CMA Foundation Unites Music, Sports And Science For Music Education At SXSW EDU

CMA and Grammy Award-Winning Artist Lee Ann Womack, World Series Winner Barry Zito, and Decorated NASA Astronaut (Ret.) Clayton Anderson Join the CMA Foundation for a Conversation on Why Music Matters

Panel Moderation by NBC News and “TODAY” Show Host Sheinelle Jones

‘Why Music Matters: Shaping the Next Generation’ – March 4, 2019 at 11 AM CT at Austin Convention Center Room: 18ABC

The CMA Foundation, a national music education nonprofit and the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, will produce the panel, “Why Music Matters – Shaping the Next Generation,” at 11 AM/CT on Monday, March 4 at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas.

Joining the CMA Foundation on stage will be CMA and Grammy award-winning Country artist Lee Ann Womack, former Major League Baseball player and World Series champion Barry Zito, and NASA Astronaut (Ret.) Clayton Anderson with moderation by co-anchor of weekend “TODAY” and co-host of 3rd Hour of “TODAY” Sheinelle Jones.

For these accomplished music lovers, being involved in music education provided a safe and inclusive space to create and dream. They’ll dive into how music impacted their lives both personally and professionally, giving them the confidence, leadership skills and inspiration to live out their goals, as well as why their lessons and experience through music still influence their lives today.

“Music education is critical to providing students with a well-rounded education and to help put them on the right track to become creative and collaborative leaders,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Our panelists are the perfect examples of how a quality music education can positively impact your life and help shape your future.”

Research continues to show us the positive impact that a quality music education has on a child’s academic and social success, yet music education is still sadly underfunded and overlooked across the United States. The CMA Foundation’s mission is to ensure every child has access to a high-quality music education and every music educator is provided the resources they need to create a thriving program. As this panel will show, music is not just a fun elective course – it’s vital to a well-rounded education.

About the CMA Foundation

Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining music education programs across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested more than $25 million across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, proceeds from CMA Fest, the four-day long music festival held annually in Nashville, are used to power the CMA Foundation’s social impact and unique model of giving.

For more information on the CMA Foundation, visit CMAfoundation.org.

The CMA Foundation, a national music education nonprofit and the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, will produce the panel, “Why Music Matters – Shaping the Next Generation,” at 11 AM/CT on Monday, March 4 at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas featuring CMA and Grammy award-winning Country artist Lee Ann Womack, former Major League Baseball player and World Series champion Barry Zito, and NASA Astronaut (Ret.) Clayton Anderson with moderation by co-anchor of weekend “TODAY” and co-host of 3rd Hour of “TODAY” Sheinelle Jones.