Championing its mission of celebrating and empowering the music community, ​​the Recording Academy is proud to welcome its new membership class for 2022. The Academy's latest class, which is composed of nearly 2,000 music professionals, marks another step toward supporting diverse voices in the music industry.

The 2022 New Member Class marks four years since the Recording Academy transitioned to a community-driven and peer-reviewed annual cycle to create a more diverse and engaged membership base representative of the evolving musical landscape.  This new model, first implemented in 2019, has already produced positive results: The number of women members, as well as people from traditionally underrepresented communities, has increased by 19% and 38%, respectively. Of the 2022 New Member Class, 44% are from traditionally underrepresented communities; 32% are women; and 16% are nonbinary individuals or opted not to disclose how they identify. Learn more about the complete statistics surrounding the demographics of the Recording Academy's 2022 New Member Class.

In its ongoing prioritization of diversity, equity and inclusion, the Recording Academy continues to build and uphold spaces honoring service to and creativity in music and culture. The Academy's 2022 New Member Class, which welcomes music industry leaders ranging from artists to directors to publicists, dedicates itself to supporting the future of the music community.

To celebrate the 2022 New Member Class, GRAMMY.com is highlighting 21 new, enterprising professional members of the Recording Academy to learn more about what inspired them to join the organization.

Patrick Buchta. Photo: Todd Wolfson

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Patrick Buchta | CEO, Austin Texas Musicians

I've been inspired by the Recording Academy's long-standing commitment to championing the rights of artists. As host to a nationwide community of musicians, membership presents endless opportunities to elevate one's career.

Bianca Marie Champagne | Vice President, Top Stop Music 

What inspired me to become a Recording Academy member is the fact that they are such a prestigious and well-rounded organization — an organization that also takes the time to keep giving back to new generations. The Recording Academy is an organization that the industry and the world take very seriously and believe in them. I want to continue working together with the organization to give back to the generations to come.

Stephanie Guerrero | Founder/CEO, Goat for Mars, LLC

I was a GRAMMY U member as a college student and have worked in the music industry ever since I graduated. I have actually become close to my local Chapter members who encouraged me to join since they saw my work in the Web3 space and also with diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Byron Wright | Executive Director, Creative-Atlanta, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)

I just felt the need to get involved and become active, especially here in my hometown of Atlanta. I want to be a part of helping the next generation of creatives and execs reach their goals just as I have done.

Connect with Byron on Instagram.

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What are you most looking forward to doing as a member of the Recording Academy and why?

Jesus Gonzales | Vice President, Creative — Latin, BMI

I'm most looking forward to joining the leading community of music professionals and doing just that … building the community.

Connect with Jesus on Instagram and Twitter.

Jacqueline Lee Mackey | Special Projects Manager, Juice Consulting

As an official Recording Academy member, I look forward to exploring how I can connect with, educate and advocate for a vibrant and healthy music community. Music plays an integral part in fostering creativity, and I want to do my part to ensure that everyone that loves music has the support and space to create.

Connect with Jacqueline on Instagram.

Jesus Trivino. Photo: Eric Espino

Jesus Trivino | Senior Director, Global Latin, TIDAL

I'm looking forward to being part of the change the Academy has enacted in the past few years. With my years of expertise in multicultural media, I'm bringing my sixth sense of talent finding to the Academy. Keep your ears open — there is so much more talent than you think. You just have to listen. Cheers to more inclusion, more diversity, more of everything. 

Connect with Jesus on Instagram.

Rachel Wein | A&R Manager, Prescription Songs

While it is a massive honor to be included in the Recording Academy amongst legendary creatives, I am genuinely most excited to connect with other new members of this year's incoming class. I always advise my songwriters, "Don't just look up and down when forming new connections; look left and right." I hope my peers and I can challenge each other, grow with one another, and ultimately bring fresh perspectives to an already incredible organization.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram.

Patsy Dolan Bouressa. Photo: Todd Wolfson

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you?

Patsy Dolan Bouressa | Executive Director, SIMS Foundation

I consider this membership an opportunity to lend my voice as a behavioral healthcare professional to educate the community about behavioral healthcare issues and to break down the stigma associated with these issues that often keep people suffering in silence.

