Written by Emma Hampton, Carlie Anderson & Sophie Griffiths

GRAMMY U, the Recording Academy’s membership for college students pursuing music, has kicked off a new year and we are excited to welcome the 2022-23 GRAMMY U Representative class.

These 14 students are up-and-comers in the industry and are the heart and soul of every GRAMMY U curated experience presented throughout the year. Each Chapter has a GRAMMY U Representative works closely with their staff on local programs. Reps also work collaboratively with each other and the GRAMMY U national team, which includes two additional student Reps who focus on projects and membership, respectively.

GRAMMY U Representatives serve from one to three consecutive years and have the opportunity to organize everything from private soundchecks with top-tier touring artists, to masterclasses with leading industry professionals.

We asked this year’s Reps an assortment of questions about themselves personally and professionally. Get to know the 2022-2023 class of GRAMMY U Representatives below and stay connected with the future of the music industry.

Jade Bacon | Los Angeles

Jade is in her second year at the USC Thornton School of Music as a jazz voice major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

Day in the Industry: An event where GRAMMY U members get to pick an influential professional in the field they are interested in and go with them through their day as they work on projects, meetings, or creative aspects.

If you could invent a new product or business concept, what would it be and why?

An app that made a playlist based on how you're feeling. Maybe it could be connected to your music streaming service so it has a good idea of your taste and you can fill out a short survey. The survey answers will determine the songs you get and then you have a playlist for the day. You could call it Play of the Day.

What do you think is the ideal location for a concert?

I love an intimate space and the relationship you can feel between the artists and fans. I think a small venue with space to dance and sing at the top of your lungs will always be the most enjoyable to me.

Connect with Jade:

Email: grammyu.la@recordingacademy.com  

IG: @jadembacon

Heather Howard | Nashville

Heather is a rising senior at Middle Tennessee State University with a major in music business. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite experience in the music industry so far has to be when I got to work on digital marketing for the CMA Fest this summer and see different performances side stage that I never thought I'd be able to see while working.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry.

My vision for the future of the music industry is that we create even more opportunities for the youth to get involved and to become aware about the possibilities a career in this industry can offer them. I want to see the industry sharing more knowledge and advice with one another and creating a pathway for everyone regardless of race, gender, etc. to succeed and reach new heights with help from the people they work closely with everyday.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who is just starting out in the music industry?

Get to know everyone around you, get coffee with them, stay connected with them; you never know who you might be working with down the line or who you might need as a reference. Networking is key in this industry.

Connect with Heather:

Email: grammyu.nashville@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @officialheatherhoward

Lauren Stephens | Texas Chapter

Lauren is a marketing major at the University of Texas at Austin. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

Live music is my favorite thing in the world, so I would love to put on a mini festival of sorts for GRAMMY U! I'd probably sort the stages by genre and organize some Q&A's and meet-and-greets during that time as well. Since we have lots of creatives and writers in GRAMMY U, we could also have GRAMMY U members interviewing or photographing artists they love.

What is the best concert you have been to this year? What would be your dream concert?

5SOS put on an amazing show, and it was such a full circle moment getting to shoot one of their shows and see them at the same venue I saw them at in 2015! For my dream concert, I'd love to see Harry Styles for under $100 in an intimate venue — like the 2017 tour he did.

What is your ideal festival lineup?

The Maine, the Wombats, Inhaler, 5 Seconds of Summer (and have Luke Hemmings play some of his solo stuff!!), Harry Styles OR MCR.

Connect with Lauren:

Email: grammyu.texas@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @laurensstephens 

Sophie Griffiths | Philadelphia Chapter

Sophie is a senior at Drexel University, majoring in music industry with a concentration in recording arts and production. She also has a minor in business administration, and in music theory and composition. This is her second year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

What is one piece of advice you’d give someone who is just starting out in the music industry?

I would say the most important things I've learned are to stay busy and stay connected. It is important to always be talking to and working with people in this industry to learn anything, as well as always working on your next project. Developing a portfolio for yourself becomes incredibly useful for finding clients, more people to collaborate with, and just cultivating and sharpening your skillset.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become a professional songwriter and vocal producer. I have always been a musician and songwriter, and after going into recording and learning about the skills, I see myself working one-on-one with artists to cultivate their creative visions.

What is your favorite movie soundtrack and what is your favorite song from that soundtrack?

My favorite soundtrack is by The Coup from Sorry To Bother You. The music is upbeat and wild and will always pump me up. If I were to choose any song off that soundtrack to listen to right now, it would have to be "We Need an Eruption."

