Carlie Anderson contributed to this story.
Following GRAMMY U’s recent membership expansion, the Recording Academy is thrilled to welcome the 2023-24 GRAMMY U Representative class.
These 14 college students are rising leaders in the music industry, dedicated to pushing forward inclusivity and creativity. Serving up to three consecutive years, each GRAMMY U Representative works closely with their local Chapter as well as the national GRAMMY U team to support membership projects and diverse programs for creators.
Founded in 2006, GRAMMY U has been supporting college students pursuing careers in music for nearly two decades — and now, as of Aug. 15, the program’s membership is extended not just to college students, but to those between 18 to 29 hoping to work in the music industry.
This exciting expansion means that GRAMMY U’s year ahead will offer more opportunities than ever, and the program’s latest class of Reps is ready to be your guide. Read on to get to know the 2023-24 class of GRAMMY U Representatives.
Jasmine Gordon | Atlanta
Jasmine is studying at Spelman College as a comparative women’s studies major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
My favorite genre of music is R&B because this genre has a unique ability to evoke deep emotions and create a powerful connection between the listener and the artist. R&B’s remarkable versatility seamlessly blends elements from gospel, jazz, funk, pop, and more, ensuring it caters to a wide range of musical tastes. This genre consistently offers me a diverse spectrum of musical experiences, making it an endless source of enjoyment.
What’s your favorite part about the music industry?
My favorite part about the music industry is the opportunity for boundless creativity, allowing me to translate a multitude of ideas into expressive realities. As a person driven by creativity, it was crucial for me to find an industry that allows me to express my creativity in multiple different realms.
If you could plan a GRAMMY U event centered around any music creator or professional, who would it be and why?
I would center the event around Sylvia Rhone, discussing the evolution of the music industry in honor of hip-hop's 50th anniversary. Sylvia's influential role in shaping the industry, fostering talents like Missy Elliott, MC Lyte, Busta Rhymes, Travis Scott, and more, makes her a remarkable choice. Her impact on artists spanning generations, from Lil Wayne to 21 Savage, reflects her enduring significance and wisdom of the music industry.
Connect with Jasmine:
Email: grammyu.atlanta@recordingacademy.com
IG: @jazzy.gord
Rachel Owen | Chicago
Rachel is studying at Columbia College Chicago as a music business major with a focus in artist management. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
Why did you become a GRAMMY U Representative?
I had the immense pleasure of being a GRAMMY U Ambassador for two years before I had this position. As an ambassador, I got to experience all the wonderful events we had in Chicago. I was inspired to become a GRAMMY U Representative because I felt the desire to become involved in the national programs as well as the Chicago chapter programs. I saw the Representatives before me traveling to different places for conferences and meeting other like-minded music lovers across the country, and I felt really inspired to take the leap to becoming a representative to connect with members in other parts of the country.
What song do you want to define your time as a GRAMMY U Representative?
Although the song could be perceived as sad, I want "You’re Gonna Go Far" by Noah Kahan to define my time as a GRAMMY U Representative. A song about having big dreams, moving away from home to pursue them, and validating the bittersweet reality of growing up into who you were always meant to be, "You’re Gonna Go Far," feels like a perfect anthem for this period in my life.
Being the GRAMMY U Representative has been a dream of mine for a few years now, and that song reminds me of my biggest supporters back home who helped me get where I am.
Who is a music industry creator or professional that inspires you?
I am very inspired by musician Chappell Roan. She is a queer artist who has built herself authentically and unapologetically. She has a keen eye for artistry and has learned to adopt many personas while remaining simply and purely herself. She also makes music that I believe to be profound, beautiful, and masterfully made.
Connect with Rachel:
Email: grammyu.chicago@recordingacademy.com
IG: @rachelgraceowen
Samantha Kopec | Florida
Samantha is studying at the University of Miami as a music industry major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
Classical music will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve played piano and clarinet for over 10 years, and being a classical musician was how I got my start in the industry. I’m always intrigued by genre-blending compositions, and I've performed pieces that incorporate electronics, DJs, rappers, and vocalists into a traditional wind ensemble setting.
