ALAINA PANGELINA | staff writer
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courtesy of Steven Reaza
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| Junior communication studies major STEVEN REAZA with Chris Martin. |
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BOBBI SALCIDO | staff writer
“Yesterday, I sat down next to the president of FOX Network.” How often can someone truthfully say that? Specifically when someone is still in their college years? This opportunity comes once a year for members of Grammy University.
The Grammy University Network, or Grammy U, is a community created for college students interested in pursuing a career in the music industry. Grammy U, created by the Recording Academy, aims to prepare prospective music industry students with networking opportunities and educational programs. Grammy U also provides access to professionals to enhance the students’ curriculum and give them a perspective of the recording industry.
The Grammy U Community Representative for APU, senior music major Stefan Lim, said Grammy U is a key part of adding to the education and experience of our college years.
“[Grammy U] reinforces [it’s] not just what you know, or even who you know, but who knows you,” Lim said.
Lim believes that Grammy U helps aspiring music industry students achieve their goals.
Lim makes presentations in music business classes and other classes throughout the year, sets up a table at the Clubs and Organizations Fair and encourages students to look up the program online.
Lim started as representative last January when Grammy U had six members and now it has grown to 15. One new member, junior commercial music major Stephen Suderman, joined because he sees this as his way to get started.
“It’s a way of getting my foot in the door,” Suderman said.
Suderman is interested in being a music artist producer one day and sees the impact the club could have on his career. He sees this as a great networking opportunity.
“You get to see how they work, dress—everything they do,” Suderman said.
New members enjoy the opportunity to be invited to the Grammy Rehearsals, Person of the Year show, various meet and greets, studio tours and more.
Grammy U accepts memberships from any full-time college student interested in a music-related career. All of these opportunities and more are available for a once-a-year 25 dollar membership fee.
Acceptable majors include, but are not limited to: communications, art, business, journalism, accounting, liberal arts, marketing and music (performance or business).
Suderman’s interest in music provides him the opportunity through the program to “pick the brains” of different music business executives and producers and name-drop in the hopes of being recognized one day.
Lim said there are also advantages for business and marketing majors. The students attending various events get to see business executives, presidents or even advisors interacting with the public and their clients.
Students from other majors, such as theater and art, can benefit by observing other creative professionals of the music industry that are present at such events. Students have the possibility of seeing them in action at exclusive events and rehearsals that are not ever open to the public.
Communications, journalism and media relations students also have an advantage through this program by observing concert promoters, magazine reporters and editors and record label executives from television and radio stations.
In the one year Lim has been involved in Grammy U, he has met artists such as Josh Groban, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Chris Brown, Katy Perry and Boys II Men. He has also been able to attend events such as the MusiCares Person of the Year awards, the Red Carpet, All-Access backstage and behind-the-scenes events, the finals of American Idol and even the rehearsal of the Jimmy Kimmel show starring Leona Lewis.
Most recently, Lim and others in the program were able to attend the Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 8, 2009 as seat-fillers.
Aside from providing an opportunity to meet celebrities, Lim sees this program as a great opportunity for any Azusa Pacific student.
“I think it will produce a new generation of God-fearing, but also quality people in the industry,” Lim said.
Grammy U itself is growing. Local campus chapters of Grammy U are based out of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy. Each campus has a representative that links the individual university with Grammy U. Other Grammy U campuses include the University of Southern California, Fullerton College, and Citrus College.
Students are encouraged to join by Lim and other members.
“I’m excited to see what the Grammys are like instead of watching them at home,” member junior astronomical engineering major and theater minor at USC Michael Martin said.
Students can apply for a Grammy U membership on the Grammy website by visiting www.grammy.com or by contacting Stefan Lim for more information at stefan.azusamusic@gmail.com.