Connect with Sophie:

Email: grammy.philly@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @soph.h.g 

Joanna Serrano | San Francisco Chapter

Joanna is currently a senior at San Jose State University studying public relations. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

I would love to hold a GRAMMY U showcase during GRAMMY week! The showcase would feature performances from both professionals as well as aspiring professionals who are members of the Recording Academy or GRAMMY U. This would be an amazing opportunity to witness iconic performances by acts we all know and love, while shining light on rising talents who are a part of GRAMMY U!

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite part of the music industry has been creating connections with individuals all over the world! It is amazing working with people who share the same passion and love for music. I have been blown away by the kindness I have witnessed across multiple aspects of the industry, both by horizontal and vertical connections!

Who is your favorite songwriter and what do you like about them?

My favorite songwriter is Luke Hemmings. He branched out from his pop-rock work with 5SOS and was able to create songs that emulate sadness but also inspiration. After over 10 years in the industry, we can hear and feel his growth through his art.

Connect with Joanna:

Email: grammyu.sf@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @joannaxserrano

Amir Duke | Atlanta Chapter

Amir is a senior at Morehouse College with a major in economics. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry

My vision of the music industry going forward is next level streaming and tech. We currently are watching the innovation of streams, likes, and shares with music through social media platforms such as TikTok, and Instagram. I also see labels and music tech merging into one huge platform in the next 5-10 years.

What is your dream job?

My dream job in the music industry is label relations at Amazon Music. Going forward in my career I see myself still being close to a label but having the ability to work heavily in this new age of the industry which is music tech.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone who is just starting out in the music industry?

One piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out in the music industry is to be consistent and dedicated. It’s not always easy making your way through the industry; However, if you’re dedicated to curating relationships and hard work you will thrive.

Connect with Amir:

Email: grammyu.atlanta@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @_amirduke

Carlie Anderson | Florida Chapter

Carlie studies music industry and business law at the University of Miami. This is her second year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite experience in the music industry so far was having the opportunity to attend GRAMMY Week and the 64th GRAMMYs this past April and finally getting a chance to work with my fellow representatives in person!

If you could only listen to one album or one artist for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

If I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life it would have to be Sound and Color by the Alabama Shakes.

Connect with Carlie:

Email: grammyu.florida@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @carlieanderson

Maddie Caccavale | New York Chapter

Maddie is an arts & entertainment industries management major at Rider University. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry

My vision for the future of the industry is definitely a bright one! I hope that live music continues to grow bigger than ever before since the pandemic hit and more up-and-coming artists have the chance to perform in front of more live audiences. I also hope that the industry continues to become more diverse and inclusive in all areas, and that creators will get full recognition and compensation for their work.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

My favorite experience being in the music industry so far is getting the opportunity to become a member of communities like GRAMMY U, Women in Music, She is the Music, Amplify Her Voice and so many others! All of them have provided me with opportunities to learn, grow, and build community as I get my start in the music business!

If you could manage a tour for any artist, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Taylor Swift. She is one of the greatest artists and performers of our time. I have been lucky enough to see her live many times and have always walked out of all her shows in complete awe. I have been following her career ever since I was little and my love for her work has grown through the years. Taylor is truly one of my biggest inspirations and it would be a dream come true to have the opportunity to work with her one day!

Connect with Maddie:

Email: grammyu.ny@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @maddiecaccavale

Rachael MacQuarrie | Pacific Northwest Chapter

Rachael is studying music composition and recording arts at Western Washington University. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

What do you think is the ideal location for a concert?

I think the ideal location for a concert is deep in the woodlands under the dappled green light of pine trees. At night we would adorn the trees with string lights, like a little fairy hideout! The Olympic Peninsula has many beautiful forests that would be amazing for something like this.

If you had a job not in the music industry, what would it be and why?

would work in physical education, more specifically, teaching Aikido. One of my first jobs was teaching Aikido, a Japanese martial art based in self-defense and peaceful resolution. In my life, I have found great joy, strength, mental fortitude, and recovery through movement. Helping others find that joy, the power of self-expression through movement, is one of the most gratifying feelings.

Describe your favorite personal playlist and tell us the title.

My favorite personal playlist is a mix of funk, hip-hop, and soul music that's upbeat with warm tones and a crisp rhythm section. Some featured artists include FKJ, Tom Misch, Vulfpeck, and the Phony Ppl. The title is "SHRIMP!" because shrimp are yummy and colorful little morsels, just like each song on the playlist!

