THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION’S INDUSTRY PREP PROGRAM, CMA EDU, SELECTS
MEMBERSHIP CLASS OF 2024-2025
The Country Music Association’s industry development pipeline, CMA EDU, has selected its membership class of 2024-2025. 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 around 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.
“We are so excited to welcome a new class of CMA EDU,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “As our industry continues to progress and expand, it is vital that we are bringing up the next generation of music business professionals with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed. This 2024-2025 CMA EDU class is a true reflection of the future of our industry, and I have no doubt that these students will continue to light the bright path that Country Music is on.”
Students will gain comprehensive industry experience through educational materials, expert Q&A sessions, one-on-one career coaching calls with CMA staff, informational panels and access to exciting, real-world music industry opportunities such as working CMA Fest and the CMA Awards. Programming will cover various topics such as crafting resumes, honing interview techniques, understanding business fundamentals, learning industry norms and enhancing networking proficiency. Each student will be paired with a mentor from the CMA EDU alumni network to guide them through the program and offer insights into their post-graduation endeavors.
The previous 2023-2024 CMA EDU class experienced programming with guests such as Chris Kappy (Luke Combs’ manager and Founder and Chief Navigation Officer, Make Wake Artists) discussing the year of “Fast Car,” Stacey Vee (Executive Vice President, Goldenvoice) providing an inside look at booking Stagecoach, Michael Jasper (Agent, WME) taking members behind the scenes of Zach Bryan’s Bud Light partnership, Gabe Simon (Writer/Producer) on producing and writing Noah Kahan’s album Stick Season, Sloane Logue (Partner and Head of Client Strategy, WME) on combatting imposter syndrome, and Todd Hartley (Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, CMA) sharing an inside look at entertainment law and more.
This summer, CMA will welcome the new class of CMA EDU students for the annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit. The multi-day conference will feature three days of comprehensive professional development sessions, immersive industry education and ample networking opportunities.
CMA is excited to congratulate 19 graduating seniors from the CMA EDU class of 2023-2024. Since CMA EDU began in 2011, the program boasts a 91% job placement rate at the time of graduation, and this year’s graduating class is on track for the same benchmark.
College students interested in applying for the next CMA EDU class can learn more at cma-edu.com.
The 2024-2025 CMA EDU class:
- Grady Bachman – Coastal Carolina University
- Emily Benson-Tyler – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Kami Berman – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Sophie Biancalana – Belmont University
- Maggie Blazina – Murray State University
- Elizabeth Burns – Murray State University
- Dillon Cantrell – Carson Newman University
- Emily Chin – University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Chloe Clevenger – Belmont University
- Landon Collins – Middle Tennessee State University
- Hannah Cox – Florida Gulf Coast University
- Raelon Dahmer – Tennessee State University
- Kathryn Danley – Auburn University
- Erin deMacedo – Stonehill College
- Ava Eszenyi – Boston College
- Marc Feliu – University of Miami
- Khyri Flounory – Tennessee State University
- David Gring – Vanderbilt University
- Hasitha Guhan – University of California, Los Angeles
- Olivia Guihan – Northeastern University
- Cadee Havard – Middle Tennessee State University
- Claire Holbrook – Middle Tennessee State University
- Emma Jedow – Belmont University
- Alondra Johnson – Coastal Carolina University
- Loren Joy de Los Santos – Chapman University
- Isabella Karageanes – Michigan State University
- Mary Chandler Keels – Clemson University
- Christian Larson – South Dakota State University
- Claire Martin – University of South Carolina
- McKay Massengale – Baylor University
- Maddie McCoy – University of Montana
- Elena Miers – Belmont University
- Creed Miller – University of Colorado Boulder
- Trey Morris – University of Tampa
- Macy Dot Neal – Belmont University
- Grayson Pitt – Vanderbilt University
- Karly Ramnani – University of Southern California
- Alison Reed – The University of Alabama
- William Rogers – Loyola University New Orleans
- Kayla Ross – High Point University
- Abigail Roubinek – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Matthew Thorn – University of Notre Dame
- Bella Veal – University of South Carolina
- Mary (MK) Ware – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Carly Webster – Sinclair Community College
- Sara West – Vanderbilt University
- Alyssa Willett – Middle Tennessee State University
- Michelle Wu – Northeastern University
- McKenna York – Carson-Newman University
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, CMA is the premier trade association of the Country Music industry. Representing professionals making a living in Country Music globally, the organization serves as a critical resource of support and information, honors excellence in the genre and provides a forum for industry leadership. CMA is dedicated to expanding Country Music around the world through a number of core programs and initiatives including the organization’s three annual television properties—the CMA Awards, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas,” all of which air on ABC. The organization’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, works tirelessly to provide equitable access to music education in order to create impactful change for students and teachers across the United States.
Photo Credit: CMA
