COVID-19 RESOURCES

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As a trade organization, the Country Music Association is dedicated to providing resources needed to navigate your professional and personal lives. We have compiled a generous list of resources, including organizations, that are providing support and services to the music industry. While many are specific to Middle Tennessee, there are a variety of nationwide programs too. Throughout this time, we are continuing to update our community regularly with resources, advocacy updates, and other information. If you’d like to sign up for our emails, click below.

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GIVE

We proudly support the country music industry as they have supported the CMA Foundation and its mission for years. When you give, the money is distributed to cover grants invested into nonprofits who are helping our industry members find relief from the implications of job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

As we continue to respond to people’s ever-changing needs brought on by the pandemic, we hope to share opportunities for employment with you. Whether it’s a temporary solution, a career change, or a part-time gig, we hope to support and assist you. If you need help exploring options, please reach out to our membership team at membership@cmaworld.com and we’ll do our best to help you navigate (or find you someone who can).

VIEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES

COVID RELIEF SUMMARY

On Monday, December 21, congressional leaders announced a bipartisan, $900 billion COVID relief package. The legislation includes critical provisions on unemployment, assistance for small businesses and the music industry, tax credits for paid leave, and individual assistance. The legislation passed the House 359-53 and passed the Senate 91-7. The President’s signing of the legislation is imminent. Click below for a summary of key provisions of importance to the music industry.

VIEW COVID RELIEF SUMMARY

What We're Doing to Help: CMA's Music Industry COVID Support

Thursday, December 10 at 12:30pm CT

We know those in our industry need help and need it now. CMA is committed to providing resources to those facing challenges and obstacles as a result of COVID-19. If you need help or know someone who does, please watch.

WATCH RECORDING

CMA has partnered with nonprofit partners to help bring additional resources and support to the music industry community. We will continue our support efforts throughout the coming months. In addition to maintaining ongoing dialogue with those affected, we will continue brokering partnerships and resources to serve our community.

Read on for information on how to access these resources brought to you by our valuable partners.

MUSICALLY FED

Under normal circumstances, Musically Fed works with artists, promoters, management and venues nationwide to donate unused backstage meals to community organizations to feed the hungry and food insecure. In response to the health crisis, Musically Fed stepped up to the plate when it saw its own industry in need of assistance. By partnering with other organizations, Musically Fed is providing food to those in need and the entertainment industry. Mobilizing in cities heavily populated with music professionals, Musically Fed has and will continue to host drive-thru events where cars will be able to receive food supplies. For general needs, Musically Fed can be reached by email at InsightAsst@insightmgt.net or by phone at 480-951-1882.

HOW TO ACCESS: Musically Fed has announced Winter 2021 distribution dates for Nashville. All distribution is drive-thru.

Saturday, January 30 at Clair Audio
Saturday, February 13 at Bandit Lites
Saturday, February 27 at Clair Audio
Saturday, March 13 at Bandit Lites
Saturday, March 27 at Clair Audio

Space is limited, so please sign up promptly. This opportunity is open to the music industry. For more information and to sign up, call 480-951-1882 or reach out to info@musicallyfed.com.

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PORTER'S CALL

Porter’s Call works with full-time recording artists from all genres to offer counsel, support and encouragement at no charge. The nonprofit’s goal is to help those it serves stay emotionally healthy so they can keep playing the music they love. Due to the pandemic, Porter’s Call services are currently 100% related to COVID-19. They come alongside artists experiencing anxiety, depression, relational problems, addiction and more.

HOW TO ACCESS: If you are an artist looking to utilize services provided by Porter's Call, you can email Sidnye Askew (sidnye@porterscall.com), by calling the office at 615-591-6622, or by visiting the website's contact page (www.porterscall.com/contact) and entering your information. Please mention you found this information through CMA.

Other industry professionals can also contact Porter's Call for a list of providers outside of help specifically for artists.

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THE STORE

The Store, co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley in partnership with Belmont University, operates as a free grocery store allowing people to shop for their basic needs during economic hardship and in a manner that protects the dignity and fosters hope. The Store opened in mid-March 2020 but as the COVID-19 pandemic became rampant, it had to quickly revise the service plan. Curbside pickup for regular clients and deliveries to the elderly in the community was implemented. Since opening, The Store has provided over one million meals to the Nashville community. The Store can be reached by phone at 615-460-8331.

HOW TO ACCESS: To access resources, you can go to The Store (2009 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204) Thursday-Sunday with an ID and proof of income and they will get you started with groceries right away. Go to thestore.org/files/ProofOfIncomeRequirements-10192020.pdf  for a list of accepted proof of income documents.