Connect with Rachael:

Email: grammyu.pnw@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @raenandfire 

Emma Hampton | Memphis Chapter

Emma is a senior at the University of Memphis studying music business. This is her second year as GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your favorite experience in the music industry so far.

I'd be crazy if I didn't say going to the GRAMMYs has been my favorite experience in the industry. It's also been one of my favorite experiences in my entire life. The whole week was unbelievable. We got to also go to the GRAMMYs NextUp, had a masterclass with Hannah Lux Davis, and got to volunteer at the Person of the Year gala. Those moments are irreplaceable, and I still can't believe I got those opportunities.

If you could score any type of film, what genre would it be?

I've always wanted to score at least one film. I love thinking of how I would score my favorite books if they were turned into films. I think I'd want to score a dramatic film, something with a lot of depth and soul to it.

Who is your favorite songwriter and what do you like about them?

My favorite songwriter right now (I literally have their songs on repeat 24/7) is Leith Ross. They’re one of those writers who makes me feel like they’re in my head. When I listen to their songs, I sometimes feel almost as if the song was written personally for me.

Connect with Emma:

Email: grammyu.memphis@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @echampton8

Jonathan Weaver | Washington D.C. Chapter

Jonathan is a student at Howard University studying finance. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

I would put on a festival to celebrate the Black and Brown queer community within the music industry because I feel that this demographic of people is under-appreciated in the industry.

If you could manage a tour for any artist, who would it be and why?

I would be interested in managing a tour for Normani because she is my favorite artist and an amazing performer.

Connect with Jonathan:

Email: grammyu.dc@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @jonathancarl111 

Kegan Grace | Chicago Chapter

Kegan is a student at Northwestern University majoring in Statistics and Music. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

What is your dream job?

My dream role is to be either a part of the live industry or work in artist management. Something like an agent or a business manager!

What other organizations are you involved in?

The Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band and the student-run video and music production club Niteskool Productions. I’m also in a street drumming and dance group.

What are your top favorite songs right now?

"Cool With You" by Her’s, "Mortal Projections" by Djo, "The Adults are Talking" by The Strokes, and "Voliano" by Remi Wolf.

Connect with Kegan:

Email: grammyu.chicago@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @keeg.grace 

Daniel Ramos | National Representative: Membership

Daniel is a senior at Berklee College of Music majoring in music business management. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.

Describe your vision for the future of the music industry.

My vision would involve giving more opportunities to new artists and really help promote the new wave of music. I would want to build a foundation where musicians feel like they want to be a part of the music industry and have their voices and concerns be heard. I would love to create a culture of inclusivity and purpose to the work that everyone does and to keep generating and cultivating success.

What is one song, album, or artist you would encourage readers to check out?

I am a very strong advocate for up-and-coming artists so I would definitely have everyone check out Vivienne Arthur’s album "Everything I Am."

What is your dream job?

It would be great to work as a music agent or entertainment lawyer. I am really passionate about negotiating contracts and transactional law so ideally, I would love to be in that profession.

Connect with Daniel:

Email: grammyu.membership@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @daniel.ramoss_ 

Sam Merkin | National Representative: Projects

Sam is a senior at the University of Miami with a major in music business. This is his second year as a GRAMMY U Rep.

If there were no limits, what one event would you plan for GRAMMY U and why?

I would get Justin Bieber, The Kid Laroi, and Ariana Grande along with Scooter Braun to educate students on manager/artist relationships and the nooks and crannies of that bond. If the budget was really limitless, I'd probably host it on the moon. Why not?

What do you think will be your most listened to song for 2022? 

I wouldn't be surprised if my top streamed song for this year is "Coast" by Hailee Steinfeld. I tend to get tired of music really fast after listening to it a bunch, but that song has a vibe that I don't think will get old.

What is one song, album or artist you would encourage readers to check out?

I would encourage everyone to check out a song that I released this summer called "LEXI!"

Connect with Sam:

Email: grammyu.projects@recordingacademy.com 

IG: @samsammerk 

5 Highlights Of GRAMMY U's Spring 2022 Mentorship Program

GRAMMY U has wrapped up its annual programming for the summer and said goodbye to the class of 2023 representatives. Over the life of GRAMMY U, the reps' roles have grown and flourished, embodying the soul behind the program as a whole.  