As a listener, I gravitate towards indie and alternative music since it gives artists the freedom to experiment with different production styles and arrangements while still getting melodies stuck in your head.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
I can’t wait to strengthen the sense of community among GRAMMY U members and the team of GRAMMY U reps. As a Florida native, I am particularly excited about engaging members across the state through informative events, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By sharing experiences and resources, we can all grow, gain new perspectives, and inspire each other to make an impact in the music industry.
What is your dream career in the music industry?
My dream job is to work in entertainment law. I’m passionate about advocating for artists and strive to empower, support, and educate them. The dynamic and fast-paced environment of the legal field would give me the opportunity to work on different tasks and challenge myself every day.
Connect with Samantha:
Email: grammyu.florida@recordingacademy.com
IG: @sam_kopec
Jade Bacon | Los Angeles
Jade is in her third year at the USC Thornton School of Music as a jazz voice major. This is her second year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
Going into my second year in this position, I'm excited to use my skills and experiences to innovate this program even more. I've been able to see how much our work at GRAMMY U impacts the young minds of the music industry and gives them the platform needed to follow their passions. I see it as a privilege to have this opportunity and I'm excited to keep pushing the envelop to see what's possible.
What song do you want to define your time as a GRAMMY U Representative?
"Can't Get Out of this Mood" - Samara Joy
If you could plan a GRAMMY U event centered around any music creator or professional, who would it be and why?
I would make an event around Tyler, the Creator. He has been able to cultivate such a specific brand around himself that surpasses his music. This allows his fanbase to really feel within a community as a follower of him. His artistic influences in all his creative endeavors are so specific to himself but also full of ingenuity. I think he's a great person to inspire young artists and entrepreneurs.
Connect with Jade:
Email: grammyu.la@recordingacademy.com
IG: @jadembacon
Shannon Conte | Memphis
Shannon is a business management major at Tulane University. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What is your dream career in the music industry?
My dream is to be managing some of the biggest musicians in the industry. Being that I am studying management, legal studies and music, I am hopefully preparing myself to be able to hold such a position in music. I have always loved music, but never been musically inclined myself so being able to take what I am good at and still pursue my passion for music is my ultimate goal.
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
I love neo-soul music. I think the genre completely changed the music industry during the mid 90s and to this day has a lasting impact on the industry. I love listening to modern R&B and hip-hop music and being able to hear elements of the neo-soul genre peaking through.
What’s your favorite part about the music industry?
I love how versatile the industry is. A professor of mine told me that every musician needs a manager, accountant, lawyer, etc. This opened my eyes to how many opportunities there are in the music industry no matter what you are interested in. I admire how anyone, no matter their interest or musical abilities can find their place in music if it is something they love.
Connect with Shannon:
Email: grammyu.memphis@recordingacademy.com
IG: @sconte_
Della Lewis | Nashville
Della is studying at Belmont University. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
I'm most excited to connect with members and facilitate a positive environment for creativity, community and fun. One of my favorite things is to connect people who have similar interests, and can help each other. I can't wait to bring this energy into GRAMMY U this year! Overall, I'm excited to watch relationships form and go from strangers to friends throughout the course of the year.
What’s your favorite part about the music industry?
Growing up going to open mic nights has made my favorite aspect of the music industry the supportive community within it. I was lucky to be surrounded with kind people who welcomed me into the world of performance and live entertainment. I look forward to returning the same encouragement and acceptance that I was once given to the GRAMMY U community.
What is your dream career in the music industry?
My dream job has a lot of aspects to it. I would be a medium-sized artist that also manages and produces a female-focused studio that creates a safe and welcoming environment catered to female artists. I would also create a clothing line based off of my albums as a separate stream of revenue to harness my love of fashion design.
Connect with Della:
Email: grammyu.nashville@recordingacademy.com
IG: @dellalewismusic
Sara Hudson | New York
Sara is studying at Pace University as a business admin in arts & entertainment management major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What is your dream career in the music industry?
