CMA EDU Selects 2024–2025 Class

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The Country Music Association’s industry development program, CMA EDU, has selected its 2024–2025 membership class.

Established in 2011, the year-long program is designed develop and support the next generation of music industry leaders. Each year, a select group of students from around the country who demonstrate a drive to succeed in the music business are invited to participate. With programming customized to each member, students will engage in professional development and industry exposure opportunities throughout their CMA EDU experience.

CMA EDU also aims to provide members with industry experience through educational materials, expert Q&A sessions, one-on-one career coaching calls with CMA staff, informational panels and access to real-world music industry opportunities including working CMA Fest and the CMA Awards. Programming will cover various topics such as crafting resumes, honing interview techniques, understanding business fundamentals, learning industry norms and enhancing networking proficiency.

Each student will be paired with a mentor from the CMA EDU alumni network to guide them through the program and give insights into their post-graduation endeavors. Since it began, the program boasts a 91% job placement rate at the time of graduation, and this year’s graduating class is on track for the same benchmark. This summer, CMA EDU will welcome the new class of participants for the annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit. The multi-day conference will feature three days of comprehensive professional development sessions, immersive industry education and networking opportunities.

“We are so excited to welcome a new class of CMA EDU,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “As our industry continues to progress and expand, it is vital that we are bringing up the next generation of music business professionals with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed. This 2024-2025 CMA EDU class is a true reflection of the future of our industry, and I have no doubt that these students will continue to light the bright path that country music is on.”

The CMA EDU 2024–2025 Class:
Grady Bachman – Coastal Carolina University
Emily Benson-Tyler – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kami Berman – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Sophie Biancalana – Belmont University
Maggie Blazina – Murray State University
Elizabeth Burns – Murray State University
Dillon Cantrell – Carson Newman University
Emily Chin – University of Wisconsin, Madison
Chloe Clevenger – Belmont University
Landon Collins – Middle Tennessee State University
Hannah Cox – Florida Gulf Coast University
Raelon Dahmer – Tennessee State University
Kathryn Danley – Auburn University
Erin deMacedo – Stonehill College
Ava Eszenyi – Boston College
Marc Feliu – University of Miami
Khyri Flounory – Tennessee State University
David Gring – Vanderbilt University
Hasitha Guhan – University of California, Los Angeles
Olivia Guihan – Northeastern University
Cadee Havard – Middle Tennessee State University
Claire Holbrook – Middle Tennessee State University
Emma Jedow – Belmont University
Alondra Johnson – Coastal Carolina University
Loren Joy de Los Santos – Chapman University
Isabella Karageanes – Michigan State University
Mary Chandler Keels – Clemson University
Christian Larson – South Dakota State University
Claire Martin – University of South Carolina
McKay Massengale – Baylor University
Maddie McCoy – University of Montana
Elena Miers – Belmont University
Creed Miller – University of Colorado Boulder
Trey Morris – University of Tampa
Macy Dot Neal – Belmont University
Grayson Pitt – Vanderbilt University
Karly Ramnani – University of Southern California
Alison Reed – The University of Alabama
William Rogers – Loyola University New Orleans
Kayla Ross – High Point University
Abigail Roubinek – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Matthew Thorn – University of Notre Dame
Bella Veal – University of South Carolina
Mary (MK) Ware – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carly Webster – Sinclair Community College
Sara West – Vanderbilt University
Alyssa Willett – Middle Tennessee State University
Michelle Wu – Northeastern University
McKenna York – Carson-Newman University

Liza Anderson
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