TABLE OF CONTENTS

About CMA

Welcome to CMA EDU

How to Start a Chapter

Officers

Electing Officers

Faculty Advisor

Semester Outlook

Chapter Meeting Example

Campus Promotion & Recruiting

Maintain Charter

Brand Guidelines

More than 7,400 music industry professionals and companies

around the globe are members of the Country Music

Association. Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for

a single genre of music, the organization’s objectives are to

serve as an educational and professional resource for the

industry while advancing the growth of Country Music around

the world.

CMA brings Country Music to the world, not only through its

three signature events, CMA Music Festival, CMA Awards and

CMA Country Christmas, but throughout the year as a platform

to promote the genre, its artists and its community with

initiatives and events with the sole purpose of advancing

Country Music.

WELCOME

CMA EDU is the Country Music Association’s college outreach and business development program. CMA

EDU’s primary focus is to educate college students on career opportunities within the music and

entertainment industries. Each semester CMA EDU invites industry professionals including artists as guest

speakers to their respective campuses. Industry speakers share their insights into the field, discuss current

industry trends and impart concrete advice on how to successfully pursue and excel in a music business

career.

CMA EDU Chapters are also challenged to work directly with industry professionals on projects tailored to

the college market. These projects allow students to strengthen teamwork skills, gain practical industry-

related experience and participate in fun and innovative music initiatives.

CMA EDU Contact Information:

Tiffany Kerns – Community Outreach Manager @ CMA

tkerns@cmaworld.com

(615) 244-2840

www.cma-edu.com

HOW TO START A CHAPTER 1. Identify a qualified CMA EDU President. The success of a chapter hinges on student leadership. The President must

demonstrate proven leadership ability, organizational skills, commitment and initiative in developing the program. The President is

the primary point of contact between the chapter and CMA.

2. Identify a dedicated faculty advisor. The faculty advisor ensures that CMA EDU is successful and able to sustain growth long

term. The faculty advisor liaises between the President and university leadership when necessary. The faculty advisor serves as a

resource in negotiating conflict and offers guidance to the President and the Executive team. The faculty advisor does not have to

specialize in the music or entertainment field, however, the advisor must recognize the value CMA EDU as a development tool for

college students interested in pursuing a career in music and entertainment industries.

3. Identify at least 10 CMA EDU members. All CMA EDU chapters must have at least 10 students with active memberships at all

times.

4. Identify regional industry opportunities. CMA EDU strives to provide concrete industry-based experiences for its members. In

order to do so, there must be industry outlets (radio stations, concert venues, management firms, event production companies) in

the area to recruit as partners in developing these types of opportunities.

5. Register as official organization with university. Most universities have their own guidelines for student organizations. All CMA

EDU chapters must meet and maintain university standards and abide by all university guidelines. Being recognized as an

approved student organization allows the chapter to promote the program freely on campus, reserve meeting space and access

other university resources. *Constitution provided by CMA.

6. Complete Chapter Information Sheet & Conference call with CMA

WHAT’S NEXT

1. President: Meet with each officer to discuss their goals for the semester. Start identifying key industry leaders in

your market and set up meetings (radio, venues, etc.)

2. VP Communications: Review CMA marketing collateral. Communicate with Courtney Beebe (CMA

Communications Coordinator.) Register for Country Aircheck and MusicRow. Activate Facebook, Twitter and

Instagram.

3. VP of Finance: Create spreadsheet for in-kind donations and any financial transactions for the CMA EDU.

4. VP of Membership: Be sure chapter link is activated on-line and you are receiving emails when new

registrations come through. Create spreadsheet/roster to track CMA EDU members. Activate email account.

Identify volunteer/internship opportunities in your city.

5. VP of Special Events: Schedule semester kick-off and monthly membership meetings. Work with VP of

Membership to identify potential guest speakers.

*All industry leaders/guest speakers are to be contacted/solicited by CMA unless discussed and approved by

CMA staff. If you have a pre-existing relationship with an industry professional please notate on your

Chapter profile.

