NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The Country Music Association is helping thousands of students learn music in school to the tune of $1.4 million.
The group donated proceeds from the 2011 CMA Music Festival through its "Keep the Music Playing" campaign, benefiting music education programs in Nashville public schools. Country music's biggest stars performed for free at the annual festival in Nashville.
The donation was announced at a reception Tuesday night at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center before the third CMA Keep the Music Playing All Stars Concert.
The event was hosted by country star Chris Young.
"This kind of shows you what Keep the Music Playing is all about. I think this is kind of proof of why the money is going here," Young said.
Young performed his No. 1 hit "You" with two students during the concert, and singer Suzy Bogguss performed with an elementary school choir.
"I think it's great regardless if they go on to be a singer or a drummer or anything to do with music as long as they got exposed to that and had that opportunity and it touched their life," Young said.
Bogguss added, "It's not just about being perfect at it but it's also about expressing yourself and having a good time."
Tuesday night's check brings the Keep the Music Playing program total to more than $6 million donated since 2006.
*The Associated Press contributed to this report.
