Who We Are

In the 1980s, like-minded teachers, performers, songwriters, radio hosts, and parents who cared about the quality and content of children's music established The Children's Music Network (CMN) – a nonprofit association that now has members across the United States and Canada.

Our Mission

The Children's Music Network celebrates the positive power of music in the lives of children by sharing songs, exchanging ideas and creating community.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

CMN stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement across the world. We are committed to cultivate a welcoming and affirming space, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization and the world at large. We recognize the positive power of music to shape children’s sense of fairness and justice, to teach the enormous importance of often-marginalized cultures to our music traditions, and to amplify the voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People Of Color), LGBTQI+ communities, and people of all abilities. We pledge to lead with humility, to continue our advocacy and support our members in theirs.

Who We Are

We are artists, educators and activists including full-time and part-time performers, songwriters, classroom teachers, music educators, librarians, storytellers, record producers, distributors, broadcasters, parents, grandparents, and children. We sing, share, teach, write, play, perform, produce, advocate for and enjoy children’s music. We are diverse in age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and culture. We welcome all musical styles.

What We Do

We meet and stay in touch to share songs and ideas about children's music, to inspire each other about the empowering ways adults and young people can communicate through music, and to be a positive catalyst for education and community-building through music.

Our chapters work to support the creation and dissemination of life-affirming, multicultural musical forms for, by, and with young people.  CMN regional chapters all around the country organize both local and regional gatherings which are open to CMN members and non-members alike.

Check our Events Page for information on dates, times, and locations.

Our Principles

We recognize children's music as a powerful means of encouraging cooperation, celebrating diversity, building self-esteem, promoting respect and responsibility for our environment, and cultivating an understanding of nonviolence and social justice.

In 2015, our board officially adopted a Code of Ethics that reflects these principles and provides a proactive guide for our actions throughout the entire organization.

Our Story

The Children's Music Network was founded in 1987. As Sarah Pirtle, one of the founders, shares in an article written for Pass It On! #82 (Fall 2016) "The early history of CMN recounts not only people and places, but tells a story of deliberate choices to live out shared values and build a caring community through song." It's an inspiring story and we invite you to read more.

Join CMN Today!