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MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

Music Health Alliance is a nonprofit organization providing the music industry with healthcare advocacy through health insurance, healthcare resources and confidential guidance. According to Healthcare.gov, 76% of music professionals have no access to group health benefits, and the percentage of music professionals without adequate health insurance is significantly higher than the national average of 16%. With the rise of depression and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Music Health Alliance has seen the requests for talk counseling increase by 300%. With CMA’s funding, the Music Health Alliance can underwrite counseling services for 50 individuals.

HOW TO ACCESS: To access resources provided by Music Health Alliance, head to the MHA website to request assistance or call 615-200-6896. Their client services manager will help determine your next steps and help match you with the appropriate advocate. You do not need to be in the Middle Tennessee area to take advantage of these resources.

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NOTES FOR NOTES

Notes for Notes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth with free access to music instruments, instruction and recording environments so that music can become a profoundly positive experience in their lives. Due to limitations with students able to meet in person to take advantage of Notes for Notes programming, the organization has created new opportunities to engage with youth virtually. The organization plans to launch Project Playback Payback, allowing out-of-work musicians and industry professionals employment opportunities. For more information, visit NotesforNotes.org.

HOW TO ACCESS: More information is coming soon about how to access this partnership.

LEARN MORE
TN Residents: 
  • Dial “2-1-1” to be connected with a United Way representative who can help you locate and access a wide variety of resources to meet your needs.
National:
  • To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
  • If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress, call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor with the Disaster Distress Helpline.
  • To reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to speak safely, log onto thehotline.org or text “LOVEIS” to 1-866-331-9474.
National:
  • #WeMakeEvents is raising awareness for the live events industry and advocating for the passing of the RESTART Act and extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
  • #SaveOurStages is advocating for the Save Our Stages Act and the RESTART Act.
  • The CERTS Act would provide relief to the transportation industry, including busing and trucking.
  • #SaveLiveEventsNow is a campaign to raise awareness of the current state of the live events industry.
CMA has signed onto a letter urging Congress to pass legislation to provide additional relief desperately needed by the music industry. The letter specifically asks Congress to do the following:
  1. Renew and extend Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
  2. Pass the RESTART Act
  3. Fix the CARES Act by passing the Mixed Earner Pandemic Unemployment Act
  4. Expand the Save Our Stages Act
  5. Expand employer retention tax credits and pass a 100% COBRA premium subsidy
  6. Pass the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act and the HITS Act
Click here to read the letter in its entirety.
TN Residents:
  • Cumberland Heights is an inpatient and outpatient treatment center located in Middle Tennessee for substance abuse disorders. They also provide some helpful online resources to learn about the signs of addiction.
National:
  • Bradford Health Services provides inpatient and outpatient treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction for teens, young adults and adults. With multiple locations throughout the South, they pride themselves on keeping treatment affordable and accept multiple types of insurance.
  • 12step.org provides information, tools and resources for any program that uses the 12 step principles for substance abuse or addictive behavior recovery.
  • If you’re interested in attending any online alcoholics anonymous meetings, there is a directory of online AA meetings as well as speaker tape apps and websites.
  • This 12 Step Music Industry Support Group meets every Tuesday at 11:00 AM/EST to discuss change, growth, and create a space for alcoholics/addicts to come together.
As we continue to respond to people’s ever-changing needs brought on by the pandemic, we hope to share opportunities for employment with you. Whether it’s a temporary solution, a career change, or a part-time gig to earn some extra holiday cash, we hope to support and assist you. Please visit our Job Opportunities page to find open job positions available now.  TN Residents: 
  • The Metro Action Commission’s Adult Education programs provide exam prep for GED and HiSet exams. Students review class study materials and the cost of the exam is covered by the agency. Graduates of the program are eligible for their College Prep Programs, which provides support in pursuing a college education.
  • This Homework Hotline provides free tutoring for K-12 students in Tennessee in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, Spanish and more. Parents are also able to call, and the service is completely free and anonymous. If you are outside Tennessee, other similar hotlines can be found here.
  • If you’re looking for virtual after-school programming for your middle school aged children, NAZA provides free afterschool programming for students. Programs differ by school, but individual programs and applications can be found on their website.
  • Families First is the state of Tennessee’s temporary workforce development and employment program for individuals experiencing financial hardship. Participants are provided with temporary cash assistance, transportation, child care assistance, educational support, job training, employment activities and other support services.
