CMA Foundation showcases music education equity through student performances at CMA Fest

Students from the Roots of Music program in New Orleans experienced several firsts during their CMA Fest debut in Nashville, including their first national performance. (Photo by Unplash)

For a group of students from the Roots of Music program in New Orleans, performing at CMA Fest in Nashville last weekend marked several firsts: first plane ride, first time outside Louisiana and first national performance opportunity.

The Roots of Music, a nonprofit based in New Orleans, offers students ages 9 to 14 free music instruction, academic tutoring, meals and transportation. Over the four-day festival, its students performed on national stages as part of the Country Music Association Foundation’s effort to highlight youth involvement in music and bring visibility to programs that provide equitable access to arts education.

The CMA Foundation has supported the Roots of Music program since 2017. Tiffany Kerns, the foundation’s executive director, said the organization looks for programs that remove access barriers to music education.

“At Roots, they aren’t just teaching music — they’re developing the next generation of leaders,” Kerns said.

According to Kerns, the foundation’s relationship with the organization began after witnessing a rehearsal and noting the rigor and discipline required of the students. The program’s structure includes marching while playing instruments, breath control, and consistent practice.

The CMA Foundation’s education grantmaking prioritizes equity and comprehensive student support. Programs like the Roots of Music are designed to meet students’ needs beyond music instruction, including addressing challenges such as food insecurity, transportation and academic assistance.

“Many out-of-school programs expect students to arrive ready to learn, but that’s not always realistic,” Kerns said. “This program meets students where they are.”

CMA Fest is also the CMA Foundation’s largest fundraiser. This year a portion of proceeds, totaling $2.5 million, from the event's ticket sales, merchandise and vendor donations will go to support music education programs like Roots of Music. The foundation is producing a mini-documentary series, set to release in the fall, that will explore the experiences of the Roots of Music students and the broader impact of music education. The project aims to raise continued awareness around access and equity in arts education.

The performance at CMA Fest represented a milestone for the participating students and was part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to spotlight music education programs across the country.