SANTA MONICA, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - Following on the heels of a successful first year for GRAMMY University Network (GRAMMY U) a program for students pursuing music industry careers, created by the music community's leading membership organization The Recording Academy heads back to school for its sophomore year. Designed to enhance students' current academic curriculum with access to recording industry professionals, the program provides an "out of classroom" perspective on the recording industry. GRAMMY U has surpassed its 1,000 member goal, recruiting more than 2,000 members over the past year with more than 300 colleges in participation.
"We kicked off GRAMMY U with a banner first year, and now we are back at school, better than ever," said Robert Accatino, Director, Membership & Marketing, The Recording Academy. "We have enlisted 12 talented and driven college students in each of our Chapter cities to serve as representatives for GRAMMY U, engaging their peers to become part of a network that will have a profound impact on their future. With more events, programs, and networking opportunities this year, GRAMMY U is a must-have membership for college students pursuing a career in the music industry."
GRAMMY U Student Representatives:
* Atlanta Derrell Bransford, Clark Atlanta University
* Chicago Bryce Davis, DePaul University
* Florida Marcus Washington, University of Miami
* Los Angeles Daniel Rojas, University of Southern California
* Memphis Meredith Arnold, Loyola University, New Orleans
* Nashville Callie Riggs, Belmont University
* New York Randall Alana Marchan, New York University
* Pacific Northwest Charles Hopper, Art Institute of Seattle
* Philadelphia Nicole Tranquillo, University of the Arts
* San Francisco Ryan Summers, Santa Clara University
* Texas Ricardo Martinez, University of Texas at Austin
* Washington, D.C. Kimberly Wilson, University of Maryland
What Will GRAMMY U Do for Me?
GRAMMY U students participate in a variety of events, including Up Close and Personal events, where students are able to talk to a band in a small, intimate setting; In The Mix networking events, which focus on bringing students together to meet and share ideas; and GRAMMY SoundChecks, which provides 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, internships, and much more.
"The most rewarding part about GRAMMY U has been the networking. Learning about people's experiences has helped me mentally prepare myself for this business," said San Francisco Chapter student representative Ryan Summers. "We get to choose upcoming events, we determine what we want and need. We spend thousands of dollars on our education, and for $25 a year we're gaining priceless knowledge outside of our school curriculum."
Upcoming events include GRAMMY SoundChecks with Blue October, Evanescence, and Fall Out Boy; behind the scenes with Maroon 5; demo critiques which offer members feedback on their music; film screenings of August Rush and Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes; a tour of the XM Satellite Radio facility, and kick-off events in various Chapters where students mingle with industry executives and music makers.
Membership is open to all full-time college students who want to pursue 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 Performing. Members of GRAMMY U enjoy many of the benefits offered to Voting and Associate members of The Recording 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 for other Academy members.
Where Can Students Find GRAMMY U?
Students and colleges can sign up through all 12 Recording Academy Chapters: Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, New York, Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Select universities have a faculty/staff advisor and a student representative who, with the help of the local Recording Academy staff, are 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 GRAMMY Volunteer Corp, which empowers GRAMMY U students to be active in music industry events.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
