GRAMMY U hosted a two-day conference presented by Amazon Music for GRAMMY U members in New York City on April 19 and 20. The event, spearheaded by GRAMMY U Senior Director Jessie Allen, offered an immersive experience designed to enrich and empower emerging talents within the music industry. 

An emerging artist showcase took place on Friday, April 19, followed by a day-long series of panels and breakout sessions on Saturday, April 20, highlighting the live performance industries of Broadway and television talk shows, featuring GRAMMY, Tony, and Emmy-winning artist and actor Ben Platt as the keynote speaker.

The summit marks the beginning of a new cornerstone collaboration between GRAMMY U and Amazon Music, in which Amazon Music will play an integral role in the growth of GRAMMY U’s year-round programming, development and impact. Mastercard was also a participating sponsor of the conference.

“We were all thrilled to bring the GRAMMY U Conference to the heart of New York City. It’s a testament to the dedication of Jessie Allen, whose leadership has elevated this event year after year,” said Ruby Marchand, Chief Awards Officer of the Recording Academy. “I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Amazon Music Team for supporting GRAMMY U; this marks the genesis of an extraordinary collaboration, and together, we look forward to crafting an array of programs that will empower our GRAMMY U members throughout the year.”

The emerging artist showcase featured dynamic performances by GRAMMY U members Kayla Erhardt, Kühlname, Serena Laurel, Nicknames, Liv Paris, and Your Future Is Now scholar Jawan Audè. The evening concluded with a captivating performance by New York soft rock sibling ensemble, Infinity Song.

Saturday’s programming kicked off with keynote speaker Ben Platt. In a thought-provoking keynote discussion moderated by actor Beanie Feldstein, Platt delved into his musical journey spanning Broadway, film and television, inspiring attendees with his insights. The day continued with a performance workshop led by GRAMMY, Emmy, and Tony-winner Billy Porter. Moderated by SiriusXM Program Director Julie James, attendees immersed themselves in a captivating session aimed at honing their live performance skills. 

Read more: Inside Ben Platt's 'Honeymind': How Queer Love, Live Performance & More Led To His Most Authentic Album Yet

The conference included a panel featuring “Late Night with Seth Meyers” Music Associate Producer Yeji Cha-Beach, former member of the “Late Night with Seth Meyers” 8G Band, Marnie Stern, and musician Remi Wolf. Titled “On Screen: Performing on Live TV,” the panel covered the challenges and nuances of delivering live musical performances on television, and was moderated by Siobhan Schanda, Co-Executive Producer of “SHERRI.” 

Programming continued with a panel titled “Sounds of the Stage,” moderated by Thomas Winkler, Head of Publisher, Songwriter and Society Relations at Amazon Music, featuring SVP of Warner Music Entertainment and Theatrical Ventures Kurt Deutsch, Co-Founder of Park Avenue Artists David Lai, and composer, conductor and producer Kathy Sommer, where they explored sound production on stage and cast recordings.

Additional panels included “Side Stage: The Team Behind the Curtain,” featuring industry executives moderated by Michael Kushner, founder of Michael Kushner Photography and Dear Multi-Hyphenate, featuring producer, actor and director Erich Bergen, President of A&R of Atlantic Records Pete Ganbarg, Executive Producer of DR Theatrical Management Adam Hess, and Tony-nominated Broadway producer and vocalist Christen James, where they detailed the business of Broadway and how teams bring shows to life every night.

Guaynaa's Tips For Collaboration & Managing Your Image: 5 Takeaways From His 2023 GRAMMY U Conference Keynote

Through rain and shine, Grammy U united the next generation of music during the 2026 Grammy U Conference Presented By Vaseline, the program's annual conference, in New York City last week. Packed with educational panels and activations, the signature event this year expanded to three days, a first for the conference, and celebrated Grammy U's monumental 20th anniversary.

The conference kicked off with two razor-sharp keynote conversations: WILLOW and Jacob Collier dissected the discipline of craft together at the Sheen Center, then Natasha Bedingfield, Towa Bird, and Abigail Morris of The Last Dinner Party discussed the generational evolution of music — all before the trio's special live performance.