This year's GRAMMY U reps have been busy hosting and co-producing events across the country, from the GRAMMY U Masterclass with Jacob Collier during GRAMMY Week to chapter-based industry insight events focused on topics such as album release day and next steps after graduation. Amidst all these programs, the reps have been hitting the road to experience GRAMMY Week in Los Angeles, hosting interviews at SXSW in Austin, and contributing to the GRAMMY U Conference in Miami. In between events, GU reps evangelize about the program, while working internally to maintain its public-facing day-to-day aspects, including the GRAMMY U Mixtape monthly member playlist. 

There are a total of 14 GRAMMY U reps: one for each of the 12 chapters, and two national representatives. These positions are part of an intensive mentorship program as part-time staff at the Recording Academy, where reps work closely with both their chapter and national teams to represent the GRAMMY U program while receiving career development opportunities. 

Reps must be full-time students pursuing a career in music, and their time in their role can range from one to three years. Reps who have completed the GRAMMY U program have gone on to pursue successful careers at SiriusXM, "Saturday Night Live," SXSW, Spotify and even the Recording Academy. 

Ahead of GRAMMY U's 17th year, take a trip down memory lane to learn about the beginnings of the GRAMMY U representative position, and how the role has evolved into its current iteration.

The Beginnings Of GRAMMY U's Representative Role

The representative role began with the creation of the GRAMMY U program in 2006 as a way to help recruit new members to GRAMMY U and provide networking opportunities. GRAMMY U representatives exist across all 12 chapters and has become one of the most coveted roles for students starting a career in the music industry.

Initially, the majority of the rep role centered on recruiting other members through in-person outreach and involvement in on-campus events. The reps also focused on hosting programming within their local chapters, providing membership benefits and networking opportunities for current and prospective student members. The qualifications to be a GRAMMY U member were also more exclusive: prospective members had to be full-time students pursuing a degree in the music industry.

As GRAMMY U broadened its reach to allow any full-time student pursuing a career in music to join, the rep role also developed. GRAMMY U Reps could now major in business, communications, marketing, journalism, visual arts, law, and more, providing a wider lens of the path a GRAMMY U member could take to join the music industry. 

GRAMMY U programming has always been exceptionally in-depth and educational. Becca Zagorski, a former Chicago Rep (2017-2019) and current Recording Academy Chicago Chapter Project Manager, recalls the GRAMMY U Lollapalooza Backstage Tour, where students were able to meet people from all walks of life at C3 Presents and see the show come to life. Zagorski praised this popular event's "incredible insight to how a major festival is built and what positions are needed to ensure it runs efficiently." 

Reps and members at GRAMMY U SoundChecks with Jason Mraz in 2018, Nashville Chapter | Recording Academy

Early-days reps were also responsible for encouraging attendance at GRAMMY U events — among them, the popular GRAMMY U SoundChecks — and assisting with on-site event duties such as check-in, networking and volunteer communications. Members could also participate in speed networking events, performance opportunities, industry panels and contests. Reps were constantly out representing GRAMMY U by tabling at other events and creatively presenting in classrooms and forums. 

By 2017, Zagorski and reps in the later classes began growing signature programs within their local markets, such as the Nashville Songwriter Showcase, the Florida GRAMMY U Conference, Up Close & Personal conversations featuring major artists, and establishment of the mentorship program. SoundChecks became more streamlined across all chapters, where local reps were now so involved in the process from facilitating the recruitment of student attendees all the way to leading conversations onsite with artists and their crews. 

Internally, the reps were also able to contribute more to the Recording Academy as a whole. They even received opportunities to write articles for GRAMMY.com, which Zagorski notes, "helped develop [her] writing skills as publishing on GRAMMY.COM requires a high caliber of proficiency."

Though the reps were busy all across the country, they had limited chances to speak to each other or learn much about each other’s Chapters, and received few opportunities to work together on various programming. 

Uniting Reps Nationwide

The COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of the music industry, including GRAMMY U, which canceled all in-person programs and limited their typical outreach methods. 

Through much discussion on how to shift programming during these times, former GRAMMY U Director Virginia Faddy and current GRAMMY U Director Jessie Allen, shifted the once local Florida Chapter GRAMMY U Conference into the first-ever national GRAMMY U Conference. The 2021 virtual GRAMMY U Conference provided an opportunity for GRAMMY U members from across the nation to attend. All 12 student reps were able to work together for the first time ever to build this national event by creating introduction videos, writing scripts, moderating the panels, helping with outreach and marketing, and producing it all live.

