Nashville Honors Excellence in Music Education at CMA Foundation Awards

Nashville Celebrates Music Teachers at the CMA Foundation Awards

On a lively Tuesday night in Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame transformed into a vibrant celebration of music education as the CMA Foundation held its annual Music Teachers of Excellence awards. This special event, now in its eighth year, brought together a heartwarming selection of music educators from across the nation, highlighting their significant contributions to shaping young musicians’ lives.

The evening was full of emotional performances and touching speeches from beloved country artists who shared how their own music teachers made a lasting impact on their journeys. As Tiffany Kerns, the executive director of the CMA Foundation, expressed in her opening remarks, “Our commitment to music education is rooted in the belief that it is a fundamental right.” She emphasized the foundation’s dedication to ensuring that every student has the chance to explore the wonders of music, remarking that “to reach a student, you must invest in a teacher.”

Honoring the Unsung Heroes

Since launching the Music Teachers of Excellence Awards, the CMA Foundation has recognized 178 music educators, donating an impressive $1.3 million to music education programs across the country. The funds, contributed by generous donors and a portion of proceeds from the weekly CMA Fest, have played a vital role in supporting and enhancing music education.

One of the standout moments of the night came from country star Walker Hayes, who took the stage with a simple acoustic guitar and an emotional story about how a music teacher named Mr. Powell changed his life. As the youngest of nine siblings, Hayes jokingly shared his struggles with identity and getting into trouble until music found him. “Honestly, all of that changed when I met Mr. Powell,” he shared, recalling how the choir director not only nurtured his musical talent but also helped him connect with his future wife.

Building Confidence, Shaping Futures

Hayes performed his moving song “Father Time,” captivating the audience and even receiving the first standing ovation of the evening. He emphasized the lasting impact music teachers have, encouraging those present to understand the power of their influence.

Following Hayes was musician Charlie Worsham, who became emotional as he recounted his own journey with music teachers Mr. Wallace and Miss Dugan. Worsham shared how piano lessons ignited his passion for performance, setting him on a path that led him to the grand stages of the world. “Had I not first learned to deal with nerves in the Grenada, Mississippi Public Library, I couldn’t stand on stage today at Red Rocks or Nissan Stadium,” Worsham reflected.

Worsham introduced both Miss Dugan and Mr. Wallace to the crowd, who were met with thunderous applause as a show of gratitude for their dedication and the profound effect they had on his life.

Kindness Behind the Scenes

But perhaps the most touching story occurred behind the scenes. Musician Alana Springsteen learned that music educator Allen Kennedy from Hume–Fogg Academic High School was in need of keyboards for his students. In a heartfelt gesture, she gifted him a keyboard, saying, “The piano was a very special instrument to me growing up.” She hoped it would create special memories for the students.

Kennedy expressed how significant the gift was. “Even the smallest things can have huge effects,” he noted, highlighting how the piano would be a resource not just for now, but for many future students.

Looking Ahead

The CMA Foundation continues to advocate for music education, believing in its transformative power for students everywhere. Applications for the 2025 Music Teachers of Excellence are open, ensuring that this essential support for music educators does not wane.

As the night concluded with a sense of camaraderie and gratitude, it was clear that the love and support for music education were alive and well. The CMA Foundation’s celebration not only recognized the dedicated work of these teachers but also served as a reminder of the invaluable role they play in shaping the next generation of musicians.