Bright and early Saturday morning, Grammy U members learned about two-time Grammy-nominated producer Alissia's creative process during Grammy U Unwrapped, presented in collaboration with the Recording Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing and moderated by music curator Annabelle Kline. Next, Grammy U Representatives Ily Aguilar and Adyna Silverberg led three dynamic conversations with Rolling Loud CEO and Co-Founder Matt Zingler, Grammy U Managing Director Jessie Allen, and Grammy-nominated singer and actress JoJo during "Grammy U Live!: Building Beyond Limits." Later that night, Mariah The Scientist commanded the Grammy U Showcase, presented in collaboration with the Recording Academy's DREAM Network and New York Chapter, at DROM, with opening slots filled by performing Grammy U members and artists Trinity, Radha, and Michael Soul.

Lastly, Grammy U Career Day at Chelsea Studios offered crucial resources for emerging creatives and professionals, including workshops and networking mixers. Buzzing with energy, the day capped off a special weekend that exhibited and celebrated Grammy U's far-reaching evolution.

Couldn't make it in-person? Here are five key takeaways and lessons we learned at the 2026 Grammy U Conference Presented By Vaseline.

Mastercard and Sony Pro Audio are participating sponsors of the 2026 Grammy U Conference Presented By Vaseline.

Learn To Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

"When have I been comfortable and had an aha moment?" WILLOW questioned. Moderated by Grammy-winning artist, songwriter and producer Jacob Collier, her keynote conversation "The Discipline of Craft: Building Authentic Artistry With WILLOW" dove into how the Grammy-nominated artist shaped contemporary music by practicing curiosity.

WILLOW and Collier kicked off the conference with a jamming session that the pair later revealed was improvisatory — and WILLOW admitted insecurity had nearly held her back from committing to the performance.

"If there's anything that you can identify that you're afraid [of], just go there," WILLOW encouraged Grammy U members, reflecting on how the experience had pushed her out of her comfort zone. "It might be uncomfortable, but — hate to say it — those are the experiences that really break you into being like, 'Oh wow, I didn't know … this part of me existed.'"

Part of leaning into this mindset is recognizing that there's always more to learn. "I don't feel we sit here as experts," Collier acknowledged humbly. "We sit here as fellow explorers and fellow students!"

Caring & Trying Hard Is Cool

During the closing panel, "The Sound of Generations: 20 Years in Reflection," on the first day of the conference, Grammy-nominated artist Natasha Bedingfield, singer/songwriter Towa Bird, and The Last Dinner Party's lead singer Abigail Morris reflected on what longevity looks like in the music industry.

In celebration of 20 years of Grammy U, they discussed how the music industry has changed over the past decades, reflecting on trends such as the emergence of short-form digital content, the ever-present pressure of social media, and the ballooning of fan access to artists.

Bedingfield spoke about how artists can become self-conscious for "car[ing] too much," but she underscored the value of leaning into passion unabashedly and visibly.

Morris agreed, criticizing the modern tendency to present art with "ironic nonchalance" and sharing that her love of art comes from a childlike, playful place. "Caring is so cool. Trying hard is really cool," Morris said. "That's something that people should be proud of and excited about."

"It's rebellious in this culture," Bedingfield added. "It's cool to care, and it's cool to have discipline and work hard," Bird agreed.

Don't Forget To Build Community While Still Honing Your Craft

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During "The Sound of Generations" panel, Bird noted the importance of networking laterally with peers, especially while in college. Whether you're hoping to find someone to offer feedback on your latest song or share legal advice, she described how essential it is to find people to grow alongside in the music community.

"Get to know the people around you — like if you're an artist, meet other artists, [but also] people who are studying music business, who are studying A&R, who want to be executives," she advised. "Be open to understanding the different parts of the music business … so when it does come to that time, you have so many wonderful peers and … you can go to people for advice."

On Saturday, Alissia echoed that advice during her Grammy U Unwrapped session. In conversation with Annabelle Kline, curator and founder of That Good Sh*t, the Grammy-nominated producer reminded members not to be afraid to expand their peer networks, encouraging them to use social media to find collaborators. "Slide into DMs!" she laughed, following a story about how Prince had sent her a DM on Twitter and asked to work together.

