The Recording Academy Visits CAU
By: Danielle Jackson
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Student Life
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The Grammy University Network or GRAMMY U was created with future music executives in mind. According to the website, the network is a unique and fast-growing community of college students who are pursuing a career in the music industry. The Recording Academy created GRAMMY U to prepare students for careers in the recording industry through networking, educational programs and performance opportunities. GRAMMY U was designed to offer students an "out of classroom" experience of the music industry.
Panelist shared their beginnings in songwriting and some obstacles that they have faced. Keri Hilson started singing at 12-years-old while taking piano lessons. "All of the basics I taught myself," she explained. Johnta Austin began his career around the same age as Keri at 13-years-old with an RCA recording deal. He lost his music deal because his voice was replaced for singer/actor Tyrese. Austin was later asked to write a song for Tyrese, which proved to be one of Tyrese's breakout hits, "Sweet Lady."
Sean Garrett began his musical career relatively early as well with a move to Europe at four years old and a recording deal while in college. Although the recording deal fell through, Garrett said he continued his education and became a mortgage broker. "The being successful thing is on you," he said. Kendrick Dean worked his way through the educational ropes as well becoming a high school history teacher. He returned to his first love, music, to write "Bad Habit" or Destiny's Child's final album, "Destiny Fulfilled."
Each panelist explained some obstacles they shared. Keri recanted working with Britney Spears while she was seven months pregnant. While most artists drink warm liquids to keep their vocals strong, pregnant Britney was chewing ice which made recording difficult. Garrett told of his Britney experience also. He recently worked with Britney on her latest album "Blackout" although many of his friends questioned his decision because of all the bad press Britney had been receiving, Garrett preservered. "She sold 83 million records!" Garrett said. The audience laughed and agreed that all the bad press didn't mean anything when it came to Britney's sales.
Boasting a membership of an estimated 2,000 students, the benefits of joining GRAMMY U are numerous. Members of GRAMMY U receive the perks of The Recording Academy's members, but at a fraction of the cost such as the Songwriter Symposium. Annual membership for GRAMMY U is $25, compared to the $100 membership for The Recording Academy members.
"It would be beneficial if you are interested in becoming a songwriter, to join this organization," Derrell Bransford II, the official representative for The Recording Academy's Atlanta chapter and CAU student noted. "You can come and network and just put yourself out there."