  • The Martha O’Bryan Center has adult education programs to meet various needs of its participants – including completing a high school diploma, increasing earning power, attending college and other goals. Their programs are free, but they ask that you complete an enrollment appointment to determine your needs. Their website has a contact form and contact information for this program.
National:
  • Khan Academy provides free online classes for all ages. Many of their classes focus on K-12 education and test prep, but each class is open to all levels. They also provide free LSAT test prep for anyone thinking of pursuing a law degree.
National:
  • If you have a Fannie Mae loan, this Fannie Mae COVID-19 Mortgage Relief website provides tools and options for Americans who are experiencing financial hardship. If you aren’t sure who owns your loan, this tool can help you determine who owns your loan.
  • Similarly, this Freddie Mac COVID-19 Mortgage Relief website provides tools and options for homeowners and renters who are facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
  • Eviction Lab provides a scorecard to each state based on the quality of their housing and eviction policies. If you’re curious to know more about your state’s housing policies, this site is a good place to start.
  • Just Shelter provides a list of housing organizations by state. If you need assistance with housing or are looking to get involved with a local organization, select your state to access organizations in your community.
  • Nolo provides an extensive library of legal articles for free that are written in an easy-to-understand way to make the law accessible for everyone. This particular article discusses bans on evictions and tenant protections that have been created due to COVID-19.
TN Residents:
  • The Family Safety Center provides free, confidential services to Tennessee residents who are victims of violence and abuse. Their services include counseling, orders of protection and referrals to partner agencies, and they are providing remote advocacy services during COVID-19.
  • The Tennessee Department of Human Services provides Family Support Services, including a childcare payment program for parents who are working in an essential business. To view a list of “essential” businesses and to apply for the program, visit their website.
  • The YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter in Middle Tennessee provides shelter and advocacy for women who are victims of domestic violence. You can access their 24-hour Crisis and Support Helpline by calling 1-800-334-4628 or texting 615-983-5170
  • Morning Star Sanctuary is a domestic violence shelter providing resources to women who are victims of domestic violence and their children. You can reach their 24/7 crisis line by calling 615-860-0003.
  • Calling the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline will connect you with a case manager who can help with child abuse situations. The hotline can be reached by calling 877-237-0004 or you can submit your concern at this secure link.
TN Residents:
  • The Metro Action Commission’s Energy Assistance Program helps with energy payments to providers for natural gas, electric and other energy sources. The application and eligibility requirements can be found on the website.
  • The Metro Action Commission’s Emergency Assistance Program provides assistance with mortgage, rent, water, prescriptions and other needs to individuals who have had a loss of income in the previous 60 days from time of applying. Customers will need to meet with a counselor to determine eligibility.
  • The Nashville Musicians AFM Local 257 has set up a relief fund for musicians in Nashville who have been impacted by COVID-19. They have also set up a resource page on their website with various other informational resources.
  • If you think you may be eligible for the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Tennessee Business Relief Program, take this short questionnaire on their website to check eligibility. If eligible, you can receive monetary relief for your business.
  • The Nashville Financial Empowerment Center provides free financial counseling to Davidson County residents. The counseling is done via phone and virtual sessions, and can cover topics like managing bills, working through debt, creating a budget and more.
  • A new program has been announced for Tennessee-based businesses. The Supplemental Employer Recovery Grant (SERG) is a new monetary relief fund designed to assist Tennessee small businesses impacted by COVID-19. If your business incurred eligible direct expenses or experienced business interruption between May 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020, you may qualify for up to $30,000 in SERG business relief funds. Applications are open from October 7 until December 29, 2020, or until program funds are depleted. For more information, visit the website or access this document.
National:
  • The Crew Nation Fund supports live music crews that have been impacted by COVID-19 through loss of shows. The fund is providing relief on a rolling basis, so check their website for information on the next application period.
  • Equal Sound has created a Corona Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to musicians who have lost work as a result of COVID-19 cancellations. Applications can be submitted per-gig, one-at-a-time.
  • MusiCares is providing financial relief to music industry professionals who have been impacted by COVID-19. Support is being prioritized to those who are facing a medical, dental, mental health, insurance, substance abuse or eviction crisis. To apply, email musicaresrelief@musicares.org to request an application and explain your current need.
  • The Grand Ole Opry’s Opry Trust Fund provides financial assistance to music industry employees in a time of extraordinary need for expenses such as medical bills, rent or mortgage or utilities. To apply for assistance, email oprytrustfund@opry.com with the subject line “Assistance Request.”
  • SAG-AFTRA members can apply to receive financial assistance for basic living expenses through the SAG-AFTRA Disaster Relief Fund. Applications are taking approximately one week to process.