During her session, Alissia gave a behind-the-scenes look at her groovy track "Hypnotic Night" featuring Nile Rodgers and EARTHGANG. While her Unwrapped dove into the nitty-gritty of production, her breakdown wasn't all about organization or workflow — it was also about how musical collaboration creates community.

Discover What Success Means To You

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Closing out day two of the conference, the dynamic panel series "Grammy U Live!: Building Beyond Limits" spotlighted three key figures in the industry: Rolling Loud CEO and Co-Founder Matt Zingler, Grammy U Managing Director Jessie Allen, and Grammy-nominated singer and actress JoJo.

Each shared insight into a different corner of the industry, including scaling up a festival (Zingler), growing a global organization (Allen), and guiding your creative journey with intention (JoJo). But above all, the series reminded audiences that truly no one's creative journey is a perfectly straight line.

Allen stressed that it's normal to be figuring out what success looks like for you, and she emphasized the importance of exploring parts of the music industry that are new to you. Similarly, Zingler encouraged Grammy U members to "stay tuned into your goals," noting how success is measured differently by everyone.

Additionally, JoJo reflected on how she was conditioned by the industry to pursue what was "working for her" rather than what she wanted to pursue creatively. "Be protective of what you like," she advised.

Be Your Own Biggest Advocate

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After soaking up advice from two panel-packed days, Grammy U members experienced a new wealth of resources at the conference's first-ever full Grammy U Career Day.

Taking steps toward your career can feel intimidating, but Grammy U Career Day laid out myriad opportunities for members with any interest, from law to songwriting to production to management.

Grammy U Career Day hosted several workshops with speakers respectively from the Mechanical Licensing Collective, Recording Academy, and The Ninth Collective: "Royalties 101: How To Collect On Your Catalogue With Serona Elton"; "Future Forward: Looking Beyond Grammy U With Ruby Marchand"; and "Work The Room: Professional Presence With Jade Walters." Nearby at exhibitor tables, Grammy U members spoke with representatives from music nonprofits including HeadCount, Women in Music, the Mechanical Licensing Collective, Anti Social Camp, the Digilogue, and GLAAD.

Offering career consultations with music executives, in-studio sessions with creatives, networking sessions, resume review stations, and even a professional headshot station, Grammy U Career Day reminded members how readily accessible opportunities can be — but it's up to you to seek them out and take advantage of them.

Learn more about Grammy U.

Join Grammy U.

Last month, GRAMMY U fostered the intersection between current and future leaders of the global music industry with the launch of the 2025–2026 GRAMMY U Mentorship Program. Presented by Amazon Music, the program is cultivating the careers of over a thousand rising music industry professionals. The program evolved this year to include additional benefits like structured phases and curated supplemental virtual programming with guest lecturers. The program also welcomed its largest number of pairings since its inception, counting nearly 1,200 Mentor-Mentee pairs representing all 12 Recording Academy Chapters and GRAMMY U members from nearly 20 countries, including Australia, Brazil, and South Korea.

The GRAMMY U Mentorship Program matches eligible GRAMMY U members with Recording Academy Voting and Professional Members for a six-month period based on the GRAMMY U members’ career interests and pursuits. The pairs meet to create actionable professional goals and focus on quality discussions around career growth, networking and industry knowledge. While pairs are only required to meet three times throughout the program period, many choose to connect more frequently, often forming relationships that continue well beyond the program’s official end, with some even landing their first industry job through the program.

Learn more about the renovated 2025–2026 GRAMMY U Mentorship Program and its benefits below.

Amazon Music Teams Up With GRAMMY U

Amazon Music has served as a long-time supporter of GRAMMY U with a strong presence at national programs like the 2024 GRAMMY U Conference featuring keynote speaker Ben Platt. Over the last couple of years, Amazon Music has also provided GRAMMY U members with special mentorship experiences, including educational office tours in their Seattle, Nashville, and Brooklyn offices and one-on-one mentorship pairings. This year, Amazon Music continues its dedication to GRAMMY U and mentorship as an official presenting sponsor of GRAMMY U’s Mentorship Program.

With this new partnership, the program can expand its access to additional resources, such as new educational panels and site tours. Amazon Music executives can also serve as guest speakers on virtual programs throughout the program period. Amazon Music will also continue its participation in select GRAMMY U national programs throughout the year through its ever-popular curated networking mixer, which brings industry professionals and GRAMMY U members together.