OFFICERS

Faculty Advisor

President

Vice President of Communications

Media outreach, monthly, newsletter, social media, manage Chapter content,

etc.

Vice President of Special Events

Manage all event logistics, schedule guest

speakers, AV

Vice President of Membership

Represent membership, solicit new members,

create opportunities for members

Vice President of Finance

Record all financial transactions, track in-

kind donations

PRESIDENT

The person "in charge," responsible for supervising/overseeing the work of the other officers and ensuring that they

function together as an effective team

Presides and sets agendas for all meetings of the organization

Schedules all meetings, events and activities for the organization

Prepares and files charter forms on behalf of CMA EDU

Is present at most (if not all) organization events

Maintains frequent contact with CMA EDU faculty advisor and CMA Community Outreach Manager

Attends any required or recommended student organization meetings

Coordinates organization elections

Represents organization at official functions

Serves as a role model and representative to the group and how membership should behave and be involved in the group

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

Develop and implement communications plan to advance CMA EDU

Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications

strategy

Develop social media strategy that will allow CMA EDU to cultivate and enhance CMA EDU membership

Work with Executive team and membership on consistent messaging to members, campus, media, etc.

Oversee development of all CMA EDU communications including socials, recruitment materials and electronic

communications including monthly CMA EDU newsletter

Serve as a spokesperson and point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact CMA EDU

Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and

other supporting material as needed

Maintain lines of communication among undergraduates, alumni, university, CMA and other audiences.

Generate local press for CMA EDU and events

Align all communications with CMA EDU’s mission and values

Take minutes at membership meetings and executive meetings, and distribute them to the membership

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS-CONT.

Details:

Digital Strategy (includes Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Periscope)

Monthly Newsletter through Emma – must be sent out the 1st through 5th every

month.

Manage and schedule communications calendar (control all messaging being

distributed throughout the semester)

Create invites for all CMA EDU events (Piktochart access)

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS–CONT.

Elevator Speech. As the VP of Communications its important CMA EDU’s message is clear and consistent on

campus. Below you will find the suggested talking points for CMA EDU.

1) CMA EDU is a student based organization affiliated with the Country Music Association. Our objective is to

educate students on career opportunities available in the music and entertainment business while providing

hands on experience that will grow their professional acumen. Whether it’s through guest speakers or industry

projects the experience you will gain from being a member of the organization will help as you build your

professional resume. The insight our demographic offers to the music and entertainment industry is significant

to the future of the business. 5) Together we will strengthen the industry while developing our skillset to be

the next generation of industry leaders.

2) Since starting CMA EDU our Chapter has had the opportunity to hear from industry leader

_______________________, attend soundchecks for ____________________ and participate on projects for

________________________.

3) CMA EDU identifies internships, volunteer opportunities, job openings to members who are actively involved

and interested in pursuing a career in the music and entertainment industry.

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP

Must be able to build membership each semester

Must maintain relationship with all members (one on one meetings, membership meetings, etc.)

Keep an up-to-date roster of names and addresses of all chapter members

Put notice in every other newsletter that members should contact you to update any changes to their contact information

Handle all correspondence in relation to CMA EDU applications (i.e. reach out each time someone submits an application)

Respond to requests for information about membership through telephone calls, personal contacts, and correspondence

Notify each member of CMA EDU membership status once a semester

Follow up to encourage non-members to become a member

Provide a new member orientation (if necessary)

Maintain supplies of membership materials: applications, informational brochures, etc.

Plan prospective member events (identify recruitment opportunities on campus)

Attend and participate in all scheduled Executive and membership meetings

VICE PRESIDENT OF SPECIAL EVENTS

Obtains appropriate facilities for all CMA EDU activities

Establishing plans for pre-event preparation and day-of logistics

Work with industry leaders, artists, etc. on all event details while maintaining the

highest level of professionalism

Creating event task lists and ensuring that everything is done in a timely manner

Working with VP Communications to ensure students are aware of all upcoming

events

Ensuring that all events are delivered at high quality levels

Working with VP Finance to ensure events are within budget

VICE PRESIDENT OF SPECIAL EVENTS-CONT. Pre Event Checklist

1-3 Months Out

Guest speaker finalized

Location confirmed

Finalize talking points, questions, etc.

