Recording Academy membership is one of the most impactful honors in music. Recording Academy members have the power to shape the music industry and foster a more inspiring, inclusive world for all creators and industry professionals. Active participation in the Academy's various divisions and initiatives — including voting for the annual GRAMMY Awards — allows artists, creators, and industry professionals to elevate the music world and ensure that music remains an indelible part of our culture.

The Recording Academy’s 2024 New Member Class invitees exemplify this commitment to music. This year’s invited class comprises invitations to more than 3,900 established music professionals spanning diverse backgrounds, genres and disciplines and representing a vibrant spectrum of ages, genders and ethnicities: Of the 2024 New Member Class invitees, 45% are women, 57% are people of color, and 47% are under the age of 40. With this year's new member invitees, the Recording Academy is on track to achieve its goal of adding 2,500 women Voting Members by 2025; the Academy is set to achieve this milestone later this year, one year ahead of schedule.

To celebrate the induction of our 2024 New Member Class, GRAMMY.com spoke to some new Academy members about their goals as new members and their plans for contributing to the music industry. Dive into their stories below and discover the impact they aspire to make in the music world.

IMPORTANT: 2024 New Member Class invitees must accept their membership invitation by Sunday, Sept. 15, in order to participate in First Round Voting for the 2025 GRAMMYs.

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.

Get Involved: Stay Connected To The Recording Academy With The My Academy Hub App: Access Key Deadlines, View Membership Information, Browse Official Academy Events & More

Leon Thomas 

What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?

I was inspired to join the Recording Academy because of its commitment to uplifting the music community, celebrating musical craft, and advocating for the rights of musical creatives. I wanted to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the music industry.

Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?  

Participating in impactful initiatives through my Recording Academy membership feels incredibly fulfilling. It's a privilege to contribute to initiatives that support and empower music creators. I am particularly excited to participate in initiatives that focus on diversity and inclusion in the music industry.

What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?

As a new member, I strive to advocate for fair compensation and recognition for all music creators, regardless of their background or genre. I believe in the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive industry for all stakeholders.

How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?

I expect that my membership at the Recording Academy will provide me with valuable networking opportunities, industry insights, and a platform to amplify my voice as a music professional. I believe that being a member will open doors for collaboration and growth in my music career.

What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy's evolution?

I am excited about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy's evolution because it presents an opportunity to shape the future of the music industry. I look forward to being part of discussions and decisions that will drive positive change and progress in the industry.

What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?

From my experience as a Recording Academy member, I hope to gain knowledge, connections, and inspiration that will help me grow as a music professional. I am eager to learn from industry leaders and fellow members to enhance my skills and understanding of the music business.

What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?

Being an active member of the Recording Academy means being part of a community that values creativity, innovation, and advocacy. It means having a voice in conversations that shape the music industry and being committed to supporting and uplifting fellow music creators. I am proud to be a member of an organization that stands for excellence and integrity in music. 

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310babii 

What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?  

When learning about the Academy, I was amazed and inspired by the list of great artists that came before me, and I thought to myself, “If this is where the legends are at, I wanna be here, too.”

Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?  

Yes, I am excited to participate. To whom much is given, much is required, and I'm ready to uplift and educate the young music community. I want to be an advocate for the rights of young creatives like myself, and I hope to leave an impact on my generation and those generations that follow.   

What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?  

I strive to show people of all ages that you can succeed in the music business independently, without a major record label, and go as far as you want to go. You can maintain creative control, own your masters, and still compete at the highest level. 

 How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?  

With me being a part of the Academy, I expect my membership to help me cross over into different genres through networking and meeting other members who are creatives, such as artists, writers and producers as well.  

What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy's evolution?  

It excites me because I have a chance to leave my mark on the music industry for years to come, making sure my voice is heard, voting for the greats, and working toward accolades that push the industry forward [and open] doors for future members.  

What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?  

I hope to continue to educate myself more. I never want to stop learning about the history of the music business, and I want to be able to meet the legends who have paved the way before me to thank them for what they've done for me and the impact they've had on my life.  