My dream career in the music industry is somewhere in touring and live events. Since my first concert when I was 11, I always wanted to be more involved in live shows; the inner working of it all always intrigued me. There’s no better feeling than being in a room with 20 or 20,000 people and getting to sing the music you love with the artists you love, and there's no better feeling than getting to be a part of the team that makes moments like that happen.
What song do you want to define your time as a GRAMMY U Representative?
"Long Live (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
One of my favorite genres of music has to be alternative rock music. This genre has paved the way for many independent artists and labels over the years. But most importantly, this genre allows many artists to push boundaries when it comes to making music.
Connect with Sara:
Email: grammyu.ny@recordingacademy.com
IG: @sarahudson__
Chloe Sarmiento | Pacific Northwest
Chloe is studying at University of Washington as a journalism and public interest communication major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
I'm eager to form meaningful connections with other students in the industry, as well as aid those who are looking for a way into the industry. Also, I'm looking forward to working alongside my other representatives to create impactful experiences and to share insightful resources.
What is your dream career in the music industry?
My dream career is to be a tour manager! I'm at a concert at least once (if not more times) a week, and there is no other feeling like being surrounded by a bunch of strangers who share the same love of an artist and their music. It is also infectious seeing the joy that other people hold at concerts, so being a tour manager would allow me to take part in the behind the scenes of these shows while helping create a memorable show for others.
If you could plan a GRAMMY U event centered around any music creator or professional, who would it be and why?
I would pick Jai Paul. His path in the industry was marked by setbacks, including the unauthorized leak of his debut album. With these challenges, he maintained his artistic integrity and eventually released his official debut album, which received praise all around. He has also been said to have influenced a generation of artists and producers, making an overall mark on popular culture.
Connect with Chloe:
Email: grammyu.pnw@recordingacademy.com
IG: @chloe.sarmiento
Tamara Tondreau | Philadelphia
Tamara is studying at Drexel University as an entertainment and arts management major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What is your dream career in the music industry?
I always wanted to have a creative side of my career and a business side of my career for duality! For the creative side of my career, I aspire to continue songwriting, as I have been doing it since middle school. For the business side of my career, I hope to dabble in brand partnerships, A&R/artist management, and eventually own my own record label.
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
My favorite genre of music I would have to say is rhythm and blues. Rhythm and blues, or R&B is so versatile and has been the foundation for popular genres such as rock and roll. Just in the R&B genre alone, I have been exposed to many other genres and subgenres such as alternative R&B, hip-hop, and soul. Some of my favorite artists are in the R&B genre!
What skill(s) are you looking forward to gaining as a GRAMMY U Representative?
The leadership aspect of the program is the biggest skill I hope to gain. Being able to represent all of Philadelphia for one of the largest music companies in the world is extremely rewarding! While being a Rep, I hope to gain and enhance skills such as digital marketing, public speaking, graphic design, artist discovery, public relations, data analysis, business management and more.
Connect with Tamara:
Email: grammyu.philly@recordingacademy.com
IG: tuneoftheyear
Taila Lee | San Francisco
Taila is in her fourth year at the University of California, Berkeley as a media studies major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
I’m most looking forward to fostering a close-knit community with my fellow Representatives and with my Chapter. I’m beyond excited to see how we can all share resources and insights to build a supportive, inspiring network within the music industry!
What is your dream career in the music industry?
I aspire to work full-time in the music industry’s editorial space, whether that be as a music journalist or digital content producer. I’m a writer at heart, though I love taking on any creative role, and one of my favorite things in the world is speaking with musicians about what’s special about their work.
What song do you want to define your time as a GRAMMY U Representative?
"Green Light (Chromeo Remix)" - Lorde
Connect with Taila:
Email: grammyu.sf@recordingacademy.com
IG: @taila.lee
Pierson Livingston | Texas
Pierson is studying at University of Texas at Austin as a public relations major and media and entertainment industries major. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
I am most excited to really connect with everyone and meet so many new people. I can't wait to get to meet with all the members in my chapter and build more relationships with my peers. I also am super excited to be able to get new perspectives on the music industry and learn from those already in it.
What is your dream career in the music industry?