Sierra Dudas, Former GRAMMY U Rep (2020-2021) and Recording Academy Sr. Project Coordinator, Creative Services, explained her experience as a rep in a virtual world. "It was the first year that events were shifting from local, Chapter-based programs to bigger national events with a wider audience. We were still figuring out the perfect blend of maintaining an intimate Chapter feel, while being as accessible as possible." 

Former Reps Sierra Dudas (L.A. Chapter) and Allison Lapinski (Chicago Chapter) host the 2021 GRAMMY U Virtual Conference | Recording Academy

Prior to Dudas’ time as a GRAMMY U Rep, GRAMMY U's social presence was represented solely through the Recording Academy's platforms. Her class worked hard to create the look and feel of the first-ever GRAMMY U Instagram and TikTok accounts, and ensure it is sustainably run by GRAMMY U reps going forward.

GRAMMY U reps continued to actively create content by making trending music industry videos, highlighting members and events, and interviewing artists. Their involvement in the accounts resulted in rapid growth, and resulted in the opportunity to host a media lounge during SXSW 2022. Dozens of artists attended for interviews and various content captures, while reps curated all questions onsite and edited the content live for a true peek inside the world of music industry publicity.

The New GRAMMY U

Collaboration continues to thrive across all chapters in the most recent class of GRAMMY U reps, with two more positions added to the team: a national membership rep and national projects rep. Internally, the GRAMMY U reps work together daily, providing feedback and assistance to each other as they continue local chapter events, all the way to brainstorming and working together on teams for national initiatives and programs. 

The reps now spend their time working on both chapter and national initiatives equally. Within their chapter markets, the reps oversee local outreach and recruitment, lead a team of campus ambassadors, host events like panels and the GRAMMY U SoundChecks, and manage the mentorship program. The rest of their time is spent building events and benefits for all members, while developing the GRAMMY U's online presence. In this past academic year alone, reps have written more than 20 articles and actively grown the GRAMMY U social accounts.

The 2022-2023 academic year was also the first time the national GRAMMY U Conference was held in-person. The GRAMMY U Conference Presented by Nike was held in Miami and featured unique co-branded activations, a networking mixer, and a packed afternoon of educational panels — all produced by the reps. They worked in teams to bring the conference to life, whether they attended in person, or contributed from their individual cities remotely. 

Reps helping prepare for the 2023 GRAMMY U Conference | Recording Academy

Other national programs the reps contributed to included our GRAMMY U Masterclass with Jacob Collier during GRAMMY Week, our Masterclass series, Presented by Mastercard, at SXSW and during the HBCU Love Tour in Atlanta, and a curated week of opportunities during GRAMMY Week. 

This year at GRAMMY Week, our Reps received the first-ever opportunity for the reps to attend the MusicCares Persons of the Year Gala. They also produced social content from behind-the-scenes all week long, including participating in a guided production tour of the Crypto.com arena. "Meeting so many people at all the different events [during GRAMMY Week] was incredibly exciting and eye opening," says Sam Merkin, National GRAMMY U Projects Rep (2021-2023).

While the reps were in awe of these opportunities, the feeling of meeting the other reps for the first time was still one of the most notable highlights of the week. This year’s Memphis Chapter GRAMMY U Rep (2021-2023), Emma Hampton, called it a "homecoming." 

"We spend so much time talking over the phone so it was incredibly rewarding to finally all be together actually getting to know one another," she says. "It’s like seeing old friends for the first time in forever." 

The reps' editorial committee also launched the GRAMMY U Mixtape, a monthly member playlist for GRAMMY.com. Reps rotate listening duties every month, and decide genres and titles to highlights on official Recording Academy playlists. 

New Opportunities On The Horizon

Today, the GRAMMY U reps are exposed to a wide variety of programming and opportunities. While the SoundChecks and Mentorship remain flagship programs for GRAMMY U, each new class of reps will have more opportunity than ever to curate new experiences within their Chapters and nationally. 

GRAMMY U Reps with GRAMMY U Director Jessie Allen at the 2023 GRAMMY U Conference | Recording Academy

The GRAMMY U Reps are exposed to a countless amount of skills to prepare them for the music industry after program completion. These include anything from social media, writing, and public speaking, to production, events, and design.

GRAMMY U hopes to build off of this momentum from the work of the previous Reps and is excited to welcome a new class of reps in the Fall. Applications for next year’s GRAMMY U representatives are now open for the Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, Memphis, New York, Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Texas, and Washington D.C. Chapters, including one National Membership position.

Visit here to learn more about each position. Applications close June 30.

