NASHVILLE, TENN – For 13 years, the CMA Foundation has invested in Metro Nashville Public Schools’ music education, serving as a partner committed to delivering high-quality music education for the students of Music City. In a continuation of its strategic partnership with MNPS, the CMA Foundation is investing another $300,000 for the 2019-20 school year, bringing the total to $12.5 million since 2006.
“The CMA Foundation’s commitment to our district enriches the lives of our students through the gift of a robust music education program and we are so grateful for their support to our students and our dedicated music educators,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, interim director of Metro Nashville Public Schools. “When we work together, as a community, we can make great things happen for all students in all schools and our long-term partnership with the CMA Foundation proves that.”
After more than a decade of collaboration, this year’s investment will support an enhanced vision for music education in Metro Schools. Together, the foundation and the district will strengthen their focus on keeping excellent music educators in our classrooms, supporting music educators in reaching diverse student learners and tailoring instruction to them, while continuing to make sure all students have access to the educational tools and resources necessary to be successful.
“The CMA Foundation understands that every child needs access to high-quality music education and that our teachers need the proper tools to deliver this demand,” states Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “We make investments towards music education all over the country, but working here in our own backyard has been very important because we are able to witness first-hand how CMA Foundation’s investment towards music education has impacted the lives of Nashville students and educators.”
Music education has been a proven component to a well-rounded educational experience and drives student achievement. With that in mind, the district and the foundation will join forces to provide extra layers of support to MNPS’ priority schools, TSI (targeted support and improvements) and ATSI (additional targeted support and improvement) schools. Reimagining what music education looks like in these schools will give students more opportunities for personalized learning and growth.
This strategy was driven by feedback from those closest to the work: Metro Schools’ music educators. The MNPS Music Education Needs Assessment, which was funded by the CMA Foundation and produced by Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and Metis Associates, shed light on areas of need for teacher support and development, as well as new opportunities for students.
In addition to these investments, the CMA Foundation continues to be a champion of music education in Metro Schools through educator recognition programs like the Music Teachers of Excellence Awards, opportunities for students such as performing at CMA Fest, classroom visits by professional artists and investments in schools’ unique music programs.
“We are proud to work side by side with the CMA Foundation to ensure that more MNPS students have equitable access to music programs of excellence and our teachers have the support they need to be most effective,” said Jeff Smith, Director of Visual and Performing Arts for MNPS. “The CMA Foundation’s commitment to supporting our strategic work will ensure the success and sustainability of music programs throughout our district. We deeply appreciate the investment and continued partnership.”