Dr. Glyne A. Griffith II | Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, SiriusXM/Pandora/Stitcher

It means everything. I am beyond thrilled to be a member of the Recording Academy. Music has been a consistent theme throughout my entire life. I have experience in various aspects of the music industry, including performance as a musician and a vocalist, songwriting, performing rights, artist management, PR, production, distribution, and label operations. My doctoral dissertation was even rooted in the music industry. I love the music industry and believe in the power of music to inspire, educate, unify, heal, and entertain. Being a member of this extraordinary community of music enthusiasts and advocates is truly an honor.

Connect with Glyne on Linkedin.

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Stephanie Hernandez | Director of Marketing and Communications, Frost School of Music

I know how important representation is. As a woman and a Latina, I can say that seeing others who look like us makes a difference and is already a huge step in the right direction. Becoming a member of the Recording Academy is a great honor and a great responsibility for me. It means everything to join this music community and continue supporting those underrepresented communities, showing that it is possible for them, too, to have a voice.

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram.

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Macy Schmidt | Orchestrator, Music Director, and Founder/CEO, The Broadway Sinfonietta

To me, being a member of the Recording Academy means recognizing each of our roles in the greater music community —remembering that we are each a small part of a greater whole.

Connect with Macy on Instagram.

Doug Hall | Founder/CEO, Publicist, Big Feat PR

It is a chance to advocate for musicians and effect positive change within the music industry and be a part of the biggest conversations in music.

Why is being a Recording Academy member important?

Omar E. Lozano | Director of Music Marketing, Visit Austin

The Recording Academy has long been the gold standard for recorded music, and in seeing the great changes within the organization and diverse leadership, I know the Academy will continue this mission in supporting creators, musicians and music professionals.

Kim Noltemy. Photo: Sylvia Elzafon

Kim Noltemy | Ross Perot President & CEO, Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Being a member provides music industry members the opportunity to influence the landscape of recorded music, and that landscape is changing every day. Members have access to thought leaders and can discuss and recommend ways for recorded music to continue to be part of people's daily lives.

Connect with Kim on Instagram.

Stephanie Valcarcel | President, Tribl Records & Maverick City Music/a

As the first Latin American woman to serve as the president of a gender-blending, inspirational music label, my mission is to continuously drive collaboration among genres that transcends language and culture and gives a voice to an oftentimes underrepresented genre. It was important for me to join the Academy and continue to do that here.

How are you going to drive progress at the Recording Academy?

Sarah Avrin | Vice President, Media Relations – Girlie Action Media

There is always room for improvement, education and growth. Joining the Recording Academy is exciting to me because I can help push along positive change and opportunities to the overlooked.

Lucas Canzona | CEO, Fairwin

Change begins from within; listening, learning, and moving methodically will allow us to shape a modern organization that represents the true industry.

Cindy Doucet aka "Supa Cindy" | Media Personality - 99 Jamz / Cin D. Media

I am going to drive change by speaking out about the great things that the Recording Academy is involved with and to let the artists that always talk about the GRAMMYs but are not involved, get involved!

Connect with Cindy on Instagram and Twitter.

John Gomez | Talent / Entrepreneurial Manager for talent in Sport, Entertainment, Music and Drama - Gomez or Go Home Entertainment

Having been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years, working with rock and roll hall of famers, GRAMMY winners, many multiplatinum-selling artists in various genres, and professional athletes, I've acquired a vast knowledge of how this industry ticks. I'd like to help inspire and empower the next generation of entertainment industry professionals and help to create a supportive community for all creators in music and entertainment, providing the tools, knowledge and support to further their careers.

Marysabel Elena Huston-Crespo | Producer/Writer at CNNE.com, Co-host/Co-producer at CNN en Español's Zona Pop CNN

I hope I'm able to inspire fellow Latinx music journalists to join the Academy and to understand the importance of taking up spaces and being represented.

Connect with Marysabel on Instagram and Twitter.

How The Recording Academy's 2022 New Membership Class Reflects Its Ongoing Commitment To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Becoming a member of the Recording Academy is no mere title or honorific. Academy members directly impact the global music community for the better. Without our Membership, the Recording Academy wouldn't exist at all.

