge of what it was like to fall in love with music in the classroom.
Andrew Jackson Elementary Choir performs during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo Credit John Russell and CMA. 6
