Veteran Music Educator Franklin Willis Joins The CMA Foundation

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Franklin Willis. Photo: Nora Canfield

Franklin Willis, a veteran Nashville music educator, has been hired as Community Impact Director for The CMA Foundation, effective Aug. 8.

In the newly created role, Willis will help further the CMA Foundation’s commitment to fostering high quality and sustainable music education programs across the U.S. He will play a crucial role in the creation and execution of all the CMA Foundation’s events, initiatives and programs, and work closely with teachers, students, policymakers, nonprofit partners and other key stakeholders to expand outreach, increase involvement and foster connection.

Carrie Underwood surprises Franklin Willis’ Andrew Jackson Elementary School class ahead of the group’s performance of Underwood’s “The Champion” on the Nissan Stadium stage during CMA Fest 2019. Photo: Electric Machine/CMA

“Franklin has been a key voice and valuable partner to the CMA Foundation for many years,” says Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “He not only shares our passion for furthering and fostering quality music education programs for students, but as a former music educator and past Music Teacher of Excellence himself, he offers invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the arts. We are thrilled to welcome Franklin to our team and are excited to maximize his creativity and robust knowledge to create impactful and sustainable change across music and arts education.”

Prior to joining CMA, Willis spent a more than a decade as a music educator, most recently as an Elementary Music Coach for Metro Nashville Public Schools. While there, he developed strategies to increase student music achievement and music teachers’ capacity by cultivating professional development communities, implementing curriculum, articulating district initiatives and training teachers and other instructional staff.

Beginning Aug. 8, Willis can be reached at fwillis@cmaworld.com.

LB Cantrell
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