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The Largest Cohort in Program History

This Mentorship Program period welcomes the largest number of participants in the program's history, counting nearly 1,200 pairs globally, almost double the number of pairings just two cycles ago. The Mentors consist of more than 1,000 Recording Academy Voting and Professional Members globally, covering major focal points of the industry across six tracks: Producing & Engineering, Performance, Songwriting & Composition, Content Creation & Marketing, Music Business, and, new this year, Entertainment Law. The mentor pool comprises a number of major music companies and organizations, including Amazon Music, Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Spotify, Warner Chappell, and, of course, the Recording Academy.

Mentees are pursuing a combination of traditional music careers, like artist management and songwriting, as well as rising fields like freelance DJing, content creation, music tech, and tour production. With nearly 250 non-student members paired, the program underscores that a music industry career path may not be linear and access to a Mentor could significantly amplify opportunities and drive success down the road.

This year's cohort of mentees is diverse, representing 41 U.S. states and nearly 400 colleges and universities. The program continues to expand globally, with 20 international pairings from countries including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania, Spain, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and more.

Romanian mentee Andreea Dascalu reflects on her return as an international participant. "It is my second time being a mentee in the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program, and I could not say enough good things about it. This time, I was lucky to be paired with the amazing Adaoha Njemanze, a PR professional based in Lagos, Nigeria, with whom I have already had my first meeting and from whom I can tell I have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to discovering new and effective means of putting your artist music and name out there in today's attention-fighting world."

Industry Legends Step Up To The Plate

This year's program brings in hundreds of industry professionals. Meka Nism, a returning Mentor and GRAMMY-nominated artist, is paired with University of Miami's Frost School of Music student Angelina Mack in the Recording Academy Florida Chapter, where they will focus on the artist relations industry. Michael Kauffman, a member of the Recording Academy New York Chapter and executive director of the music program at the Clio Awards, will work together with mentee Kendry Hilario to exploremarketing and content creation.

Within the Performance track, singer/songwriter Soleil has joined this year's program as a Mentor. As the track highlights all elements of music performance, she and her mentee, Santiago Bolanos, could experience performance opportunities, studio sessions, and beyond during their time together. Songwriter and composer Laurin Talese in the Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter will mentor Drexel University music industry student Alanna Bell within the Songwriters & Composers track, another track focused on the artistic aspect of the industry, allowing for writing, performing and recording opportunities.

Mentors and Mentees may work together in various capacities throughout their time together. In the past, producers have brought their mentees to live recording sessions and have even produced singles together, while songwriters have co-written projects with their mentees and gone on to work together after the program ends. Within the Producers & Engineers track, returning Mentor and producer, songwriter, arranger, and music executive Kennard Garrett notes, "I have been a Mentor in the past, and the experience was great. I was able to pour into a young producer and serve as a sounding board for their ideas about their future career. Conversely, I was able to learn so much from my mentee, and the experience was equally beneficial and fulfilling."

The Mentorship Program also covers newer and high-demand niche fields quickly growing in today's music industry. Mentor Naledi Nyahuma, vice president of diversity, equity & inclusion at The Orchard, reflects on the impact of the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program within today's competitive music industry. "The music industry may be big, but it's a small community at heart. With so many diverse voices and overlapping paths, it can be tough to navigate alone. Mentorship offers essential support, and within an organization like the Academy, it helps creatives develop both artistically and professionally."

A Three-Phase Structure For Guided Growth

One of the most notable changes to this year's program is the implementation of a three-phase system. While the previous program structure provided meeting guidelines and check-in points, this updated structure offers benchmarks, much like a guided course. The program's expanded structure now further supports mentorship pairs, encouraging intentional progression throughout the program period.

The three-phase system comprises: Connect, which starts with relationship building and sets goals and expectations for the pair; Cultivate, which guides the pairs through collaborative meetings; and Conquer, which encourages discussions regarding career growth and enhancement as their final phase.

In the Connect phase, pairs focus on setting up their first meetings and setting goals for the program. They discuss expectations, share background stories, and together establish a goal that the mentee wants to achieve by the end of the program.