By getting directly involved with the Academy's various divisions and initiatives, artists, creators and industry professionals can expand their participation in the music world to the next level. Our newest members, who just joined the Recording Academy as part of our 2023 New Member Class, perfectly embody this spirit. This newly inducted, record-breaking class represents a diverse group of 2,400+ music creators. In a demonstration of the Academy's commitment to remaking its overall membership, 50% of the new class are people of color, 46% of this year's class are under the age of 40, and 37% are women. See the full statistics surrounding the demographics of the 2023 New Member Class and a snapshot of the Recording Academy's 2023 DEI initiatives.

To celebrate our 2023 New Member Class, we're spotlighting some of our newest Recording Academy members, including Weyes Blood, Bedouin, Gera MX, and others. Learn more about the many reasons why they joined the world's leading community of music professionals.

Learn more about Recording Academy Membership and join now.

Read More: 50 Percent Of The Recording Academy's 2023 New Member Class Are People Of Color

Weyes Blood | Photo: Neelam Khan Vela

Weyes Blood

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Recorded music is my lifeblood. I wanted to see and be a part of the whole process that acknowledges some of the best recorded music of our times, and the Recording Academy is the best way to recognize the contributions of the wider music community.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

As someone who listens to a lot of music from the past, I look forward to exploring newer records on a more regular basis. I also look forward to listening to a wider variety of genres outside of my normal wheelhouse.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I hope to contribute my weird perspective. As somebody who started in the DIY experimental music scene and collecting odd records, I feel like my input would come from a passionate and progressive place.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It means getting to shed light on people that pour their hearts and souls into a recording. I feel very privileged to be admitted. All my years of experiencing and transcending through music will be put to good use, and staying connected with music — not only as a songwriter and singer, but as a listener — is very important to me.

Gera MX | Photo Courtesy of Gera MX

Gera MX

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

I feel that one of my missions as an artist is to continue contributing to the growth of new talents who may have great opportunities like the ones I have had.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I look forward to continuing to meet new talents as well as experienced colleagues. Also, new professionals who can add to my vision. And, of course, maybe very soon to see a GRAMMY Award in my cabinet.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I hope to continue giving you music for many more years, that it can reach new corners of the world and connect with new people.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It is very important to me. It is a milestone in my career and, for me, it means having reached a new level in my career.

It is great for me to become a member of the Academy and contribute to the mission of continuing to grow the name of all Mexican and Latino artists, creatives and professionals who contribute their grain of sand to this industry every day.

Bedouin | Photo: Ben Price

Bedouin

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Becoming a Recording Academy member was fueled by the desire to immerse and align ourselves with this vibrant community of exceptionally talented musicians. The electronic music industry has grown immensely in recent years, and we're honored to be a part of that growth. We're excited that artists in our genre are finally being recognized for their contributions to the history of music. 

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

We are so excited and honored for the opportunity to continue advocating for and shining a spotlight on the electronic music genre as Recording Academy members. Electronic music is a multibillion-dollar industry, yet it still struggles to get mainstream recognition.

As part of the Recording Academy, we look forward to being a representative of our genre and helping to further establish it alongside the other popular, more conventional genres. We hope to use this opportunity to bridge the gaps between genres, collaborating and exchanging ideas with fellow music professionals from various backgrounds.

This vibrant network provides a platform to push boundaries and redefine musical conventions.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

First and foremost, we hope to further champion diversity within the music industry — with a specific focus on music and musicians of Middle Eastern descent.

As a Recording Academy member, we have the unique opportunity to push for a more inclusive industry that reflects the global richness of musical traditions from all over the world. 

Additionally, we're excited to act as a representative for the electronic music space and will work to bring that community more respect, credibility and awareness overall. Electronic music is the moment, right now! And we're excited to be part of the movement that brings the genre into the spotlight.  

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It's a distinct privilege to be recognized alongside other professional creatives that share a deep dedication to their craft. After such a monumental year for our own artistic journey, to be accepted into the new member class of the Recording Academy is truly a capstone moment. 