What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?  

Being an active member to me is a reminder that anything is possible, but also that there is more work to be done. I am now in a position to be recognized and heard among the most prestigious academies in the world. Let's get to work!  

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Charm La'Donna 

What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?  

I have worked with artists and been a recording artist for a very long time. The Recording Academy has a history of advocating for performers and ensuring that music and the arts grow and thrive in our culture. It is important that the work we do keeps the arts accessible for future generations. 

Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?  

I'm absolutely thrilled to have the chance to participate in initiatives that make the industry better for musicians and creatives. I am particularly interested in underrepresented voices that need the space and support to thrive and make sure that the Recording Academy remains inclusive and reflective of the uniqueness and diversity we have in the arts.  

Lastly, mentorship is deeply important to me and has been a major part of my career. I understand the impact of passing on knowledge and supporting the next generation of artists, and want to foster a community that will emphasize mentoring new and future artists. I am excited to participate and make a difference through my membership. 

What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?  

As a new member of the Recording Academy, I strive to contribute to several key changes in the music industry that reflect my passion for inclusivity, artist advocacy and innovation. These changes include: promoting greater diversity and representation across all genres of music; enhancing the protection and rights of musical creatives; fostering a community of education and mentorship among creators. 

How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?  

I believe that my membership at the Recording Academy will impact my music career by providing various opportunities for networking, learning and exposure. Being a member of an influential organization of like-minded professionals who are passionate about music and committed to its growth and evolution is a dream! 

As a member of the Recording Academy, I will have the opportunity to advocate for important issues such as artists' rights, diversity, and inclusion. It will also help me be a more proactive and engaged member of our industry.  

Ultimately, I believe that my membership in the Recording Academy will empower me to grow both as an artist and as a professional, providing me with the tools, connections and platform needed to make the best decisions for my future endeavors and to be impactful in the music industry. 

What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy's evolution?  

What deeply excites me is the opportunity to bring new perspectives and creative ideas that can help the Academy remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape. The music industry is so different from where we were even five years ago. It is evolving rapidly with new technologies and culture shifts, and as an organization, we have to be adaptable and agile. 

Contributing to the Academy's evolution would allow me to help ensure that these changes are reflected in the way we recognize, award and promote music, making the industry more equitable and forward-thinking. Hopefully, one day we can even have a category that honors dance. 

Beyond that, I'm passionate about music's power to bring people together and inspire change. By working with the Recording Academy, I would be able to contribute to initiatives that not only recognize outstanding musicians, but also support the growth and development of the entire music community.  

What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?  

I hope to foster collaborations, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration from others' experiences and perspectives with various artists and creators from different genres. These relationships can lead to creative partnerships, new projects, and a broader understanding of the diverse facets of the music industry. 

What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?  

It means engaging with a community of like-minded individuals who all love this industry and the people in it. It also means the chance to elevate the voices of all kinds of creators and to have an impact on the arts for future generations. I know what an impact music and dance have had on my life. For me, it has been a lifeline and catalyst to live my wildest dreams. As a creative, it is important to ensure that the next generation and everyone that follows has the opportunity to find and follow their dreams in the arts. 

Go Behind The Scenes: An Exclusive Look Inside The Recording Academy's New Member Welcome Week 2024: CEO Harvey Mason jr. Chats With Lainey Wilson, DEI, Advocacy & Much More  

Flavour

Can you share what inspired you to become a Recording Academy member?

My inspiration to become a Recording Academy member comes from my desire to make valuable contributions to an organization that supports artistic excellence and advocates for the rights and recognition of music professionals. I have always been passionate about music and its transformative power, and the Academy's dedication to promoting a supportive community for artists and industry professionals aligns with my values and aspirations. 

Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?  

I feel deeply honored and excited to take part in such positive initiatives. I'm particularly eager to contribute to efforts that support emerging artists, promote diversity and inclusion, and ensure fairness for all music creators.  

What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member? 