In February, pairs continue onto the second phase, Cultivate, through March. This phase focuses on growth, skill-building, and professional direction. Conversations and meetings will likely include elements of expanding industry knowledge, building confidence, adjusting artistic or professional materials, and gaining experience through mock interviews or shadowing. Pairs may also collaborate on creative sessions, recordings, co-writes, performance opportunities, résumé or portfolio building, networking, and more.

The final phase, Conquer, will run through the end of the program in May and, hopefully, beyond. Pairs use their last meetings to fine-tune résumés, discuss job or internship postings, evaluate the mentee's professional presence, and address next steps beyond the program. Many pairs also discuss how they can maintain contact with one another, building professional relationships that last beyond the program's official end date.

Enhanced Virtual Programming & Academic-Style Learning

In addition to implementing the new three-phase structure, the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program has a new virtual curriculum for mentees that reflects the experience of an academic environment. Last year's virtual "Meet the Mentors" series was the first iteration of the program's supplemental program offerings. This year, the enhanced curriculum structure features virtual programs that highlight industry-relevant skills through Core Curriculum courses and guest lectures from industry professionals across the six tracks. These additional virtual programs are designed to create meaningful ways to expand mentees' knowledge and provide additional touchpoints throughout the six-month program.

The new core curriculum, taught by Recording Academy staff, will cover foundational topics important to emerging music industry professionals, such as social media, communications and publicity, advocacy, partnerships, and entertainment law. Each session is intended to give mentees practical tools they can apply daily, regardless of their desired industry journey.

Guest lectures feature top industry creators and professionals from every mentorship track. All participating mentees also have the opportunity to learn from other tracks and professionals in the industry beyond their assigned Mentor. Mentees can learn about new professional pathways to different career types and emerging trends in their profession.

This year's program offers a comprehensive experience for every GRAMMY U participant, from Amazon Music office tours to virtual programs. While applications are closed for the current 2025-2026 cycle, the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program runs annually from November through May. Applications for the 2026–2027 GRAMMY U Mentorship Program open in fall 2026. Prospective participants must be active GRAMMY U members to apply as Mentees. Industry professionals must be active Voting or Professional Members of the Recording Academy to apply as Mentors.

Interested participants can stay connected through GRAMMY U's Instagram and TikTok channels, where updates, stories, and announcements from this year's program will be shared regularly.

Did you know that among all GRAMMY U members, songwriting and performance are some of the most sought-after fields of study? The GRAMMY U Mixtape, a monthly, genre-spanning playlist, dedicates a space to hear what GRAMMY U members are creating today.

The GRAMMY U Mixtape, now available for your listening pleasure directly on the Recording Academy's Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music profiles, highlights the creations and fresh ideas that GRAMMY U members are bringing to this industry. This series celebrates GRAMMY U members, as well as the time and effort they put into making original music — from the songwriting process to the final production of the track.

Want to be featured on the next GRAMMY U Mixtape playlist? Submit your songs today. Each month, we accept submissions and feature songs that match the monthly theme. We are currently accepting submissions of songs across all genres to be considered for our upcoming playlists. Whether you write pop, rock, rap, jazz, or classical music, we want to hear from you. Submitted music must be original, written and/or produced by a GRAMMY U member, and submitted via a Spotify, Apple Music and/or Amazon Music link. To submit, you must be a current GRAMMY U member.

About GRAMMY U:

GRAMMY U is a program that connects aspiring professionals and creatives aged 18-29 with the music industry's brightest and most talented minds. We provide a community for emerging professionals and creatives in addition to various opportunities and tools necessary to start a career in music. Throughout the program year, events and initiatives touch on all facets of the industry, including business, technology, and the creative process.

As part of the Recording Academy's mission to ensure the recorded arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, GRAMMY U establishes the necessary foundation for music's next generation to flourish.

Not a GRAMMY U member, but want to submit to our GRAMMY U Mixtape playlist? Apply for GRAMMY U membership now.

Former GRAMMY U Reps Heather Howard and Sophie Griffiths contributed to this article.

Presented by Mastercard, the 2025 GRAMMY U  Fall Summit in Nashville brought members together for two days of panels, performances, and conversations on self-advocacy and connection - headlined by Maren Morris in conversation with King Princess, and featuring standout voices like Rico Nasty, Tanner Adell, Tayla Parx, Mickey Guyton, and more.