Our sonic vision pulls from our diverse personal influences, Middle Eastern heritage and Western upbringing. To now receive this level of recognition from the world's leading society of music professionals — it's an honor to be not only a face for electronic music, but also for all Middle Eastern musicians.

Rap-Unzel | Photo: Armani Lyons/Lyons Pride Photography

Rap-Unzel

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

I was inspired to become an Academy member when I learned about the different ways I could get more involved in the industry through various membership opportunities. Being a part of an organization that celebrates artists and creatives is right where I want to be!

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I look forward to connecting with my fellow members and industry peers, as that's a way for me to continue my growth as an artist and be part of change. I feel there's always a takeaway and learning opportunity in everything I do, so I look to gain more knowledge from my experience as an Academy member!

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

As a new member, I'm excited to have the opportunity for my voice to be heard in new rooms! I hope to advocate for the many different lanes there are for artists, especially female rappers. There are so many different sounds and styles with space for all of them in the industry. I'm here to show my lane.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

As a songwriter and recording artist, my words mean a lot to me, and music is one of my first true loves. So, naturally, being a member of the Recording Academy means so much! It's important to me because I stand by the Recording Academy's mission, and I want to do my part in ensuring that the music community continues to thrive!

Duncan Daniels | Photo: Yanran Xiong

Duncan Daniels

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I plan to help bring more awareness to the vast community of Afrobeats artists based in the diaspora, most especially here in the U.S. I also look forward to connecting and collaborating with my peers to make some amazing music.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

I would love to contribute by mentoring younger, budding musicians who intend on growing their music industry knowledge and career.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

It means that my peers saw my years of contribution to music as a whole and deemed me worthy to be a part of this prestigious body. It has been a great aspiration of mine ever since I started making music more than 20 years ago.

I never imagined I would get here, so it's still surreal. I also have a chance to submit my works and works of other great artists I know for GRAMMY consideration, and that's huge.

OG Parker | Photo: Armen Kaleshian

OG Parker

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

Growing up, watching some of my favorite musicians at the top of their game [and being] appreciated and honored by their peers and music professionals within the Academy inspired me to hopefully be a part of such a coveted institution. For it to be a reality for me now, I'm extremely grateful and honored.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

I hope to be a trusted voice of reason and help continue the tradition of greatness the Recording Academy has created by offering my expertise and love for amazing music.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

Being a new member of the Recording Academy, I hope to contribute my unique talents and experience and learn from and build with the legendary veterans that have helped make the Academy what it is; together, we [can] elevate it to even new heights.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

I will never take for granted being a part of the organization that provides the highest honor and award in music. I've given music all I have, and to continue to have the opportunity to push and advocate for musicians as a musician [myself], especially at this level, I am truly blessed and appreciative.

Trousdale | Photo: Raea Palmieri

Trousdale

What inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

The Recording Academy has such a long legacy of honoring music and artists that have inspired us, and we're so excited to become a part of that legacy. To be able to share the positivity that we try to spread with our music and inspire future artists is such an honor.

Now that you are an active Recording Academy member, what are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your experience?

As active members of the Recording Academy, we're really looking forward to the chance to meet new people and to share our voices within this community that shares our love of music. We are also really looking forward to the opportunity to cast our votes for the GRAMMYs in support of artists we love.

With the help and guidance of the Recording Academy, what do you hope to contribute to the music community as a new member?

The three of us have always been very proud of the fact that we write and produce and record the majority of the music we release. We really hope that as members of the Recording Academy, we can inspire other young women who are thinking about writing their own music and telling their own story.

What does being a member of the Recording Academy mean to you? Why is it important to you?

Art is how we make sense of the world and connect to other people, so it means the world to us to be able to voice the value of that art through the Recording Academy, to make sure it continues to be a pillar of connection in society.

4 Ways To Maximize Your Recording Academy Membership

The Recording Academy's commitment to remaking its membership isn't just dogged and ongoing: it's the kind of thing that breaks records.

More than 2,400 diverse music creators have joined the Recording Academy as part of the organization's 2023 New Member Class. In a demonstration of the Academy's commitment to remaking its overall membership, 50 percent of the new class are people of color, 46 percent of this year's class are under the age of 40, and 37 percent are women.

