School and Teacher Programs
Explore arts integrated, standards-aligned programs; discover the intersections between country music history and various academic subjects; and create new, personal understandings of country music history.
Field trips to the Museum are traditionally two hours in duration. All gallery tours can be paired with a classroom workshop, specialty program, or theater program. Select programs are also available as virtual and outreach programs.
GALLERY TOURS
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Guided Highlights Tour | Grades K-12+
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During an interactive tour of the exhibits, students learn about the history of country music. Integrating the museum’s architectural details, music, films, visual art, and historic artifacts, the exhibits provide students with a multi-layered learning experience. During the tour, students have opportunities to listen to recordings and learn how different people, styles, and influences have affected the music. Created for students in grades 3-6.
Program Length: 60 minutes (Groups 60+ must add 60 minute classroom program)
Grade level: Grades: K-12+
Group Size: 10-120 students
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social Studies, Visual ArtSelect Standards:
Common Core ELA: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7,
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1
TN Music GM.P1, GM.Ch2
TN Social Studies 2.28, 2.40, 5.37, 5.47, 5.64, US.31, US.44, US.86, US.104 -
Artifact Adventure | Grades 3-5
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In this hands-on hybrid tour experience, students work in teams on a quest through the Museum and interact with experts along the way. Artifact Adventure focuses on pivotal moments in United States history as told through the Museum’s one-of-a-kind collection. Students learn about music as cultural expression shaped by immigration, cultural convergence, and innovations in technology, musical instruments, and design. Created for students in grades 3-6.
Program Length: 60 minutes (Groups 60+ must add 60 minute classroom program)
Grade level: Grades: 3-5
Group Size: 25-120 students
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social Studies, STEAMSelect Standards:
TN Music Foundations: Cn2, R1, R1, R1
TN Social Studies: SSP.01, SSP.04, SSP.05, 5.14, 5.22, US.31, US.75
TN Science: 3.ETS2, 4.ETS2.3, 8.PS4.3
Social and Emotional Learning Indicators: 3A, 3C, 4A -
Self-Guided Tour | Grades 7-12
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Students explore country music history independently with the freedom to move at their own pace.
Grade level: Grades: 7-12
CLASSROOM WORKSHOPS
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Words & Music for Early Learners | Grades Pre-K-K
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Designed specifically for grades Pre-K-K, Words & Music for Early Learners builds early literacy skills and supports social and emotional learning through music, movement, and lyric writing. Students participate in developmentally appropriate activities while singing, dancing, and playing instruments. They also choose a theme, contribute ideas, and co-write a song!
Program Length: 30 minutes
Grade level: Grades: Pre-K – K
Group Size: 10-20 students
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, MusicSelect Standards:
TN Early Literacy: PK-K.FL.PC1,2, PK-K.W.TTP.1, K.SL.PKI.6
Creative Arts: PK.CA.4,6,7, K.D.P1, K.GM.R2, K.GM.R2
Physical Development: K.PD.1,2
Social and Emotional Learning: PK.SPC.SA1,7,8, PK.SPC.RS2,3, K.4A,4B,5B -
Dazzling Designs | Grades K-4
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In this program, students focus on stage costumes, accessories, and instrument design from the museum’s collection. By looking at design details, students learn about different eras in American and country music history, as well as personal expression and symbolism. Paired with an interactive museum tour, students have a chance to create their own designs.
Program Length: 120 minutes (includes time in the Museum galleries)
Grades: K-4
Group Size: 10-100 students
Curricular Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social Studies, Visual ArtSelect Standards:
TN Visual Art MA.Cr3.A, MA.Cr3.B, MA.P1.A, MA.P2.A, MA.R1.A, MA.R1.B, MA.R2.A, MA.R3.A, MA.Ch2.A, MA.Ch2.B
TN Music GM.Ch2
TN Social Studies K.3, 1.38, 2.40, 3.9 -
STEAM: Listening Technology Over Time | Grades 3-8
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Explore the gamut of music listening technologies—from the record player to the MP3 player—in this collaborative, interactive program. Students are challenged to think critically as they make observations, compare and contrast, and eventually discover how and why these technologies have changed over time. Paired with time in the museum galleries, this program connects music to the devices on which it was played, providing a powerful look at the intersection of history, art, and technology.