As a new member of the Recording Academy, I plan to champion diverse voices, promote transparency in the award process, and advocate for fairness. I'm also keen on encouraging innovation in music and fostering collaboration across genres and cultures. 

How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?  

I expect that my membership will boost my music career by significantly expanding my network, opening up new collaboration opportunities, and increasing my visibility and influence within the industry. 

What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy's evolution?

An evolution would include fresh perspectives and advocacy. Being part of this evolution means I get a chance to bring fresh perspectives, advocate for diversity and inclusion, and help to shape the future of the industry. Being part of all that excites me.  

What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member?  

I hope to gain deeper industry insights, valuable connections, and the chance to influence positive changes in the world of music. I also look forward to expanding my reach and impact as an artist. 

What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you?  

Being an active member of the Recording Academy is both a responsibility and privilege to make a meaningful impact in the industry. It means that I get to be part of a collective effort to recognize and celebrate the best in music, making sure that excellence and artistry are acknowledged and rewarded. I see it as an opportunity to support other artists and also contribute to the legacy of music history by helping to highlight innovative work.

Learn More: The Recording Academy To Host 2024 Songwriters & Composers Wing Town Hall: How To Watch, Who's Speaking, What Are The Topics & More

Raja Kumari 

What inspired you to join the Recording Academy?  

The Recording Academy has always represented excellence in music to me. I've been inspired by GRAMMY winners my entire life, and to now be a Voting Member of that society is a milestone in my relationship with music. I have so much respect for the Recording Academy, and now as a Voting Member, I get to vote for the music that inspires me, the music that will lead us into a beautiful future. I get to honor the incredible music being created by voting for it. My opinion means something in this Academy as a Voting Member, and that gives me so much pride.  

Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?  

The music industry has evolved so much in the last few years. As a songwriter, a recording artist, and now as the head of an independent label, I have seen and experienced the gauntlet of challenges experienced by a musician. There is a need for community and education regarding our rights as songwriters and performers. As the industry shifts more and more to streaming, how as a community can we strive to protect artistic creation over commerce? As an artist that has been part of the independent music scene in India for the past 10 years, I also look forward to giving insight to my peers regarding this emerging market. 

What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member?  

I think representation is extremely important. Growing up in America in an Indian household, I was exposed to so many different instruments and sounds. It was always my mission as a songwriter and artist to bring these Eastern influences to the West. As a Recording Academy member, I want to give a platform to more South Asian artists and musicians.  

How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career?  

It's hard to judge your success in music. It's always a series of stats and numbers to compare. We didn't have a delineated path from college to the workplace to the studio — we had to find our own way, sometimes without any type of external validation. Coming from an immigrant family, it was hard to express the importance of my first placement or first 1 million views. But becoming a member of the Recording Academy is something tangible, something special, and something my parents can actually comprehend. It's a milestone I have dreamed of since the first time I sang on a mic. But like all things, this is just the beginning. I am so honored to be a part of this community and excited to use my voice to celebrate the art that truly means something.   

What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy's evolution? 

It's an exciting time. More artists than ever from the South Asian community are being heard. To be a member of the Recording Academy means I get to help foster that dream and champion my community.

Learn More: How The Recording Academy's Global Expansion Will Support Music Creators And Develop Creative Economies On A Worldwide Scale

Kaash Paige 

What inspired you to join the Recording Academy? 

I was inspired to join the Recording Academy to connect with fellow artists, contribute to the music community, and help shape the future of the music industry. 

Recording Academy members can uplift the music community, celebrate musical craft, and advocate for the rights of musical creatives. How do you feel about participating in such impactful initiatives through your Recording Academy membership? What initiatives are you excited to participate in?  

I feel honored to be a part of such an impactful community that uplifts and supports creatives. It's history!  I'm excited to participate and advocate for artists' rights, particularly in initiatives that empower young, emerging artists. 

What change(s) do you strive to make in the music industry as a new member? 

As a new member, I just strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented artists, aka "the underdogs." I push for more inclusivity in the industry and to create opportunities for young creatives to thrive! 