Full statistics surrounding the demographics of the new class can be found here, and a snapshot of the Recording Academy's 2023 DEI initiatives can be found here.

Like the GRAMMYs — which return Feb. 4 — the Recording Academy's membership model is community-driven and peer-reviewed to create a more diverse and engaged membership base that represents all corners of the music industry.

Since the Academy's 2019 implementation of the new member model — which refined the new member submission process — membership among people of color has swelled from 24 percent to 38 percent. The percentage of women members has also increased, from 26 percent to 30 percent.

The Recording Academy is happy to report that it's 98 percent of the way to reaching its goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025. The Academy is set to achieve this milestone a year ahead of schedule, in 2024.

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"I'm proud as our organization continues to evolve and build a membership body that reflects the diverse talents and backgrounds that make up our music community," Harvey Mason jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. "Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, however, is an ongoing effort.

"While we celebrate our progress, we also acknowledge that there's still more work that must be done," Mason continued. "Our members play a crucial role in everything we do, so representation is integral to our mission of supporting and uplifting music makers. I'm thrilled to welcome this year's new class and look forward to watching them engage with our Academy for years to come." 

The Recording Academy offers three types of membership: Voting Membership for recording creators, Professional Membership for music businesspeople, and GRAMMY U for the next generation aspiring to a career in the music industry.

The final round of voting for the 2024 GRAMMYs is open from Dec. 14, 2023 – Jan. 4, 2024, and determines the winners of the GRAMMY Awards across all 94 categories. Voting Members, including those welcomed in the 2023 new class, are eligible to vote for the GRAMMY Awards.

In addition to voting in the GRAMMY Awards process, members can submit product for GRAMMY Awards consideration, propose amendments to GRAMMY Awards rules, run for a Recording Academy Board position or Committee, vote in Chapter elections, support fellow musicians through advocacy efforts and MusiCares, engage with our Producers & Engineers Wing, Songwriters & Composers Wing, Black Music Collective, and more.

For more information on the Recording Academy's membership process and requirements, visit here — and stay tuned as more exciting news regarding membership comes down the pike!

Here's What Went Down At The Recording Academy's New York Chapter GRAMMY Career Day

On Oct. 24, the world' s leading society of music people laid some precious knowledge on students. At a career day held in partnership with The Hartt School of Music, Dance & Theater at the University of Hartford, Connecticut, young professionals attended an array of topical sessions featuring movers and shakers from across the music industry.

By the end of the day, they had learned how they can put roots down in a complicated, ever-shifting industry landscape — and not only grow, but flourish.

After welcome remarks by Nick Cucci, Sr. Executive Director of the Recording Academy' s New York Chapter, Cucci sat down with Dani Friedman, the hospitality coordinator for seven-time GRAMMY winners and 34-time nominees Coldplay.

Therein, Friedmani discussed how she got her start in the industry, as a former GRAMMY U Rep and an intern at "Saturday Night Live." She elaborated on how all of those experiences set her up for success as she embarked on her career.

Friedman also discussed the importance of establishing and maintaining connections within the industry as a person just getting their start. She also discussed how to position internship connections to make the most out of those relationships after they graduate.

"As someone who came into this world without any connections or guidance on how to get started, I think programs such as GRAMMY Career Day are invaluable to both high school and college students alike," Friedman says. "It' s so important to share resources available to them and I am so happy to be able to give back already at such an early point in my career."

Afterward, schools attended two out of three topical sessions:

The first was titled "Navigating the Music Industry: Recording Contracts, Publishing & Royalties." This session featured Lee Dannay, Head of A&R at Thirty Tigers and Michael Goldstone, owner of Mom + Pop Music. Students heard from Dannay and Goldstone about how important contracts are in the musical cog.

"We too, started out as high school students with a passion for music and dreams of working in the industry," Dannay said after the event, adding that the career day session "instilled a level of enthusiasm and confidence in the students that will be invaluable to them going forward."

During their panel session, the pair discussed what it means to be paid royalties for the music one creates. They also gave students a bird' s eye view of major and indie label experiences, touching on the differing structure in each environment. Their key advice? Beware of the words "in perpetuity" — and balance your job with hobbies and passions outside of work.