Grades: 3-8
Group Size:10-100 students
Curricular Connections: STEAM, Social Studies, MusicSelect Standards:
TN Music Foundations: Cn2, R1, R1, R1
TN Social Studies: SSP.01, SSP.04, SSP.05, 5.14, 5.22, US.31, US.75
TN Science: 3.ETS2, 4.ETS2.3, 8.PS4.3
Social and Emotional Learning Indicators: 3A, 3C, 4A -
Songwriting 101: An Introduction to Words & Music | Grades 1-12
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Learn songwriting fundamentals, including the basics of song form, rhyme scheme, and meter, and secrets behind the creative process. Working as a class with guidance from a professional songwriter, students will analyze a song then write original lyrics and advise on musical components. The program ends with a group performance of the new composition.
Program Length: 120 minutes (includes gallery experience)
Grades: 1-12
Group Size: 10-120 students
Curricular Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social Studies
Select Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4, National Association for Music Education Standards 6-9Additional fees apply.
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Words & Music: Teach Language Arts Through Lyric Writing | Grades 3-12
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Using an award-winning lesson guide, teachers lead students through the lyric-writing process. Completed lessons are followed by a program with a songwriter who adds melodies to students’ original lyrics. This experience requires significant class time. Lyrics are due at least two weeks before program date. This program is offered at the museum or at your school. For more information about Words and Music, click here.
Program Length: 120 minutes (includes gallery experience)
Grades: 3-12
Group Size: 10-120 students
Curricular Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social StudiesSelect Standards:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.R.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.R.W
National Association for Music Education Standards 6-9
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
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STEAM: Science of Sound at Historic RCA Studio B | Grades 5-12
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Experience the science of sound in a legendary recording studio on Nashville’s Music Row! Conducted at Historic RCA Studio B, this program shares the history of the studio and the songs recorded there by artists like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and Charley Pride. Students explore engineering in a real-world setting, learning how soundwave properties and manipulations impact music and the recording process.
Program Length: 60 minutes
Grades: 5-12
Group Size: 15-50 students
Curricular Connections: Music, Science, Social StudiesSelect Standards:
TN Music GM.P1, GM.Ch2
TN Social Studies 5.64, US.86
TN Science: GLE 0507.T/E.1-E.3, GLE.0607.T/E.1, GLE.0707.T/E.1, CLE 3231.T/E.1, CLE 3231.3.1 -
Traveling Trunks | K-12
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Instrument Trunks
Check out a free Traveling Trunk to bring the sounds of country music into your classroom. For two weeks, students can hold, play, and hear country music instruments, including an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, ukelele, and lap steel guitar. Using the instrument guides included with each trunk, students can learn the parts of each instrument as well as fingering positions for basic chords.
Grades: K-12
Curricular Connections: Music, Social Studies, STEAMSelect Standards:
TN Social Studies: 1.01, 3.31
STEAM: 2.PS4.1, 3.ETS2.1, 4.ETS2.3
TN Music: P1, Cr1, R1 -
Student Performances | K-12
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Entertain Museum visitors and make your mark on Music City by showcasing your school’s choir or ensemble in the Mike Curb Conservatory or on the Museum’s outdoor plaza.
Program Length: 20 minutes
Grades: K-12
Group Size: 10-50 students (ensemble)
Curricular Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social Studies, Visual ArtSelect Standards:
TN Music Foundations: P3, Cr3
Social and Emotional Learning Indicators: 1D, 2A, 3C, 4A, 5B -
Hatch Show Pring Tour | Grades 2-12
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Explore Hatch Show Print and learn all about the iconic poster shop. Guides share the letterpress printing process from initial sketches to the final pass through the press. Students hear the history of the second-oldest surviving printing press in the country and discover how it thrives in the digital age. Surrounded by over fifty years-worth of colorful posters, students watch print makers engineer works of art live. The program culminates in an original, limited edition poster hand-inked and printed by students.
Group Size: 10-50 students (note: groups larger than 20 are required to book a gallery experience)
Program Length: two hours (one hour at Hatch Show Print plus one hour for time in the museum galleries for groups larger than 20).