GRAMMY U Conference Timeline: How The Student-Run Con Changed GRAMMY U For The Better

Diverse representation in the Recording Academy's leadership relies on the active participation of its membership. Open  Tuesday, May 16 — Monday, May 22, the 2023 At-Large Trustees Election once again provides Voting and Professional Members a chance to have a say in who represents them and directly elect their fellow creators and professionals to the Board of Trustees.

A robust turnout for this election can make a meaningful difference in the future of the Academy. Every ballot cast increases the likelihood of having a well-rounded Board that reflects the varied backgrounds, genres, and disciplines of the wider music community.

Whether this is your first time voting or you need a refresher, here's everything you need to know about the Recording Academy's upcoming 2023 At-Large Trustees Election.

When is the 2023 At-Large Trustees Election?

The At-Large Trustees Election is held each spring. The 2023 election opens Tuesday, May 16, at 8 a.m. local time and runs through Monday, May 22, at 11:59 p.m. local time. 

What is the difference between Chapter Board Elections and the At-Large Trustees Election?

During Chapter Board Elections, which took place in March, Voting and Professional Members vote to elect Governors to their local Chapter Board, and Chapter Boards vote to elect their respective Chapter Officers and Trustees.

During the At-Large Trustees Election, all Voting and Professional Members have the opportunity to elect four Trustees to the Board of Trustees.

Who is eligible to vote in the At-Large Trustees Elections?

All Voting and Professional Members of the Recording Academy are eligible and encouraged to vote in the At-Large Trustees Election. 

Who serves on the Board of Trustees?

The Board of Trustees is composed of 42 total Trustees. Four Trustees serve as National Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, and Chair Emeritus). Of the remaining 38, eight Trustees are elected At-Large by the entire Voting and Professional membership. Since Trustees serve staggered two-year terms, only half of the Board seats are up for election each year.

All members of the Board of Trustees meet the same qualifications and serve the same goal: to uphold the mission of the Recording Academy and serve the music community at large.

Infographic explaining the Recording Academy's 2023 At-Large Trustees Election voting process | Infographic Courtesy of the Recording Academy

Who votes for Trustees?

Chapter Boards (Chapter Governors, Chapter Officers and Trustees) elect 15 Trustees each year during the Chapter Board Elections in the spring.

Voting and Professional Members elect four Trustees each year during the At-Large Trustees Election in May.

What are the responsibilities of Recording Academy Trustees?

In service to the greater music community, members of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees are responsible for: 

• Mission Alignment

• Corporate Governance

• Strategic Oversight

• CEO Oversight

• Budget Oversight 

Why is voting in the At-Large Trustees Election important?

Your vote helps ensure a diverse, inclusive and representative Board.

As demonstrated by the Recording Academy's richly diverse 2022 New Member Class, the Academy is committed to cultivating a true sense of belonging that embraces all communities, musical influences and crafts that power the music industry. Members have an opportunity to elect leaders who reflect this inclusivity.

The Board of Trustees holds a responsibility to serve the needs and aspirations of our vastly diverse music community and ensures the policies and procedures put in place by the Academy represent the values of all members. In partnership with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., the Board of Trustees helps strategically guide and shape the mission and policies of the Academy and its commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, fight for creators' rights, protect music people in need, and preserve music's history and invest in its future. 

Your vote makes a difference.

Voting in the At-Large Trustees Election ensures that your concerns and values as an active participant of the music community are heard and accurately represented on a national scale.

Voting is a right and a responsibility for all members.

While we love hearing creators' voices on stage and in recordings, it's our responsibility to listen to their concerns, ideas and recommendations to keep our Academy and our industry evolving.

Your vote is your voice.

As a member of the Recording Academy, your vote is tremendously valued and has the power to impact the Academy's greater goals and operations.

How can I vote in the At-Large Trustees Election?

When the At-Large Trustees Election opens on Tuesday, May 16, at 8 a.m. local time, Voting and Professional Members will receive an e-mail from the Recording Academy's online voting partner, Simply Voting, containing a direct link to their online ballot and a unique username and password. Please note this login is different from each member's Recording Academy login.

Once members click on their ballot link, they can review the candidate bios and cast their votes. Voting for the At-Large Trustees Election closes Monday, May 22, at 11:59 p.m. local time. 

If members did not receive an e-mail with their ballot, we ask them to please check their spam folder and add vote@simplyvoting.com to their approved senders list. For any further questions or issues, members can reach out to elections@recordingacademy.com. 

Learn more about Recording Academy Governance and view the current list of Elected Leaders.

