Country Music Association launches student chapter on campus

The Country Music Association (CMA) has expanded CMA EDU, the association's education-based, national college initiative, to Lipscomb University and Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The program is designed to reach and engage undergraduate college students with a hands-on opportunity to enhance their skills in marketing and promotion.

 

The program launched in February at Belmont University in Nashville with 115 members and has grown to more than 250 this semester.  

 

 

"We are pleased with the growth and success of this new initiative," said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Interest in starting similar groups at schools outside of central Tennessee has been high and we are looking forward to building a program that will benefit college students interested in country music and gaining valuable business experience."

 

With the support of CMA and the country music community, students will gain networking opportunities, unique educational experiences, and leadership training, all while promoting the country music genre. The program will also serve as an opportunity for CMA to partner with the music industry community on different levels in an effort to engage and grow the format fan base.

 

CMA has already received interest from schools in Alabama, California, Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia.  Students enrolled in CMA EDU commit to holding monthly meetings and working closely with CMA and members of the Country Music community to develop workshops, panels, networking opportunities and leadership training.

 

"By establishing a CMA EDU chapter on campus, I hope to introduce Lipscomb students of every major to job opportunities they may not have thought about before," said Jacob Street, a Lipscomb University sophomore and president of the new chapter. "Through the opportunities provided to network, volunteer at events, and meet one-on-one with industry professionals, this organization will open up new job opportunities to students and help them refine their leadership and networking skills for the future."

 

"CMA EDU is a great opportunity for college students because we not only get to hear about the industry, but are able to get an inside look and actually work in it," said Lauren Klausing, a Belmont University junior and chapter president. "It's a meaningful way to take what we've learned in the classroom and apply it to real situations. It says a lot for the future of country music that the CMA is reaching out for our input and involvement."

A membership application form is available at www.CMAworld.com/CMAedu.