The world's leading community of music professionals has welcomed its 2024 New Member Class.
Earlier this summer, the Recording Academy extended invitations to more than 3,900 creators and music industry professionals for its 2024 New Member Class. During our annual New Member Welcome Week initiative, held virtually last week from Aug. 19 — Aug. 23, those new members explored a host of opportunities to engage directly with key Academy leaders, spark new connections within our vibrant creative community, and learn how to maximize their Recording Academy membership.
Building on last year's success, the annual New Member Welcome Week program was designed to not only connect new members with key Academy leaders and peers but also to foster community engagement and deepen the understanding of the significant impact of their membership. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Academy's effort to welcome and integrate new talent into its ranks.
This year, the event expanded with over a dozen Meet the Academy and Member Mix events, showcasing the extensive network and diverse opportunities within the Recording Academy. These events highlighted the work of various Academy affiliates and programs, including the Songwriters & Composers Wing and the Producers & Engineers Wing. Special guests such as rapper, DJ and GRAMMY nominee Paul Wall, singer/songwriter and pianist Avery Sunshine, and GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Award winner, percussionist, and composer Tony Succar provided insightful discussions and interactions, enriching the experience for all attendees.
Here's some highlights from New Member Welcome Week 2024 — for those who may have missed out and to inspire those who want to be part of the next membership class!
Read more: 4 Ways To Maximize Your Recording Academy Membership
New Member Welcome Week 2024 commenced with an engaging conversation between Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. and GRAMMY-winning country music sensation Lainey Wilson. The intimate chat detailed Mason jr.’s creative journey, how he leads the Academy's efforts on behalf of the music community, and why being active in your Academy membership is more critical now than ever.
The Recording Academy's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team hosted an impactful informational session. Led by Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Recording Academy, and DEI Manager Ricky Lyon, the discussion explored various initiatives within the DREAM (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Musicmakers) Initiative, which aims to foster a more inclusive music industry for all. This year's class of invited new members, for example, is notably diverse, comprising 45% women, 57% people of color, and 47% under the age of 40, moving closer to the Academy's goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025.
The Recording Academy's Awards team hosted a comprehensive webinar on the Online Entry Process (OEP) for the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, which included a full walkthrough of the brand-new entry platform and equipped Academy members with essential knowledge for participating in the upcoming GRAMMY Awards season.
Meet Your Advocacy Team, a session led by Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer for the Recording Academy, and Michael Lewan, Managing Director of Advocacy & Public Policy at the Academy, introduced members to the crucial advocacy work the organization undertakes to safeguard creators' rights and highlighted the importance of legislative engagement. Next up: Stay involved in your Academy membership by joining your peers on Oct. 1 for Music Advocacy Day, the largest grassroots movement for music and its makers. This is your opportunity to speak with members of Congress about A.I., protecting your voice and likeness, and much more.
@grammys 🎉 Congratulations to the New Member Class of 2024! 📣We’re excited to announce that invitations have been extended to more than 3,900 of distinguished music creators & professionals. 🗓 Invitees are encouraged to accept their membership by July 31st to participate in voting for the 67th #GRAMMYs and engage in our industry-shaping initiatives. 🎶 Membership offers opportunities to advocate for artists’ rights, support emerging talent through @GRAMMY U, and contribute to @MusiCares’ vital work in the music community. 🎤 We invite you to join us in our mission to support and elevate the music industry. Accept your invitation and become part of this esteemed community of music professionals. #IAmTheAcademy ↪️ Learn more at the link in our bio.
As the Recording Academy welcomes its 2024 New Member Class, the organization reaffirms its commitment to serving the music community, advocating for creators' rights, and supporting music people through organizations like MusiCares and the GRAMMY Museum. Our ongoing mission ensures that the Academy remains a pivotal force in the global music landscape and that music remains an indelible part of our culture.
2024 New Member Class invitees and those interested in Recording Academy membership are also encouraged to join our newly launched New Member Class broadcast channel on Instagram to learn more about the Recording Academy and membership-related updates.
Learn more about the Recording Academy's membership and membership requirements. Read our Membership Resource Guide to learn more about the Recording Academy, its affiliates, and our membership and advocacy efforts.