  • Sweet Relief is providing financial relief to go toward medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food or other vital living expenses to those impacted through sickness or loss of work. View eligibility requirements at their website.
  • Music Health Alliance has set up a COVID-19 Grant to support music professionals impacted by COVID-19. Eligible expenses include food, medication, health insurance and others. More information and the grant application can be found on their website.
  • #MusicUnited is a peer-to-peer donation platform that allows individuals to list their name and needs on the website for others to donate directly. For more information or to create an account, visit their website.
  • The Financial Resilience Center contains a variety of resources for financial wellness and includes some resources specifically for those with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
TN Residents:
  • Graceworks Ministries has a mobile food pantry providing food by appointment only. Families with school aged children can visit once every 15 days, while families without school aged children can visit once every 30 days. To make an appointment online, click here.
  • One Generation Away provides drive-through food distribution in multiple counties. They have a “no questions asked” policy and are taking safety precautions during COVID-19. Their next location, date and time are available on their website.
  • St. Luke’s Community House is providing appointments for contactless food pickup for Davidson County residents. Appointments can be scheduled on their website.
  • The West Nashville Dream Center has a mobile food pantry for residents of Davidson County. The next times and locations can be found on their website.
  • The Tennessee Dept of Human Services EBT and SNAP programs provide financial support with food and groceries to Tennessee residents who meet certain income criteria. For eligibility and to apply, visit their website.
  • Second Harvest Food Bank provides food programs to those in need in Middle Tennessee. Visit their website for information on specific programs or to locate a food bank by county.
  • When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a short intake that we ask all of our new customers to complete. Your information will be kept confidential. No appointment is necessary. You may visit once a week for groceries as long as you are in need. You may pick up groceries at our physical location located at 2009 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204. Operational hours are: Thursday-Friday 1-5pm and Saturday 11am-3pm.
  • DRKMTTR provides a free store, stocked with essential food supplies, everyday Saturday's 12pm - 6pm. It is open to anyone in the Nashville community who needs food resources. Located at 111 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
National:
  • FoodFinder is a mobile and web app that helps individuals find free food assistance programs based on location.
  • Feeding America provides a database of food pantries and meal programs organized by zip code or by state.
TN Residents:
  • Project Access connects uninsured individuals in Davidson County to the care they need. Their network of care providers offer many services and serve patients based on ability to pay. For more information and how to access, visit their website.
  • Hope Clinic for Women provides a variety of healthcare services to women including pregnancy care, counseling and education. Their services are confidential and many are available virtually.
  • Meharry Medical provides medical and dental care at an affordable price. They accept most insurance plans and offer payment plans. For medical appointments, call 615-327-6348. For dental appointments, call 615-327-6900.
  • United Neighborhood Health provides medical, dental and behavioral health care to anyone in need of care. They accept walk-ins, they treat anyone with or without insurance and they have interpreters available. Visit their website for more information or to locate one of their 13 facilities.
  • Vanderbilt Behavioral Health provides inpatient, outpatient and emergency psychiatric care for children, adolescents and adults. They have a 24/7 Crisis Assessment and Admissions line that can be reached by calling 615-327-7000.
  • HCA’s Healthcare Uninsured Patient Advisor Hotline is a free service that helps connect individuals without insurance or with insurance concerns to potential insurance resources. The hotline is available Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM-6:00 PM/EST and can be reached by calling 833-541-5757.
  • Interfaith Dental Clinic provides emergency dental services on a sliding scale based on an individual’s income and family size. For more information, visit their website or call 615-329-4790 (Greater Nashville) or 615-225-4141 (Rutherford County).
  • Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center provides affordable care for underinsured and uninsured individuals in Middle Tennessee. They have three locations in Nashville, Clarksville and Smyrna.
National:
TN Residents:
  • United Way is compiling organizations that can provide assistance to people in Middle Tennessee. Many of those resources are listed here. If you need help navigating the resources, you can call “2-1-1” and speak with someone who can help you find what you need.
  • Good to Go is a free program, created by The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, in cooperation with Vanderbilt Health and Ryman Hospitality Properties, that provides coronavirus resources, information and support from leading infectious disease experts to help businesses in every industry confidently and safely implement health and safety guidelines.
National:
  • The Music Unites Us website contains many resources for the music industry community including financial resources, advocacy, how to help others and much more.
  • Benefits.gov provides an overview of government benefits you may be eligible for, based on answers to a few questions.
  • The Tour Professionals Alliance (TPA) is a group of tour and production managers who have joined together to find ways to help touring professionals navigate the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Created by crew and for crew, TPA is working toward addressing the immediate impact of COVID-19 while also preparing for future disasters.