The second was dubbed "Empowering Artists: Artist Representation and the Live Music Experience." This discussion featured GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer/songwriter Nicole Zuraitis; and Kristina Latino, Owner, Cornerscape Artist Management.

During this session, students learned all the nuances of representing artists — how to shop them, prepare  to leverage their brand, and navigate the industry independently or with the partnership of a major label.

They also conversed about going to college versus jumping right into music, as well as the value of education and the unique opportunity that exists in the music industry to explore both paths concurrently. For example, as they posited, an English class will teach you the power of words — and those words can change the way you write a song. 

The third session was "The Musical Landscape: Digital Marketing & The Power of Social Media," which featured the participation of Jeanine McLean, President of MBK Entertainment, Inc. and Tone Stith, Artist/Songwriter (Chris Brown, H.E.R., Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign).

McLean and Stith spoke with students about digital marketing, the power of social media, and how those tools are used to create and leverage a creative' s brand identity.

As a singer/songwriter himself, Stith spoke to students about how he has used TikTok campaigns to showcase songs, engaging his fan base through social media. From the business side, McLean discussed utilizing new media as a branding tool. She explained how her team works with artists like Tone to leverage platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to build a brand.  

"Speaking with the students in an intimate setting was very effective because it allowed our time together to be very conversational," Stith says. "I was able to share my journey of being a signed artist and singer/songwriter, they were able to ask me questions and I was able to ask them questions about their career goals and dreams. We talked, laughed and it was awesome because there was a lot of talent in the room, so I took out my guitar and we had a mini jam session!"

The day ended with a group session called "Internships: What are they and why are they important? with Marcus X. Thomas, Esq, Chair, Music and Performing Arts Management, The Hartt School, University of Hartford — as well as Chadae Bowler, Marketing Professional at TIDAL.

Thomas and Bowler spoke to students about the aspects of an internship and the opportunities that an internship can provide for college students. As Chadae said, internships are the "entry point to learning about the system." Students were able to ask questions and get a feel for how they can use internships to explore any industry.  

All in all, the day was a smashing success — and these participants offered testimonials.

Said Thomas: "It' s incredibly significant for the Recording Academy to bring GRAMMY Career Day to the city of Hartford. Although New York is just two hours away, it can be challenging for many young people who aspire to have a music career to make it to the city and connect with the industry. By coming to Connecticut, the Recording Academy is making the business more accessible to eager students. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that this has the potential to be life changing.

"The University of Hartford is excited to partner with the Recording Academy on GRAMMY Career Day," he continued. "This is one of several innovative initiatives we' re working on at The Hartt School to foster stronger relationships with area high schools for the benefit of the students we all serve. I hope we inspire students to learn more about rewarding careers in the music business, whether they come to the University of Hartford, go to another school, or go directly into the industry. As an educator, I want to equip students to become lifelong learners wherever their 'classroom' may be."

Added Dannay: "Programs like Grammy Career Day bring tremendous value to high school students, not only shedding light on behind the scenes jobs, internships and future career opportunities, and ways to attain those opportunities, but perhaps equally important:-the personal insight and encouragement shared by the panelists today, showed the students that their dreams and aspirations are attainable."

Zuraitis chimed in as well: "The music industry is multifaceted with a vast amount of opportunities for people to work within it, not just on stage! Showcasing and empowering students to pursue internships and look outside the box for career opportunities within the music business is exciting. Sharing my personal story about working from the ground up for many years helps redefine what success looks like on every level, not just at the tippy top. Personal stories motivate students to pursue a difficult but ultimately rewarding career by seeing that dreams are attainable with tenacity, networking and kindness."

The Recording Academy commends all who made GRAMMY Career Day possible — and urges you to keep checking RecordingAcademy.com for more news on events like it!

2024 GRAMMYs: Hear Kristin Chenoweth, Christopher Tin, Mama Jan Smith & More Music Industry Leaders Discuss The Importance Of GRAMMY Voting

Near the heart of Nashville, hundreds of GRAMMY U members eagerly assembled to gain insight from seasoned touring music professionals.