The Summit kicked off at the National Museum of African American Music for an artist-on-artist panel produced in collaboration with the Black Music Collective. Disruptors by Design: Creating New Sounds, where Rico Nasty, Tanner Adell, and Tayla Parx explored what it means to create without limits and advocate for themselves in every space.

A two-part networking experience encouraged attendees to put what they learned from the panelists into action. A Perfect Pitch networking panel shared how to develop long-lasting relationships in the industry, featuring a panel of accomplished professionals across music, business, and creative fields - Latoya Bennett-Johnson, Serena Lloyd, and Ryan Madora, moderated by Jessica Omokheyeke. Afterward, the lobby of the museum buzzed with excitement and inspiration as members connected with industry mentors during a networking mixer, explored photo opps and enjoyed specialty drinks provided by Mastercard. The evening concluded with an intimate performance by Mickey Guyton, preceded by a Q&A moderated by Brittney Spencer.

The next day, attendees gathered at Riverside Revival for the keynote conversation, Finding Your Voice, with Maren Morris, moderated by King Princess. Livestreamed on the GRAMMYs YouTube, the candid conversation explored artistry, identity, and finding your voice. Morris concluded the Summit with a special live performance.

Filled with laughter and honesty, the Fall Summit offered GRAMMY U members more than advice, feeling more like a living room conversation among friends that were deeply real and inspiring. Sony Pro Audio was a participating sponsor at this year’s Fall Summit.

The Summit "felt like food for my soul," said San Francisco Chapter Member Jaiel Mitchell. "It was so wonderful to be able to not only connect with my peers, and meet other folks who are growing and building the next iteration of the industry, but also to get to hear from so many dope women artists and leaders, who have blazed new trails in the industry. As an developing artist, getting to hear their stories and advice first hand was invaluable. I left with so many practical tools and the fire to continue to blaze trails in my own right!"

Read on for five takeaways from this year’s GRAMMY U Fall Summit in Nashville.

Be Your Own Biggest Advocate

In her keynote discussion, GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris reflected on how self-belief shaped her journey, from her family serving as her first team to GRAMMY Camp, and eventually carving her own path in Nashville. That throughline of independence throughout her career led to the creation of some of her biggest hits.

Reflecting on early career advice, she shared, "Someone once told me making a record and promoting it is basically like playing a million lottery tickets," she shared, reflecting on advice from early in her career. "you say yes to everything… and see what sticks."

Maren Morris and artist-actor King Princess reflected on the importance of determination, especially when showing up fully as queer artists. They spoke about how visibility can inspire young fans seeking connection through music. Morris noted that listeners often revisit her lyrics for meaning, echoing King Princess’ experience of finding belonging in queer art during their own adolescence.

Mickey Guyton and moderator Brittney Spencer similarly reflected on identity and representation. "Don ’t be afraid to open your mouth," she told the audience during her Q&A, reflecting on finding her voice as a Black woman in country music. Guyton closed out the night with performances of "Black Like Me," "Remember Her Name," and more, a set that honored Breonna Taylor and celebrated the power of storytelling in country music.

Belonging Isn’t Given, It’s Created

Tanner Adell, Tayla Parx & Rico Nasty┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Throughout the Summit, conversations about identity were filled with camaraderie among artists and industry leaders who walk many different paths. Rico Nasty, Tayla Parx and Tanner Adell embodied that energy during the panel Disruptors by Design: Creating New Sounds. . 

Rapper and songwriter Rico Nasty said she often stands alone in her style, and compared her music journey to "creating [her] own island." Rico also shared  the importance of being okay with isolation on her "island" —  and is content to make it the coolest place for when her audience is ready to receive it. 

Singer/songwriter Tanner Adell added that she feels "fatigue" over constant talk of genre because "people come from all different backgrounds and write all different kinds of music." Their message was clear: belonging isn’t given, it’s created. As Nasty encouraged, "Push. You’re going to hit a lot of walls… it’s going to feel alienating… push."

The conversation naturally turned to equity and empowerment. GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Tayla Parx emphasized knowing your worth and demanding fairness in every space.

