CMA Hosts 10th Annual EDU Leadership Summit

August 4, 2023

CMA wrapped its 10th annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit in Nashville from July 30 through Aug. 1.

Created to develop and support the next generation of music industry leaders, CMA EDU is offered to students who demonstrate a drive to succeed in the music business. The multi-day conference, held at CMA headquarters, included three days of professional development training, industry education and community-building opportunities for college students from around the country.

Throughout the summit, CMA EDU students heard from industry veterans and leaders on a variety of topics. Highlights included a conversation moderated by Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University, with artist Megan Moroney and her team, including Taylor Lindsey, Head of A&R for Sony Music Nashville, Elisa Vazzana, UTA Agent, and Juli Griffith Artist Manager and Owner at Punchbowl Entertainment, on her journey in the music industry and advice for those breaking into the business.

Touring professional Mike Finn hosted a conversation about the touring landscape while Charlie Morgan, Apple Music’s Head of Music Programming and CMA Board Chairman, spoke to attendees about streaming and the future of music.

Digital marketing agency Girlilla Marketing hosted a panel with Stevie Zea Escoto, Senior Managing Director, Lindsey Feinstein, Account Director, Gigi Morrison, Junior Creative Manager, and Kate Cacopardo, Account Coordinator, focused on cultivating brand identity and the importance of building your personal brand. Publishing company Concord curated a discussion with Brad Kennard, Senior Vice President, A&R, Courtney Allen, Senior Director of A&R, Mike Turner, Senior Director of A&R, and singer-songwriter Andy Albert about the role of publishing in the music industry ecosystem. Artist Russell Dickerson also made a surprise appearance during the conversation, discussing songwriting, performing and his experience in the business.