Abigail Hali Ng contributed to this story
The 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit Presented by Mastercard returns to Nashville, Tennessee this October. The two-day event will offer a multitude of opportunities for connection and inspiration, showcasing the many ways young professionals can get involved with and grow in the music industry.
The 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit kicks off on Oct. 23 at the National Museum of African American Music, and will be held in collaboration with the Black Music Collective. GRAMMY U Members will learn from trendsetting artists including Rico Nasty, Mickey Guyton, Tayla Parx, Tanner Adell, and Brittney Spencer. They will also have the opportunity to grow their networking skills and connect with leaders from the Recording Academy, Mastercard, Concord Music Publishing, Big Loud, Amazon Music and more industry organizations.
Day two of the Summit commences on Oct. 24 at Riverside Revival, where GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris will offer a keynote presentation moderated by singer/songwriter and producer King Princess. The Summit will conclude with a closing reception where GRAMMY U members can reflect on two days of career advice and development. This year’s GRAMMY U Fall Summit is Presented by Mastercard with participating sponsor Sony Pro Audio.
Read on for all the insider details about what to expect at the upcoming 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit in Nashville.
Learn To Embrace Your Identity With Rico, Tayla & Tanner
More than ever before, contemporary artists are embracing their sound without the limitations of genres. The "Disruptors by Design: Creating Your Sound" panel, which kicks off the first day of the Summit at 2 p.m. will lean into the experiences of multiple artists who have done just that.
Known for her vocal range, genre fluidity and high-energy performances, rapper and songwriter Rico Nasty innovates her sound through her lived experiences. Singer/songwriter Tanner Adell — who collaborated with Beyoncé on her Cowboy Carter track "BLACKBIRD" — has paved her own way in country music and continues to redefine the spaces she's in.
Alongside the GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter and producer Tayla Parx, the three will discuss how artists are openly blending cultures, sounds, and identities during the panel.
Level Up Your Networking Skills
Networking is an integral part of succeeding in the music industry. While there are countless avenues to reach contacts, there's often limited time to create meaningful relationships.
In GRAMMY U’s first-ever two-part curated networking experience, held on Oct. 23, members will learn advanced networking strategies and advice from valued sources. Industry professionals will share their experience during the "Perfect Pitch: How to Make a Lasting Impression and Build Relationships" panel, which will lead into a networking mixer where attendees can practice their new skills.
The session will feature panelists Latoya Bennett-Johnson, VP of Global Partnerships at Mastercard, Serena Lloyd, VP of Human Services at Big Loud, Ryan Madora, Bassist, Author & Content Creator, and moderator Jess Omokheyeke, Executive Assistant and Project Manager, DEI, Recording Academy. The four will provide insight from varying angles — industry executive, aspiring artist and established musician — and explore the pathways to making connections as well as strategies to maximize interactions in person and online.
Members will have the chance to put these learnings into action during the networking mixer to follow, hosted by the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program Presented by Amazon Music. This signature GRAMMY U experience gives members the opportunity to connect directly with mentors from music companies like the Recording Academy, Amazon Music, Mastercard, Concord Music Publishing, Jump.Global, mtheory, MusiCares, and more. The curated networking session includes guided prompts that turn introductions into opportunities, helping members feel comfortable and confident as they make professional connections that could shape the next chapter of their careers.
Gets Up Close & Personal With Mickey Guyton
Closing out day one of the Summit, four-time GRAMMY nominee Mickey Guyton will take the stage for a special Q&A moderated by fellow singer/songwriter Brittney Spencer, followed by a performance by Guyton.
Guyton, who previously delivered a powerful performance during the GRAMMY Salute to Cyndi Lauper, made history as the first Black woman nominated for Best Country Solo Performance with her breakthrough single "Black Like Me." Her fearless storytelling and commitment to representation have redefined the sound and soul of Nashville. Together Guyton and Spencer will reflect on their creative journeys, including Spencer’s collaboration with Tanner Adell on Beyoncé’s "BLACKBIRD" as well as Guyton’s upcoming solo work — and share how they continue to use their musicality and storytelling to inspire others.
Spend An Evening With Maren Morris
Maren Morris is celebrated for revitalizing modern country music with authenticity and depth. The Texas-born and Nashville-based singer/songwriter will discuss what she's learned throughout her long music career, as well as the many hats she’s had to wear in the industry.
In a conversation moderated by indie/pop artist and actor King Princess, Morris will share how she began her career as a songwriter, then share how she established herself on stage before thousands. Known for her unapologetic lyrics, with breakout hits like "My Church," Morris has built a career defined by authenticity. In this keynote interview, she'll open up about creativity, growth, and the skill it takes to stand in the spotlight in one's own story.
Livestreamed on the Recording Academy's YouTube and Twitch at 6:30 p.m. CT on Oct. 24, "Finding Your Voice with Maren Morris" celebrates artistry, self-emergence, and the ongoing transformation of one of Nashville's most influential voices.
Morris will then perform exclusively for the GRAMMY U member audience.
Celebrate The GRAMMY U Community
Following the keynote conversation and performance by Morris, attendees can join the Fall Summit closing reception — a two-hour celebration of connection and community, with sounds by GRAMMY U member DJ Coleman Christian.
From GRAMMY U photo activations to mingling with other GRAMMY U members — the reception will provide a fitting end to a Summit designed to empower and connect the future generation of music industry professionals and creatives.
GRAMMY U members can register for the 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit taking place in Nashville, Tennessee October 23-24 here by Tuesday October 21. If you’re not a member, learn how to apply at grammyu.com.
For members who can’t attend in person, tune into the keynote conversation on the Recording Academy’s YouTube and Twitch channels from wherever you are.