 "BMI and the splits need to be equal… do not do work for free [because] Black women and women hurt the most in the industry," Parx emphasized. Her point resonated alongside recent milestones for Black women in country music - including fellow artists like Beyoncé, who became the first  Black woman to win a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album. (Tanner Adell and Brittney Spencer also contributed to the GRAMMY-winning Cowboy Carter.) Parx also recently became one of the few Black women with a No. 1 song on the country charts.

"Being Nervous Means You Care"

Brittney Spencer and Mickey Guyton ┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Mickey Guyton and singer/songwriter Brittney Spencer’s conversation brought magic and joy to the stage. Through inside jokes and giggles, the longtime friends and country music trailblazers spoke about nerves, resilience, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Guyton shared that even after years of performing, she still gets nervous before shows, reminding the audience that "being nervous means you care." 

She spoke about facing cyberbullying in 2020 and how returning to the stage afterward felt daunting but necessary. The two reflected on their CMA Awards performance back in 2021of "Love My Hair," recalling how Guyton fought to ensure that Spencer and Madeline Edwards — two emerging Black artists in country music — received full support behind the scenes. 

"'You’re not about to put these women on a red carpet without wardrobe, hair, and makeup,'" she recalled telling the show's organizers. The result was a collaborative effort that turned Spencer and Guyton's  performance  into a statement of empowerment for Black women. Their conversation brought the night full circle: Truth and connection can build community through music.

Turn Small Moments Into Lasting Connections

Latoya Bennett-Johnson┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images 

The Perfect Pitch panel reminded members that real relationships often start with small, genuine interactions. Rather than focusing on networking for its own sake, panelists encouraged GRAMMY U members to lead with intention and self-awareness. 

"When you’re young, it can be hard to articulate your strengths, but being approachable can open doors," said Serena Lloyd, Vice President of Human Resources at entertainment company Big Loud. She recalled putting her phone down and starting a conversation at an airport bar that led to a five-year professional relationship. 

The panel was moderated by Jess Omokheyeke, Executive Assistant and Project Manager of DEI at the Recording Academy, who added, "Know yourself and be proud of what you do," emphasizing that confidence and clarity build connections. Latoya Bennett-Johnson, Vice President of Global Sponsorship at Mastercard, encouraged members to be intentional in every room, asking, "What do you want people to think, feel, and do?" 

Bassist, author and content creator Ryan Madora reminded attendees that connection doesn’t have to be formal. "Everybody’s standing there awkwardly," she said. "Sometimes you just want to talk to somebody so you’re not awkward." She shared that finding small points of common ground, like a shared city or favorite record, can turn a quick conversation into something lasting. 

The panel left members with one takeaway: meaningful connections come from being present, prepared, and genuine in every interaction. Members then headed to the lobby of the museum for part two of the networking experience, where they were able to try out their learnings in a speed-networking style mixer.

Success Looks Different For Everyone

GRAMMY U Members, Eric Foster White┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Members carried their energy from the Perfect Pitch panel into the official networking mixer, hosted by the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program Presented by Amazon Music. The room was filled with lively conversations as GRAMMY U members connected with mentors from across the industry, including Cameo Carlson, CEO at MTHEORY; Eric Foster White, CEO at Music Club Enterprises, LLC; Tracy Gershon, Founder of  Shero Entertainment and Consulting; Jen Hubbard, Director of A&R Sync at Concord Music Publishing; Leah Larocco and Kenyon Glenn from the Recording Academy. The curated mixer offered a speed-networking style flow, with rotations every 20 minutes so members felt encouraged to meet new mentors and members.

Throughout the two-hour experience, members had the chance to put their networking advice into practice while learning from professionals and creatives from nearly a dozen areas of the industry. Surrounding the mixer area, Mastercard hosted an interactive photo activation and offered specialty drinks as attendees continued mingling and building new connections.

Across the two days, the 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit echoed a resounding theme across panels and experiences - highlighting community, creativity, and a shared belief that success looks different for everyone, but connection is what keeps the music going.

Couldn't make it to Nashville? Catch every panel from the 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit on-demand here: https://events.recordingacademy.com/watch2025grammyufallsummit 

To attend next year’s GRAMMY U Fall Summit and join the GRAMMY U community, apply to become a member at www.grammyu.com.