Grade level: Grades: 3-12
Curriculum Connections: STEAM, TN Social Studies, Visual ArtSelect Standards:
TN Science 3.ETS2
TN Social Studies US.44
TN Visual Art VA.P3.A, VA.R1.A, VA.CN2.A
SEL Indicators 1D, 3A, 3C, 4A, 5B -
Alpha Blox | Grades 4-12
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Modular Design Printmaking
Students manipulate modular, patterned blocks that can be combined to make letters, words, symbols, patterns and images. Paired with a tour of Hatch Show Print, Alpha-Blox allows students to practice each step of the relief printing process, using the real tools unique to the trade to make their own creations.
Grade Level: 4-12+
Duration: 60 Minutes
Group Size: 10-40
Curricular Connections: Visual Art, Math, STEAM, Social StudiesSelect Standards:
TN Visual Art: VA.Cr1.A, VA.Cr2.A
TN Math: 3.MD.C.6, 4.MD.A.3
Social and Emotional Learning Indicators: 3A, 3B, 5A -
Printmaking with Foam Plates | Grades 2-12
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Low Relief Printmaking
Students design a foam plate and print it on an antique press. Paired with a tour of Hatch Show Print, Printing with Foam Plates encourages students to practice each step of the relief printing process, using the real tools unique to the trade to make their own creations.
Grade Level: 2-12
Duration: 60 minutes
Group Size: 10-40 students
Curricular Connections: SEL, Social Studies, STEAM, Visual ArtsSelect Standards:
TN Visual Art: VA.Cr1.A, VA.Cr2.A
TN Math: 3.MD.C.6, 4.MD.A.3
Social and Emotional Learning Indicators: 3A, 3B, 5A
THEATER PROGRAMS
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Is It a Fiddle or a Violin? | Grades K-5
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In Texas it’s a fiddle. In Boston it’s a violin. In Nashville it depends. This one-of-a-kind, toe-tapping partnership joins the resources of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with those of the Nashville Symphony. From tours to musical performances — classical to country music — Is It a Fiddle or a Violin? will challenge you to think about music in new ways.
Fall 2024 Dates:
November 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
December 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
January 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
February 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
February 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
March 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.Program Length: 135 minutes
Grades: K-5
Group Size: 10-120 students
Curricular Connections: Social Studies, Performing ArtsSelect Standards:
TN Music GM.P1, GM.R3, GM.Ch2
TN Social Studies K.3, K.14, 1.19, 1.37, 1.38, 3.39, 3.41 -
String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry | Grades K-4
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Learn about Nashville’s emergence as Music City! String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is a lively telling of our city’s musical legacy. Start with the early days of string band music and gospel music, and the birth of the Grand Ole Opry. Meet the icons of country music as the show travels through time with classic recordings that lead to present day hits. A unique way to introduce students to their city, String City brings history, visual arts, and music together on a single stage. Over thirty country music artists appear in puppet form, and every one of them had a hand in helping Nashville become Music City. Let your students discover Nashville’s cultural heritage in a fun, new way!
Fall 2024 Dates:
December 3, 2024 (9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.)December 4, 2024 (9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.)December 5, 2024 (9:30 a.m.)December 6, 2024 (9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.)Show Times: 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Program Length: 70 minutes
Grades: K-4
Group Size: 10-180 students
Curricular Connections: Social Studies, English Language Arts, Music, Visual ArtSelect Standards:
TN Visual Art MA.P1.A, MA.P2.A, MA.R1.A, MA.R1.B, MA.R2.A, MA.R3.A, MA.Ch2.A, MA.Ch2.B
TN Music GM.R3, GM.Ch2
TN Social Studies 1.37, 1.42, 5.47, 5.64, K.3, 1.38, 2.40, 3.9
Common Core Curriculum: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is a collaboration with Nashville Public Library.
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All Access | Grades 7-12
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SOLD OUT
Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs is headlining sold-out stadiums across the globe. Hear firsthand from Combs as he traces his blue-collar North Carolina roots to his place at the top of the county charts, including his middle and high school experience, finding his career pathway while in college, his musical influences, and themes from his latest album Fathers & Sons. This special interview is presented in support of the exhibition Luke Combs: The Man I Am.