Your Vote, Your Voice: 6 Reasons Why Your GRAMMY Vote Matters

For centuries, music has soundtracked the fight for societal change and revolutions around the world. From the protest anthems of the Civil Rights Movement to the powerful songs fueling the protests in Iran, music has remained an essential ingredient in the ongoing battle for progress and universal equality. Now, the Recording Academy, in partnership with United Nations Human Rights, continues this long tradition of championing progress via music.

This month, the Recording Academy announced a partnership with several United Nations Human Rights-supported global initiatives that aims to promote global social justice via the power of music. The multifaceted campaign will invite leading artists to use their talents and platforms to advocate for United Nations Human Rights goals, including advocating for the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community as well as a host of other human rights issues, including gender equality and climate justice.

The Right Here, Right Now Music initiative — a partnership between the Recording Academy and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now) — aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change, a timely issue impacting vurnerable communities around the world.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, the first activation in this newly announced partnership, addressed this important issue head-on. The concert, held in Colorado's iconic Boulder Theater on Thursday, April 13, enlisted major artists, including the Lumineerslead singer and co-founder Wesley Schultz and special guestYola, as well as leaders in the music and intergovernmental industries to call attention to the human rights implications of climate change.

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The powerful performances from Yola and Schultz — combined with speeches addressing the importance of utilizing music as a tool to combat climate change — created an atmosphere of longing with an undercurrent of hope for the future.

"I wanted to show our support for these hosts, the Recording Academy and the United Nations [Human Rights], at this forum that addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change," Schultz told the Recording Academy via email about his involvement in the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series. "As touring musicians, we can raise awareness about sustainable goals and inspire dialogue about the global climate crisis. As touring musicians, we can raise awareness and amplify calls to action for governments, education, businesses, and individuals to fight the global climate crisis.

"It is everyone's responsibility to help battle climate change," he continued. "But as touring musicians, we must work to seek out real solutions to the sizable carbon footprint that being on the road causes. That's why I'm working with an organization like Sound Future, who are working on finding systemic fixes to help touring become more carbon neutral."

The Recording Academy attended the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series in person. Below are five key takeaways from the collaborative launch event.

The Event's Location Was Chosen Deliberately

Outdoor marquee sign at the Boulder Theater in Colorado for the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series on April 13, 2023 | Photo: David Rose

David Clark, founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, explained that launching the Mini Global Climate Concert Series in Boulder, Colorado, an area he described as a "hotbed" for climate justice, was a very conscious choice.

"We've got amazing national labs that are coming up with cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge data, research that's shaping the climate dialogue around the world," he said at the concert.

Boulder was also the home of last year's Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, which hosted experts from over 100 nations, including Mary Robinson, the former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and the President of Ireland.

The Climate Crisis Is A Human Crisis

The climate crisis already disproportionately impacts socially vulnerable groups: women, children, low-income families, and other historically marginalized communities.

"Human-caused climate change has already caused substantial and irreversible damage to ecosystems and livelihoods with disproportionate impacts on people in ongoing situations," Benjamin Schachter, UN Human Rights Team Leader for Environment and Climate Change, explained from the stage.

Schachter emphasized that countless lives have been lost due to the climate crisis already, and millions of people are displaced by climate and weather-related disasters annually.

Music Creates Powerful Connections

(L-R) David Clark, Harvey Mason jr., Chantel Sausedo, Benjamin Schachter | Photo: David Rose

The Recording Academy has a long history of championing change through the power of music — a point highlighted throughout the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series.

"Music is a crucial means of [catalyzing transformative action]," Schachter said. "It constitutes a common language, a means of expression."

"Music has some special abilities," Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, explained in an impassioned speech from the stage. "It has the ability to give a voice to those that have none, to shine a light on injustices that exist in our world, and to inspire us all to take action."

Mason jr. also amplified an impactful message that reflected the theme of the night: Music is not just a means for entertainment, but a "powerful tool to galvanize social movements to speak the truth, the power to create community and to bring disparate people together for a common cause."

The World Must Band Together

Yola performing at the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series at the Boulder Theater in Colorado on April 13, 2023 | Photo: David Rose

Internationally acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated guest artist Yola performed a no-frills set of raw, vocally driven songs intertwined with the mellow strum of her acoustic guitar. Many of Yola's songs spoke to her newfound strength to stand up for herself, a concept she explored on her 2021 album, Stand For Myself, and clap back at those in power — an appropriate theme that resonated throughout the environmental justice concert.