TN Residents:
  • The Legal Aid Society provides a wide range of legal services on topics such as employment, family and domestic violence, education, housing and others. They have eight offices that serve four counties in Tennessee. View their website for contact information.
National:
TN Residents:
  • Agape provides a variety of services including counseling, maternity care and domestic violence support. For more information on their many services, visit their website.
  • Mental Health Cooperative offers full-service behavioral healthcare for children, adults and adolescents. They also have a primary care clinic for anyone who is uncomfortable or has anxiety when visiting a doctor. Visit their website for more information or call 615-743-1555 for immediate help.
  • STARS offers school and community programs for K-12 students that address issues like bullying, substance abuse and violence.
  • Tennessee Voices offers various programs that promote children’s mental and emotional health and overall school/life success.
National:
  • Centerstone provides mental health and substance abuse treatment national through outpatient clinics, residential programs, an inpatient hospital and telehealth. There are locations in Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida.
  • Backline is a free service that provides mental health and wellness resources to the music industry. They also host regular support groups for music industry professionals via Zoom.
  • Porter’s Call helps artists find counsel, support and encouragement specific to their profession.
  • Tour Support supports touring professionals with difficult feelings surrounding life on the road. During the pandemic, they’ve focused on helping out-of-work professionals process feelings as the music industry shifts. Through tour support, touring professionals can apply for a free month of counseling with BetterHelp.
  • Better Help is an online counseling platform that makes therapy discreet, affordable and convenient. Counseling can occur over messaging, live chat, video conferencing or phone calls. BetterHelp matches applicants with a relevant counselor and the cost of the service is billed monthly. Through Tour Support, touring professionals can apply for a free month.
  • Pride Counseling provides online counseling for the LGBTQ community. Applicants are assigned a counselor and can communicate via phone, video and messaging.
  • Talkspace is chatroom based therapy offering sessions that are meant to allow more people to benefit from therapy in a convenient and stigma-free environment. Talkspace starts at $65/week, but they do accept insurance.
National:
  • Internet Essentials provides affordable high-speed internet to families who meet certain income requirements. During COVID, they are providing 2 months free to new customers.
TN Residents:
  • Conexion Americas has various programs to help the Latino community in Middle Tennessee, including education, homeownership, family services and much more.
  • United Way of Nashville provides various programs for education, financial stability and health to Middle Tennessee residents (Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman, Robertson and Williamson Counties).
  • Salvation Army of Nashville is taking screening appointments to request rent, mortgage or utility assistance for Davidson County residents. In addition, they have information on food pantries.
  • HOME is a creative incubator that provides access to 24/7 music workspaces, an online networking community, business development programs, and more. Click here for more information on membership.
  • Renew Nashville is a citywide initiative to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with expertise and resources aimed at increasing their rate of survival. Has your business been affected by COVID-19? Are you an entrepreneur looking for information on how to make the transition through this difficult time? Apply today to claim your spot in Renew Nashville and receive access to critical resources at no cost. For more information and to apply, click here.
National:
  • The Actor’s Fund provides services such as career support, healthcare, financial resources and more for individuals working in entertainment. They’re experiencing a high volume of applications, so applications may take two weeks or more to process.
  • Findhelp.org is a database that provides information on programs for food, housing, education, health and more, based on zip code.
National

In addition to guiding the industry to these resources, we are working diligently to advocate on matters that impact the industry now and in the future. Our hope is to extend beyond our Country community, to help the music business thrive during these uncertain times.

To help us in our advocacy efforts, we are inviting professionals from all areas of the industry to share their stories of how COVID-19 has impacted their personal and professional lives. There is a public perception that the music industry is all glitz and glamour, but we need the public to understand the many professionals who stand in the shadows behind the stars in our industry. We know that ALL genres have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, so we invite professionals who have worked in any and all genres to share their stories. It is our mission to educate the public by bringing everyone into the spotlight.

Your story will enable us to strengthen the message and provide data around the needs of the music industry during this unprecedented time. If you are so inclined, please click below to share your story with us. You can submit your story as a written statement (with optional photo) or a video statement. With a written statement, you will have the option to keep your story anonymous.

The more stories we can gather, the more impact these stories will have. It’s crucial we share an accurate picture of how the music industry has been – and continues to be – impacted. It has become very clear that there is a lack of understanding about our industry, which is causing a lack of assistance. We hope you will share this email or the link to the form with your friends and colleagues. Let your voice be heard.

SHARE YOUR STORY