Join the Leading Community Shaping the Future of Music
Our members celebrate music creators through the Grammys, advocate for their rights, mentor the next generation, and more. We honor music across all genres and welcome both domestic and international creators to help shape the industry's future.
How To Apply
Recording Academy membership is community-driven and peer-reviewed annually, similar to the Grammy Awards process
Why Join Us
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Membership Starts With a Recommendation
You don't apply directly. The process begins when two music industry peers recommend you. Here's how it works.
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Step 1
Get Recommended
Two people working full-time in the music industry submit recommendations on your behalf. They don't need to be Academy members. Current members can recommend from their dashboard; non-members use the recommendation form. Each person can recommend up to two candidates per year.
Recommendations due by February 15
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Step 2
Complete Your Career Profile
After both recommendations are received, you'll get an email with a link and candidate code. Complete your career profile with your professional credits, discography, and supporting documentation.
Profiles must be completed by March 1
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Step 3
Peer Review
A peer review panel of existing Academy members active in the music industry reviews all submissions each spring. The panel evaluates your entire career portfolio.
Spring review period
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Step 4
Receive Your Invitation
Approved candidates receive an invitation to join the Recording Academy. You'll get a link to activate your membership and pay annual dues ($150).
Invitations sent in late June/July
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Step 5
Activate & Engage
Accept your invitation, set up your account, choose your chapter, and begin participating in the GRAMMY Awards process, chapter events, advocacy, and community.
Accept by July 31 for current GRAMMY season
Exceptions to the standard process
Current-year GRAMMY nominees and winners do not need recommendations. Candidates nominated for a GRAMMY in the past five years have their credit requirement waived.
Three Paths Into the Academy
Voting
Member
Who
Performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists, and other creators currently working in the recording industry.
Requirements
12+ commercially distributed, verifiable credits (5 released in past 5 years). Credits must be available via US retail or streaming.
$150/year
Professional Member
Who
Music business professionals whose primary career is in direct support of music creators: label executives, managers, booking agents, publicists, and similar roles.
Requirements
Documentation demonstrating a primary career in the music industry. Web presence, marketing materials, or other professional evidence.
$150/year
Grammy U
Who
Emerging professionals ages 18 to 29 pursuing careers in music. College enrollment is no longer required.
Requirements
Demonstrated interest in a music industry career. Separate application process from Voting and Professional membership.
$50/year
Common Questions
No. Membership begins with a recommendation from two people working full-time in the music industry. After both recommendations are received, you'll be invited to complete your career profile. You cannot self-recommend.
No. Anyone working full-time in the music industry can recommend up to two candidates per annual cycle. Current members can submit recommendations through their dashboard.
Submissions are reviewed by a peer review panel each spring. Approved candidates receive invitations in late June or July. You must accept by July 31 to participate in the current GRAMMY Awards season.
Current-year nominees and winners do not need recommendations. If you've been nominated in the past five years, the credit requirement is waived, but you still need two recommendations.
Annual dues are $150 for Voting and Professional members. GRAMMY U membership is free. Dues fund MusiCares services, GRAMMY Museum education, and year-round advocacy.
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