Travel & accommodation arrangements (car, hotel, etc.)

Financial needs submitted to VP of Finance (room fees, travel, etc.)

Work with VP of Communication on promotional plan through socials,

newsletter, etc.

Draft program/run of show

Request bio from guest speaker/photos

Create event pages on all relevant outlets (add to calendars on campus)

Determine AV equipment needs

Parking

Signage needs

Work with VP of Communications to develop video content surrounding the

event (promo video)

Arrange meetings with faculty members, student organizations, etc. on

campus about inviting students

Create monthly/weekly reminders about event

1-3 Weeks Out

Request copy of presentation if guest speaker has one (print copy for

backup)

Final refreshment numbers

Final run of show

Meet with Executive team to confirm individual details

Ensure registration table is stocked (promotional materials, signup sheet,

etc.)

Finalize shot sheet for photographer (list of photos needed)

Event Day

Print out run of show for Executive team, faculty member, guest speaker

(make sure all phone numbers are included on ROS)

Set up AV needs (give plenty of time)

Pick up refreshments

Water stocked for guest speaker

Be sure photographer has shot sheet and is able to take photos

Immediately Following

Post Event Report & Survey

Send thank you note from Chapter to guest speaker, faculty members, etc.

(anyone who helped make the event a success)

Collect receipts for VP of Finance

Complete recap/summary for monthly newsletter

VICE PRESIDENT OF SPECIAL EVENTS-CONT. Photography Shot Sheet

Guest speaker from multiple angles

Students listening and asking questions

Guest speaker with Executive team

Guest speaker with President

Guest speaker with students in the background

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

Create a budget that aligns with the CMA EDU priorities and ensures financial

stability.

Maintain financial records that account for all expenses and revenues

Manage member reimbursement

Communicate with CMA on all financial needs

Ensure CMA EDU is up to date on all financial obligations (fees) to the university

ELECTING OFFICERS

All chapters establish voting policies specific to their organization and outline

those policies in the chapter’s bylaws (provided by CMA.) Chapters should make

the voting process transparent and inclusive as to ensure the greatest measure

of accountability and diversity within the chapter’s membership.

Elections will take place at the end of every Spring semester. The inaugural year,

elections DO NOT take place but are appointed by CMA.

FACULTY ADVISOR

A chapter advisor supports the President and Executive Team in establishing CMA EDU on

their respective campus and will continue to support the chapter after it has completed the

application process. Chapter advisors serve as a resource for accessing university

leadership and advocate amongst other faculty members. Chapter advisor responsibilities

include:

Assisting President in accessing university resources to promote CMA EDU on campus Ensuring all university requirements are met for official student organization status Attending events and meetings as schedule permits Advocating for CMA EDU amongst other faculty members Serving as facilitator for student leaders in interpreting university policies and procedures

Faculty Advisor Criteria Full time faculty or university staff member Recognizes the value of CMA EDU as a development tool for college students Help plan and execute chapter events

SEMESTER OUTLOOK

CMA EDU Executive Meetings – Executive members should meet monthly to

discuss all CMA EDU business and strategize on the Chapter’s behalf.

CMA EDU Membership Meetings – Members are encouraged to meet monthly to

discuss membership, all CMA EDU events, all relevant industry projects, task

assignments, etc. Meetings should engage members in open discussion concerning

music & entertainment initiatives.

Industry Speakers – CMA draws from its 7,200 members and countless industry

partners to provide knowledgeable, experienced music business professionals as

speakers.

