Bachman is a Coastal Carolina University student and cadet for the South Carolina Army National Guard, who also has a passion for music
By Loren Joy de Los Santos
Grady Bachman, a member of the 2024-25 CMA EDU cohort, understands that his educational background and current experiences stand out from most people looking to pursue a career in the music industry. However, he considers it to be one of his greatest strengths, which shows in his curiosity, genuine love for learning, and distinctive perspectives.
Growing up in Northern Virginia, Bachman has always been appreciative of the Country Music genre. “It’s just kind of a way to escape, a way to express yourself,” Bachman says. “That’s always been something that I’ve been drawn toward, the different levels that you can reach, whether it’s something sad or personal.” Bachman recalls always having an interest in the music industry, speaking fondly of going to concerts of all kinds of genres at the Jiffy Lube Live Amphitheater in Bristow, VA.
Bachman is a current senior at Coastal Carolina University, studying Intelligence and National Security Studies. In addition, he is also a cadet for the South Carolina Army National Guard.
Bachman describes himself as someone who never shies away from new opportunities, so when he received an email to apply for CMA EDU, CMA’s career development program designed for students, he didn’t hesitate to apply. I told myself, “You know what, the worst they can say is ‘No.’” Bachman was officially accepted into the most recent CMA EDU class a few months later.
Despite not having an educational background in the music industry, Bachman finds his unique perspectives to be a strong asset within the CMA EDU cohort. “I believe it’s important to come at it from a different angle,” he says. “If you’re constantly looking at something from one perspective, I think sometimes it’s good to bring in someone from an outside perspective.”
Since joining the program, Bachman has been continuously challenged while learning new things about the music industry and his peers. “You never know how far you can reach or how much you can evolve if you’re never being challenged or never ever being asked to step outside the box,” he says.
Bachman has been passionate about participating in the program in any way he can since joining the cohort. Throughout the summer, he worked to establish strong relationships with the CMA staff through one-on-one meetings, giving him the opportunity for others to learn more about his passions and professional goals. “I’ve been able to talk about more than just what you see on a resume, but about what my genuine interests are and what I’m passionate about within Country Music,” Bachman says.
Coming from a background outside of music, Bachman has found this to be especially valuable as he explores a career trajectory outside of his current major.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity because when I meet with people, they go, ‘Wow, you’re not our typical CMA EDU participant,’” Bachman says. “But [CMA EDU] has helped me so much.”
When asked about his personal and professional goals for the rest of his time in the CMA EDU program, Bachman simply wants to immerse himself in the opportunities presented through the program. “My goal is really just to learn,” he says. “If I don’t give myself the opportunity, I’ll never know. I want to see how far it’ll take me.”
Bachman encourages anyone interested in pursuing a career in the music industry to apply to CMA EDU, regardless of educational background or experience. “The Country Music industry is so diverse that you could find yourself doing something that you might never have imagined,” he says. “The people in this program are here to help you explore those opportunities. It’s something that I recommend everyone to apply to if they have a passion for music.”
All photos courtesy of Grady Bachman.
