CMA Teams Up With Discovery Education To Launch New STEAM Program

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Photo: Courtesy of CMA and Discovery Education.

CMA has partnered with worldwide EdTech leader Discovery Education to launch “Working in Harmony: Every Voice is Instrumental,” a program designed to encourage students to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) careers within the country music industry. The educational project focuses on students and educators in grades 3-12 nationwide, and provides an array of no-cost digital resources for students to learn about the many career opportunities offered within the world of country music.

CMA is the first-ever music organization to collaborate with Discovery Education. The multi-year partnership includes standards-aligned resources designed for wherever learning takes place, and intends to show students how country music is driven by bold ideas, diverse professionals and a wide variety of unique STEAM careers. The content seeks to inspire students to become collaborative and forward-thinking leaders by covering career profiles that utilize STEAM skills as well as with classroom activities, instructional supports and family activities.

The first content offering within “Working in Harmony” is a three-part video topic series, “This is STEAM Country!,” which explores live performances and festivals. Each video will be paired with standards-aligned curriculum to strengthen the concepts within each grade band. The video series features Aaron Farmer (Music Director, Florida Georgia Line), Alec Takahashi (Creative Director/Lighting Designer, Thomas Rhett) and Lindsay Bertelli (Owner/President, Reach LLC), who demonstrate how each of their innovative skill sets help bring CMA Fest to life.

“Harmonious collaboration is the key to any successful venture, and we are proud to partner with the Country Music Association and the CMA Foundation to provide the resources needed by educators and students to explore and pursue careers utilizing STEAM skills,” states Discovery Education General Manager of Social Impact Amy Nakamoto.

“Through our partnership with Discovery Education, we are thrilled to deliver these resources directly to students and educators that highlight how our industry professionals embrace powerful STEAM skills to bring country music to fans around the world,” says CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “As a trade organization representing the country music industry, our role has always been to provide support while also guiding the business through challenges. Our industry has seen firsthand the significant amount of labor loss as a result of the pandemic, as well as the critical need to provide a diverse pipeline of individuals to all areas of the business. This partnership will allow students around the country to learn about the many career opportunities our industry has to offer, and we hope they’ll even become a fan of country music in the process!”

Following today’s (Oct. 12) program premiere, Discovery Education will debut a virtual field trip to be captured during the 56th Annual CMA Awards in November, giving students an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the various elements of the award show. The CMA Awards virtual field trip content and curriculum will launch early next year within the Discovery Education K-12 learning platform with additional content produced throughout the collaboration.

For more information, click here.

Liza Anderson
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