Date: March 20, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Program Length: 60 minutes
Grades: 7-12
Admission: $5 per student. Free to Metro Nashville Public Schools. Bus and ticket subsidies are available.
Curricular Connections:College and Career Readiness, Music
Select Standards:
TN Music Foundations: R1, R2, Cn1, Cn2SOLD OUT
Professional Development
FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT for teachers connects the Museum to language arts, social studies, music, science, and visual arts curriculums. Workshops help educators prepare students for Museum visits and programs, and offer creative approaches in teaching core subjects. Email schools@countrymusichalloffame.org with questions.
REGISTER TODAY
On-Site
Date: July 24, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Words & Music is an engaging and interactive classroom curriculum that teaches language arts and music through songwriting. The on-site Words & Music Professional Development reviews the Words & Music: Teach Language Arts Through Lyric Writing unit and offers effective social and emotional learning teaching tools and practices that can be used in the classroom when teaching lyric writing. In the afternoon, a professional songwriter joins the workshop to share firsthand knowledge and tips about the creative process and assist teachers with crafting lyrics. Teachers are given the option to review the Words & Music: Teach Music Through Songwriting unit (new in 2025) which teaches students how to set original lyrics to music through lessons on harmony, melody, and rhythm. This portion is best for music educators but open to all. The day ends with a performance of songs created during the workshop – offering a taste of the experience students have when you teach this engaging and educational curriculum. The on-site workshop also includes a Guided Highlights Tour in the Museum galleries.
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social Studies, Social-Emotional Learning
Grade Levels: 3-12
Webinar
The Words & Music webinar is livestreamed on Zoom in conjunction with the on-site PD and presented in two parts: (1) Teach Lyric Writing, and (2) Teach Music. Teachers may register for either or both sessions.
Teach Lyric Writing
Date: July 24, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM
The Teach Lyric Writing session reviews the Words & Music: Teach Language Arts Through Lyric Writing unit. Participants will work through several of the student creative writing activities and begin the songwriting process by free writing and brainstorming. This session also offers effective social and emotional learning teaching tools and practices that can be used in the classroom when teaching lyric writing.
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Music, Social Studies, Social and Emotional Learning
Grade Levels: 3-12
Teach Music
Date: July 24, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM
The Teach Music session reviews the Words & Music: Teach Music Through Songwriting unit, which advances the songwriting process by teaching students how to set original lyrics to music. Participants will explore the lessons on harmony, melody, and rhythm, as well as teaching strategies that help students build an emotional vocabulary and learn how to compose music. Best for music educators but open to all.
Curriculum Connections: Music, Social and Emotional Learning
Grade Levels: 7-12
Dates: July 25, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Experience a full-day professional development workshop at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that offers creative approaches to cross-curricular teaching and learning. Using the museum as a laboratory, teachers acquire new and engaging tools to help students think critically about our nation’s narrative from the colonies to the contemporary era.
During the workshop, teachers explore the Museum’s permanent exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music, including:
- Engaging primary sources such as a harmonica played by DeFord Bailey, the first African American on the Grand Ole Opry, Elvis Presley’s Cadillac limousine, and Dolly Parton’s handwritten song lyrics.
- Curricular connections and standards-aligned activities that support language arts, social studies, social and emotional learning, music, and STEAM curriculums.
- Ready-to-go resources that prepare students for Museum visits and programs.
- The new and improved Teacher Resource Portal, a hub of lessons, activities, multi-media, and more, tailored to your needs.
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, English Language Arts, SEL, STEAM
Grade Levels: 3-12
Dates: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Best for Early Childhood Educators (birth–age five)
Music is a powerful tool for classroom management and child development. Join Museum educators in a free two-hour professional development training to learn how to incorporate musical play in early childhood classrooms. Educators will receive a set of developmentally appropriate songs, suggested explorations inspired by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection, and tips and tricks to make their teaching spaces more musical.
Curriculum Connections: Approaches to Learning, Social Emotional Development, Social and Personal Competencies, Language and Early Literacy, English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Creative Arts, Physical Development
TENNESSEE TEACHERS are admitted free to the museum when planning for a field trip. Schedule your visit today by emailing schools@countrymusichalloffame.org