Industry Field Trips – On occasion industry leaders will invite students to visit with

them on-site (radio station, concert, sound check, etc.) as opposed to visiting CMA

EDU on campus. These opportunities are only available to CMA EDU members.

SEMESTER OUTLOOK

CMA EDU Projects – Each semester CMA EDU members are tasked with a

variety of industry projects, created specifically for CMA EDU by the industry.

These projects aim to give CMA EDU members an insiders look while building

an effective resume.

Volunteer Opportunities – CMA EDU members often volunteer at live music

events, festivals and other industry related opportunities. There are generally a

limited amount of spaces available and require time away from campus.

Volunteer opportunities are an excellent way of gaining professional experience

and building your network.

SEMESTER OUTLOOK - SAMPLE

August September October November December

Executive Team

Meeting

Eli Young Band to

visit campus

CMA EDU students

visit Brantley Gilbert

tour (10 students)

CMA Awards social

media project &

viewing party

CMA EDU Holiday

Party

Booth at

organizational fair /

school starts

Skype interview live

from CMA with John

Huie with CAA

Radio marketing

team visit to discuss

branding

Skype interview live

from CMA with Damon

Whiteside, SVP of

Marketing &

Partnerships CMA

Last meeting for Fall

semester –

acknowledge all

graduating members

Kick-off/interest

meeting: invite campus

radio, play music,

pizza, brief CMA EDU

presentation

Monthly CMA EDU

meeting

Skype interview live

from CMA with Ed

Hardy CMA Chairman

Monthly CMA EDU

meeting

Executive Team

meeting to discuss

Spring semester

1st CMA EDU

membership meeting:

announce all semester

project opportunities

CMA EDU to

volunteer at local

radio remote

Monthly CMA EDU

meeting

Songwriters round –

invite local

songwriters

Skype interview live

from CMA with Sarah

Trahern, CMA CEO

CHAPTER MEETING SAMPLE AGENDA

Time Action Person Responsible

Call to Order President

6:00 Membership Report VP of Membership

6:05 Events Report (upcoming

events, guest speakers,

etc.)

VP of Special Events

6:10 Communications Report VP of Communications

6:15 Finance Report VP of Finance

6:20 Project

Planning/Discussion

Membership

6:55 Closing remarks President

CAMPUS PROMOTION & RECRUITING

A CMA EDU chapter should always be working to promote the program on campus

and recruit new members. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways:

Social media interactions – Each chapter will have a Facebook, Twitter and

Instagram account. Chapter members should actively use these tools to reach

other students and provide them information about the program. CMA Community

Outreach Manager should have login information for each Chapter.

Campus events – Chapters can plan talent competitions, writer’s nights, socials,

concerts (acoustic), viewing parties, charity fund-raisers and other activities as

discussed with your members.

Student fairs – Chapters set up booths at student fairs or in common areas to

distribute information on CMA EDU and hand out merchandise.

CAMPUS PROMOTION & RECRUITING

All CMA EDU Chapters will receive a promotional kit each semester. This kit contains promotional

products with the CMA EDU brand to use for recruiting new CMA EDU members. Please be

strategic with your promotional items. Should you need additional product, please advise CMA.

Promotional kits will also include generic marketing materials (brochures, flyers, etc.)

CMA produces a seasonal membership magazine which will also be sent to Chapters throughout

the year. This is a great resource to stay current with CMA news, industry headlines and the what

to expect next. Chapter members are also encouraged to visit www.closeup.com for information in

a digital form.

CMA has an incentive program in place for those Chapters excelling in recruiting, branding,

participating in industry projects, volunteering, etc. The incentives include CMA EDU table cloths,

pop-up signage, banners, additional promotional materials, free event swag, etc.

MAINTAIN YOUR CHARTER

Must have Executive team in place

Must have a minimum of 10 members

Must have faculty advisor (to be provided to CMA)

Must have scheduled membership meetings

Must plan at least 1 social event per semester (guest speaker, sound check, etc.)

Must maintain all social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)