Held at the Johnson Theater at Belmont University on Oct. 21, the GRAMMY U Fall Summit centered on the world of live music and touring. Panel-style discussions from Nashville-based acts Greta Van Fleet and Lainey Wilson touched on topics such as the art of self-care on the road and the intricacies of show production, equipping attendees with invaluable advice toward building a thriving career within the live music industry.

Anticipation and excitement wafted through the air as attendees took their seats to watch the panels moderated by Theresa Wolters, the Vice President of Human & Health Services at MusiCares, and songwriter/producer Dallas Wilson.

"Resilience on the Road is such an important initiative," Wolters said. "Through conversations like we had at the Grammy U Fall Summit, we have an opportunity to get resources and support into the hands of more music professionals and shape the way we approach life on the road."

Laykin Milton, GRAMMY U member from the Nashville Chapter, arrived more than an hour early to secure a front row seat for the panel discussions. She expressed her appreciation for the exclusive insights shared by the touring professionals, as the advice aligns with her aspirations of pursuing a career in the live music industry.

GRAMMY U members also had the opportunity to collect exclusive branded merchandise, network with their fellow peers, and attend a lively afterparty at Riverside Revival. GRAMMY U member Peedy Chavis kicked off the afterparty festivities, and local country artists Lindsay Ell and Lily Rose gave electrifying performances while attendees got a glimpse into the live music space.

If you missed the live broadcast, you can still catch the panel discussions on YouTube here. Read on for the five pieces of advice from the 2023 GRAMMY U Fall Summit in Nashville.

Family Comes First

Greta Van Fleet with moderator Theresa Wolters ┃Ed Rode

Greta Van Fleet consists of three brothers, though Josh, Jake, and Sam Kiszka still consider their additional bandmate, Daniel Wagner, to be part of their family. 

Building upon the idea of keeping a tight circle, the band mentioned how family goes beyond blood relation and that it is paramount to surround yourself with the right people.

"There is a tight-knit nature to what we do," said Jake when asked about how to navigate the maintenance of relationships while on tour. "Family, I think, is at the peak of it."

Prioritize Taking Breaks 

Many might expect actual live performances to be the most exhausting part of touring, but for Greta Van Fleet, it’s a different factor: the constant traveling. When you’re constantly bouncing from one place to another, it can become easy to get stuck in a dizzying loop.

"As fun as [touring] can be, it can also be equally as exhausting," Josh said. "It is about finding the time for rest and exercise, which is integral."

The band emphasized the importance of taking a step back to regain clarity. Whether it be physically exercising or connecting with nature, Greta Van Fleet stressed the significance of disconnecting every once in a while from the fast lifestyle that accompanies touring. Without stepping back or taking breaks, that touring would be unsustainable.

There’s Never An 'I' In Team

Although Lainey Wilson may be a solo artist, the country singer made a point to mention the crucial role of her behind-the-scenes touring crew. Assembling the right touring team can make or break a run, she noted, and should be one of the most important considerations when going on tour.

"It’s gotta be the right vibe," Lainey said when asked about her approach toward the crew selection process. "One bad egg can throw it all off."

Moderator Dallas Wilson noted that you're with your tour crew around the clock — making it imperative to prioritize good character and connection above all else.

Embrace Your Roots & Unique Quirks

Renowned for her eclectic style, Lainey characterizes her musical and sartorial aesthetic as "Bell Bottom Country." It’s also the title of her fourth studio album.

"[Bell Bottom Country] is about finding whatever it is about you that makes you unique and different and leaning into it as much as you possibly can," Lainey said. "It can be where you’re from, the way that you talk, the way that you dress, your story — whatever it is, it’s about embracing that."

Self-expression through wardrobe is just as key as self-expression through music. For Lainey, it’s imperative to embody your own "Bell Bottom Country," in whatever form that resonates for you. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Assert Yourself

Meg Miller, Lainey's tour manager, acknowledged that the industry can still feel like a "boy's club." However, Miller spotlighted the importance of confidently occupying space in the live music arena.

"You’re meant to be there," Miller stressed. "You’re a part of it."

Miller was firm in rejecting the notion that women in the industry should alter their behavior to please others. She emphasized that she approaches every situation with the same confidence and composure, as any other established professional would.

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