Right now, my dream career inside the music industry is to work in the publicity sector of music. I have always had an interest in writing and the creativity behind journalism and publicity, so combining that with my passion for music has led me down this path where I see a way to have both.
I am still unsure the exact route I want to take — working for an agency, at a label, with one artist or at another music focused organization — but I think there is still time for me to learn and narrow it down.
What song do you want to define your time as a GRAMMY U Representative?
Even though it’s hard for me to narrow down to one song that I want to define my time as a GRAMMY U Representative, I think my pick would be "Don’t Stop Me Now" by Queen. As I enter into my senior year and this role with GRAMMY U, I am so excited for everything that is happening and the places it will take me. Plus, this song is super fun to jam out to!
Connect with Pierson:
Email: grammyu.texas@recordingacademy.com
IG: @pierson.jl
Shaneel Young | Washington D.C.
Shaneel is studying at Howard University as a business marketing major. This is her first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
I’m looking forward to sharing resources and career development opportunities to my local community. I want to make the music industry more accessible to students just starting out in their careers and wanting to get their foot in the door by creating further awareness around what GRAMMY U has to offer. I’m also looking forward to the mentorship and professional development that I will receive as a Representative.
What song do you want to define your time as a GRAMMY U Representative?
"Persuasive" - Doechii
What’s your favorite part about the music industry?
My favorite part about the music industry is watching artists grow, develop, and transform throughout their careers. I am an avid music listener and have witnessed so many of my favorite underrated artists "blow up" and reach mainstream success. Also, the creative aspect of the music industry is something that I am obsessed with. I love the fact that anything is possible and the next big thing could be something (or someone) that no one was able to predict.
Connect with Shaneel:
Email: grammyu.dc@recordingacademy.com
IG: @seasonsofshai
Roy Gantz | National Membership
Roy is studying at University of Southern California as a public relations major, along with minors in songwriting and theatre. This is his first year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What are you most looking forward to this year as a GRAMMY U Representative?
I'm excited to use my creative talents to find ways to make GRAMMY U membership even more exciting and enriching. Coming off a dream-come-true year as a GRAMMY U ambassador, I'm looking forward to expanding my prospects and deepening my involvement as a representative.
I can't wait to sink my teeth into creating huge national programs and finding opportunities for GRAMMY U members to experience everything music has to offer!
What is your dream career in the music industry?
My dream career in the music industry is to be an artist. I want to continue using my voice to tell stories. I also want to continue fostering myself as a multi-hyphenate — someone who can handle all aspects of the industry, whether it be business or creative, to build a brand for myself and what I stand for.
If you could plan a GRAMMY U event centered around any music creator or professional, who would it be and why?
I would plan an event centered around Lady Gaga because of her hustle, commitment to social justice, and unique perspective. I think Lady Gaga is one of the greatest artists alive, and her perspective on not just the music industry but the world at large is worth listening to. I'd love to hear her opinions on how young artists should be using their voices and hear about how she found her own.
Connect with Roy:
Email: grammyu.membership@recordingacademy.com
IG: @roy.gantz
Carlie Anderson | National Projects
Carlie is a music business and entertainment industries major at University of Miami. This is her third year as a GRAMMY U Representative.
What’s your favorite part about the music industry?
My favorite part about the music industry is how it is constantly changing and so fast-paced. It forces you to stay updated on what is trending and current events. I also love how much more inclusive the industry has become in recent years and the idea that there is no set mold of someone who wants to be a music creator or professional.
What song do you want to define your time as a GRAMMY U Representative?
"Speed Drive" - Charli XCX
If you could plan a GRAMMY U event centered around any music creator or professional, who would it be and why?
My dream GRAMMY U event with any music creator or professional would probably have to be an Up Close & Personal with Sampha. I think he has so much knowledge and insight to share with up and coming music creators as someone who is not only an established artist in his own right but is regularly featured on large-scale artists' music.
Connect with Carlie:
Email: grammyu.projects@recordingacademy.com
IG: @carlieanderson
GRAMMY U Membership Expands: How The Program Increases Inclusivity Beyond College Enrollment
