Program celebrates member success stories, new membership discount and nationwide kickoff events
GRAMMY.com
GRAMMY University Network — a program created by The Recording Academy for students pursuing music industry careers — will head back to school for its third year with member success stories, a new membership discount, and kickoff events in Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Memphis, Tenn., Nashville, Tenn., New Orleans, La., New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
More than 350 colleges and universities are currently involved in the program, which provides a "real-world" perspective on the recording industry and is designed to enhance students' current academic curriculum with valuable networking opportunities.
"GRAMMY U has evolved and expanded since its inception, and we now have tangible results and success stories from our members that further illustrate our mission," said Robert Accatino, Senior Director, Membership & Marketing for The Recording Academy. "The networking opportunities and relationships that members have cultivated in our 12 Chapters around the country have been invaluable, and many have secured jobs through them. It is proof positive that this program is vital for all who wish to pursue a career in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry."
GRAMMY U members have had career-building experiences throughout the country. Students have secured internships at Atlantic Records, MySpace Records, Warner Music Group, and Music World Entertainment (working with manager Mathew Knowles) among other companies. Many have secured full-time jobs working for such industry veterans as producer/engineer Mike Clink, five-time GRAMMY-winning producer and Recording Academy Chair of the Board Jimmy Jam, and songwriter and Kool & The Gang member Sir Earl Toon.
Performance opportunities have also manifested results. Austin-based pop/rock band Jupiter-4 played at a Texas Chapter event where producer/engineer Chris "Frenchie" Smith heard them and subsequently recorded their album. Jupiter-4 has recently signed with manager Kevin Wommack of Loophole Management.
"The best thing about GRAMMY U is that it constantly keeps me inspired by giving me a firsthand look at the artists at work," said GRAMMY U Nashville member Brett McLaughlin, a Belmont University senior and songwriter who recently signed with EMI Music Publishing. "It helps keep my fire ignited and my focus clear by putting me in the front row of what I want to do. It cost $50 to join for four years, and it paid for itself in the first event."
Annual membership in GRAMMY U is now available for a discounted rate of $25, compared to $100 for other Academy members. Ideal for incoming freshmen, a new rate of $50 for four years or until date of graduation is also available. The new rates apply to both undergraduate and graduate students. Membership includes many of the benefits enjoyed by Academy voting and associate members and is open to all full-time college students pursuing a career in music or in a music-related field. Majors can include, but are not limited to: accounting, art, business, communications, journalism, liberal arts, marketing, music business and music performance.
For more information on GRAMMY U, click here. More information on nationwide GRAMMY U kickoff events can be found at www.myspace.com/grammyu.
