Public funding for the performing arts remains unfavorable. When adjusting for inflation, total public funding for the arts has decreased by 15 percent over the the last 20 years.  Schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate and 93.9% attendance rate compared to schools without music education, which average 72.9% graduation and 84.9% attendance. Schools that have music programs have an attendance rate of 93.3% compared to 84.9% in schools without music programs. Wanting to make a difference, the Nashville Singers organization was founded in November of 2008 with a mission to enrich lives through singing and the support of music education. 

This male chorus of volunteer singers raises funds to support music education and fulfills this mission by presenting master classes on the art of a cappella singing to middle and high school students and vocal performance clinics to adults.  Some of the world-class clinicians collaborating with the Nashville Singers to lead these programs include Dr. Kirby Shaw, Dr. Cedric Dent, and Derric Johnson. In addition, the Nashville Singers have awarded $13,250 in music education grants and scholarships in the last five years, impacting hundreds of students in Middle Tennessee and beyond. Each year, the Nashville Singers also recognize an outstanding music educator by presenting the annual Carol Crittenden Arts Advocate of the Year Award.