The Recording Academy has been devoted to supporting the progression of musical excellence for more than six decades. Through its NEXT Class program, founded in 2014 by the organization's Los Angeles Chapter, voting and professional members 21-35 years of age are provided real-life experiences to foster their budding careers as they begin their paths as future leaders of the music industry.
The NEXT Class of 2023 featured 15 accomplished participants from various industries, backgrounds and professional experiences. The students participated in multiple Mentoring Circles with esteemed Recording Academy members and gained networking opportunities to grow a deeper understanding of the industry. Areas of focus included music business, music licensing & music supervision, music marketing & technology, production & engineering, and songwriting.
"Here is the NEXT Class of 2023, innovative, devoted, globally sound and readied for future success. What an honor to congratulate our NEXT Class of 2023 on their participation and announcement. I look forward to attracting even more stellar talent in the future," Qiana Conley Akinro, Sr. Executive Director of the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, said.
"At the Recording Academy, we are in a unique position that allows us to build community and connect professionals in the music industry that might not usually have the opportunity to do so. The NEXT Class of 2023 is a prime example of this community building in action," Luke Savage, Operations Manager of the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, said. "Up-and-coming creators and professionals were able to network and learn from each other in intimate Mentor Circles, inspiring future collaborations and even friendships among the classmates and mentors."
To celebrate the NEXT Class of 2023, the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter is highlighting some of this year's participants and mentors. Get to know the NEXT Class of 2023 in their own words.
"There is nothing that I enjoy more than sharing my industry knowledge, experience and perspective with the next generation. At the same time, I have learned so much from them and it has helped guide me and my company as we look to embrace trends that will connect our artists with their fans in a deeper way." – Jonathan Azu, NEXT Class of 2023 Mentor
"When I received the acceptance email into the NEXT Class program, my 'self-value' went up! Definitely felt excited and grateful that my work in the music community was being appreciated by the Recording Academy. Within the NEXT Class program, I had the opportunity to be mentored by JoJo Villanueva in the music supervision division. What a pleasure! Big love to the staff at the Los Angeles Chapter: Luke Savage, Qiana Conley, Samantha Takemori, Anngela Hanks. Looking forward to doing more, because when we learn, we create value, and we share that with others we connect with." – Jared Oluwa, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant
"NEXT Class provides connection between fellow creatives across the wide gamut – from developing to established – opening up a wide dialogue and fostering relationships, which are invaluable. Throughout my career thus far, I have found visibility and access to be two highly significant commodities in the current music industry landscape. NEXT promotes both as part of its mission. So happy to have been welcomed into the NEXT Class community!" – Alexandra Petkovski, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant
"I thoroughly enjoyed the chat that I had as a mentor during the NEXT Class program. My hope was to have a group of mentees who were eager to hear about my experience as well as share some of their own experiences. The group was very engaging, asked a lot of questions, and were in tune with wanting to learn, even outside of their particular industries. I left the chat feeling inspired, and I hope the mentees did as well." – Kendra Ellis, NEXT Class of 2023 Mentor
"Being a part of NEXT Class of 2023 was an incredibly special experience for me. I learned a lot from unique insights from incredible songwriting mentors like JP Saxe and Eric Bellinger, and I got to connect with exceptionally talented, like-minded peers across many genres. As a fairly recent addition to the Recording Academy, the experience left me feeling warmly welcomed into the GRAMMY family. I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of applying for the program to do so!" – Mike Casey, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant
"Being a part of the NEXT Class of 2023 has broadened my mind and my network. Not only did I get to meet like-minded individuals in my cohort, but I had the privilege of speaking with an industry leader in the sync placement and music licensing world, and that connection has led to other connections that have created opportunities for my organization and the musicians we support. My goal in applying for the NEXT Class program was to learn new things and meet people that can help me further my mission of providing opportunities to and creating avenues for success for neurodivergent musicians. This goal was exceeded, and I'm looking forward to participating in other programs and initiatives that the Recording Academy, specifically the Los Angeles Chapter, has to offer." – Ifunanya Nweke, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant
"The NEXT Class program gave me a mentor who immediately changed my life. We've walked a very similar path, and his success has motivated me to keep pushing toward every goal I've set. I'm blessed to continue working with the Recording Academy on so many different levels." – Cameron Parsons, NEXT Class of 2023 Participant
The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter congratulates the NEXT Class of 2023 participants and mentors!
Meet the NEXT Class of 2023 Participants:
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Shalev Alon
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Pamela Charbit
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Eddy Kenzo
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Cameron Parsons
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Courtney Passikoff
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Brittany Perry
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Brandon Holman
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Ifunanya Nweke
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Jared Oluwa
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Tia P.
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Randy Slaugh
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Mike Casey
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Kate Diaz
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Alexandra Petkovski
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Rhea Raj
Meet the NEXT Class of 2023 Mentors:
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JP Saxe – Singer/songwriter
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Eric Bellinger – Singer/songwriter
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Jonathan Azu – Founder and CEO at Culture Collective
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Jojo Villanueva – SVP, Music Creative Affairs at Sony Pictures Entertainment
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Kendra Ellis Johnson – VP of Marketing for Music, Film & TV Soundtracks at Atlantic Records
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Brian Lucey – Mastering engineer and owner at Magic Garden Mastering
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Kizzo – Record producer, songwriter, and music entrepreneur
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Dale Becker – Engineer at Becker Mastering
Voting and Professional Members within the age range of 21-35, at the time the application goes live, are eligible to apply to the NEXT Class program. NEXT Class of 2024 application details will be available to LA Chapter Members in November 2023.
Learn more about the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter and its initiatives.
