CMA’s Industry Prep Program, CMA EDU, Selects Membership Class of 2022-2023
The CMA EDU Leadership Program, the Country Music Association’s industry development pipeline, has selected its membership class of 2022-2023. Established in 2011, the program was created to develop and support the next generation of music industry leaders and is offered to a select group of students from across the country who demonstrate a drive to succeed in the music business. With programming customized to each member, students will engage in professional development and industry exposure opportunities throughout their yearlong CMA EDU experience. See the video below to meet this year’s class.
Through educational resources, Q&As with professionals, informational interviews and more, students will be exposed to every aspect of the industry. Programming topics will include resume building, interview skills, general business and industry best practices, and networking skills. Students will be matched with a mentor from the CMA EDU alumni base to help them navigate the program and advise on what to expect post-graduation.
CMA will also host the full CMA EDU class this summer for the annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit. The virtual multi-day conference will include two three days of extensive professional development training, engaging industry education and robust networking opportunities.
“My biggest congratulations to our CMA EDU Class of 2022-2023!” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “CMA EDU has always been about bridging the gap between our industry and the next generation of leaders by providing students with access and opportunities to experience our industry first-hand. With an impressive class this year, I am excited to usher in such a well-rounded, ambitious group of young leaders.”
“As our industry pipeline, CMA EDU exists to empower, equip and champion students to step into their careers with confidence,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “We focus on college transition and job preparedness because it’s a basic barrier to accessing job opportunities. Because we do not assume all students have an inherent understanding of professional pathways in the music industry, we are committed to providing CMA EDU members with real-world opportunities and support from mentors and experts in the industry. By fostering meaningful connections and cultivating leadership qualities that can be utilized in the music business and beyond, we have positioned CMA EDU so that all students across all backgrounds are able to thrive within the program. We are thrilled to welcome this new class of talented and driven students to our CMA EDU family and we can’t wait to get started!”
Additionally, CMA is excited to congratulate 24 graduating seniors from the CMA EDU class of 2021-2022. Keep an eye on CMA EDU’s Instagram for a spotlight on each of these incredible seniors!
College students interested in applying for the next CMA EDU class can learn more at cma-edu.com.