"This next one might be a little on the nose," Yola chuckled on stage as she introduced her aptly named, GRAMMY-nominated song, "Diamond Studded Shoes," and described the diamond-studded heels of a politician who was "slapping the meals out of kids' hands." The song's moving lyrics — "For the life and soul of the world we know/Fight, 'cause the promise is never gonna be enough" — and theme fully captured the message of the night: Even if things might be bad, resistance is possible and "it'll be fine if we just band together," she said.

Small Actions Lead To Impactful Change

Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers performing at the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series at the Boulder Theater in Colorado on April 13, 2023 | Photo: Dave Arnold

Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers took the stage to thunderous applause. Like Yola, Schultz's performance was an unedited glimpse at his raw talent: a 45-minute set composed of just his voice and an acoustic guitar.

Between songs – some of which were covers, others originals – Schultz shared stirring glimpses into his personal life, from his dad's death to a psychedelic-infused trip he had with his wife.

Schultz also shared that his wife, Brandy, is a co-founder of Sound Future, a nonprofit focused on "accelerating climate innovation for the live event industry," according to the organization's website. He explained how Sound Future used flexible solar panels and the heat of the Texas sun to power the stage at Willie Nelson's concert in Luck, Texas.

"It's a very simple idea, right? That we can turn certain things that seem really daunting into something that's very doable," Schultz reflected on the stage. "I think we can all make these little steps here and there, [combined] with the brilliant minds that people have out there, to make some innovation, to make [live shows] a little more friendly on the environment."

Learn more about the Recording Academy's and United Nations Human Rights' partnership, and stay tuned for future news and developments.

Fight The Power: 11 Powerful Protest Songs Advocating For Racial Justice

Earlier this month, the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC) — together with Amazon Music — relaunched the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program for the third consecutive year.

This innovative program is designed to provide students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) the opportunity to explore all facets of the music industry by offering unique networking opportunities with revered music industry leaders.

This year, five HBCU students will be selected to take part in the program; each recipient will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. In addition, the BMC and Amazon Music will award two HBCUs $10,000 grants each for equipment for their music programs. The scholarship program also includes an immersive rotational program with Amazon Music and Recording Academy department leads.

The deadline to apply for this year’s "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program is this Friday, April 28. Selected scholarship recipients will be announced on Monday, May 8.

To celebrate this unique, career-building opportunity, the Recording Academy is highlighting past recipients of the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship, who reflected on the lessons they learned from the program and discussed its impact on their burgeoning careers.

Photo courtesy of Amir Duke.

Amir Duke

Attending HBCU: Morehouse College
Major: Economics with a minor in sales
Class of 2023

The biggest lesson that I learned during my experience in the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program is the importance of genuine relationship building in the music business.

Being able to network with like-minded individuals and have strong relationships based on similarities and interests will take you far in the music business.

Exploring opportunities and taking your time in the music business is key to longevity. I learned not to rush my career process and to take each opportunity with grace.

Photo courtesy of Zsana Hoskins.

Zsana Hoskins

Attending HBCU: Howard University
Major: Journalism major with a minor in music
Class of 2024

I learned that the music industry has many layers, and there isn't one particular way to enter it.

There are so many more roles that are available to those who aspire to have a career in music outside of the cliche ones we often hear about. And the journey to a music industry career isn't linear at all.

Everyone's path is different, but the goal is achievable.

Photo courtesy of Jasmine Gordon.

Jasmine Gordon

Attending HBCU: Spelman College
Major: Comparative women's studies with a concentration in branding and marketing in the music industry and a minor in entrepreneurship
Class of 2025

I had the privilege of interacting with a diverse group of music industry professionals and creators who shared a valuable lesson with me.

I learned the importance of not confining oneself and placing yourself in a singular box, but instead expanding beyond one's creative boundaries and exploring different avenues.

As a young, Black creative, this perspective was particularly impactful for me as it showed me that there are no constraints to my passions within this industry.

I am now inspired to continue to break barriers and pursue my creativity with an open mind.

Photo courtesy of Jayden Potts

Jayden Potts

Attending HBCU: Jackson State University
Major: Music technology
Class of 2026

The biggest lesson I learned during my experience in the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program is that everyone's path is completely different. Nobody has an exact path to the career they landed in.

It showed me how they persevered through every position they had and pushed forward to their goal in mind, motivating me to do the same.

Your Future Is Now: Music Industry Executives Discuss The Benefits Of Historically Black Colleges And Universities