Program aimed at college students will reach 12 major cities
GRAMMY.com
The Recording Academy has announced that it has launched the GRAMMY University Network (GRAMMY U) program on multiple college campuses across the country. GRAMMY U aims to prepare students for careers in the recording industry through networking, educational programs, performance, and career opportunities. This network, designed to enhance students’ current academic curriculum with access to recording industry professionals to provide an “out of classroom” perspective on the recording industry, is a unique and fast-growing community of college students who are interested in a career in the music industry.
"Enhancing a student's formal education with professional development opportunities is what GRAMMY University Network is all about," said Robert Accatino, Director, Membership & Marketing, The Recording Academy. "The experience that GRAMMY U provides outside of the classroom is unparalleled in access to music creators. By joining GRAMMY U, students gain access to today's leading recording artists, producers, engineers and songwriters — a wealth of talented individuals who want to share their experiences with tomorrow’s recording industry professionals."
GRAMMY U successfully pilot-launched earlier this year in two of the 12 Recording Academy Chapter cities — Los Angeles and Nashville — where students participated in a variety of events, including Up Close & Personal events where GRAMMY U students were able to talk to a band in a small, intimate setting; In The Mix networking events, which focused on bringing students together to meet and share ideas; and GRAMMY SoundChecks, which provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at touring and performing live. Other opportunities include career workshops, networking, performance and career opportunities, benefits and discounts, feedback from industry professionals, internship and employment opportunities, and much more.
"I am grateful for all of the events that have been open for us to gain hands-on experience in just one semester," said Erica Scherle, a junior from Belmont University. "This is one of the only organizations that I have been a part of that takes students' advice when planning exclusive events for its members. I hope others will see the value and core benefits that becoming a GRAMMY U member instantly provides you with."
Membership is open to all full-time college students who want to pursue a career in music or in a music-related field. Members of GRAMMY U enjoy many of the benefits offered to voting and associate members of The Academy, but at a quarter of the cost of membership. Annual membership in GRAMMY U is at a discounted rate of $25, compared to $100 paid by other members.
Students and colleges can sign up through all 12 Recording Academy Chapters: Atlanta, Florida, Memphis, and Nashville, in the Southern region; Los Angeles, Pacific Northwest, San Francisco, and Texas in the Western region; and Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. in the Eastern region. Select universities will have a faculty/staff advisor and a student representative who, with the help of the local Recording Academy staff, will be responsible for the recommendation and implementation of programs and events on campus. The student representative will be the liaison between the local Chapter and the student membership, their committees and a corps of student volunteers.
The participating schools enlisted thus far in the Western region: Art Institute of Seattle, Cornish College of the Arts, Ex'pression College for Digital Arts, Los Mendanos College, Portland Community College, Pyramind, San Francisco City College, San Francisco State University, Shoreline Community College, Texas State University, University of the Pacific, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Washington.
The participating schools in the Eastern region include: DePaul University, Drexel University, Five Towns College, Howard University, New York University, Pace University, St. John's University, Temple University, University of the Arts, and West Chester University.
The participating schools in the Southern region include: Belmont University, Delgado Community College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Full Sail, Loyola University New Orleans, Miami Dade College, Middle Tennessee State University, SAE Institute of Technology, Tennessee State University, Trevecca Nazarene University, University of Georgia at Athens, University of Memphis, University of Miami, University of South Florida, Visible School, Webster University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
GRAMMY U marks the second major Recording Academy initiative launched with an eye toward, and participation of, young people. The What's The Download public education campaign is designed to empower consumers to make informed decisions regarding how they get their music. The program's Interactive Advisory Board includes 12 young music fans who have contributed to the "What's The Download Music Survival Guide," which will be unveiled at the CMJ Music Marathon on Nov. 1 in New York.