How do you expect that your membership will make a difference in your music career? 

I expect my Recording Academy membership to open doors for networking with industry leaders, provide new opportunities for collaboration, and enhance my understanding of the business side of music.  

What excites you about the chance to contribute to the Recording Academy's evolution? 

I'm just excited about getting the chance to bring fresh perspectives, ears and innovative ideas to the Recording Academy to ensure it remains relevant and inclusive for the next generation of artists. 

What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Recording Academy member? 

I hope to gain deeper industry insight! More valuable connections with other artists and professionals around me, and use my platform to influence positive change in the music community through my experience as a Recording Academy member. 

What does being an active member of the Recording Academy mean to you? 

Being an active member of the Recording Academy not only means having a voice in the industry, but it means contributing to important decisions that impact the music community! Playing a role in recognizing and celebrating diverse talent. I see it as a way to give back and help shape the future of music. 

In a continuing commitment to nurture future Black music industry leaders, Amazon Music and the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC) have announced the return of the Your Future Is Now scholarship program for its fourth consecutive year. 

The program, which launched in 2021, provides students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with both financial support and direct, hands-on experience in the music industry.

This year, five HBCU students will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship each and have the chance to engage in a career-defining rotation with department leads at Amazon Music and the Recording Academy. Alongside the individual scholarships, the program will grant two HBCUs $10,000 each for music program equipment, further investing in institutional resources for budding artists and music professionals.

To celebrate the scholarship's renewal, "Amazon Music Live" featured an exclusive episode headlined by GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop heavyweight, Big Sean, sponsored by the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks. This special live streamed performance included Big Sean performing alongside North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's celebrated Blue and Gold Marching Machine and The Fellowship Gospel Choir, bringing a powerful, HBCU-rooted energy to the show.

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Following the concert, North Carolina A&T was announced as the first HBCU recipient of the $10,000 music equipment grant, with Amazon Music executives Phylicia Fant and Jameka Pankey, alongside Recording Academy representatives, presenting the donation to the university’s drumline coordinator, Harvey Thompson.

"Every Homecoming season, HBCU students and alumni come together not only to celebrate our community but also to strengthen the bonds that connect us," said Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music. "It’s that kind of meaningful impact on students’ lives that we set out to foster with this program."

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the scholarship’s impact. "The program’s effect on our student cohorts has been nothing short of remarkable, and I couldn’t be prouder," he said. "It’s crucial that we continue investing in the next generation of Black music creators and professionals, equipping them to lead and shape the future of the music industry."

The Your Future Is Now scholarship application is now open. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled at an HBCU and pursuing a degree in music, music business, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field. Requirements include a transcript, personal statement, a creative video showcasing their vision, and one recommendation. The application deadline is December 13, and recipients will be announced in early January.

To apply for the scholarship, visit here.

This scholarship announcement is part of Amazon Music’s wider Homecoming celebrations. Amazon Music recently hosted carnival-style pop-up events at HBCUs across the country, including North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M, Howard University, and Jackson State University, creating memorable experiences for students and alumni while connecting them with the music and traditions that define HBCU culture. Students and alumni were able to experience music from past AML performers, get pictures in intricate photo moments, and have a chance to win exclusive one-of-a-kind merch. Amazon Music customers everywhere can celebrate with "Homecoming SZN," a new playlist of music created specifically to soundtrack HBCU Homecoming Weekends.

The Recording Academy's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team, in collaboration with the GRAMMY Museum, has announced the recipients of the third annual Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship.

This year, the scholarship honors five college students: Nadia Adams (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Harrison Candelario (University of Rochester), Christo Hernandez (University of Southern California), Elyse Smith (Harvard University), and Hope Williams (Oakwood University).

Established in 2021, the Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Quinn Coleman, a cherished music executive and DJ who passed away in 2020 at the age of 31. Created by his family in partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, this scholarship aims to break down barriers in the music industry by offering professional development opportunities that prepare students for full-time careers, through financial aid, mentorship, and practical professional experiences.

Each selected recipient will be awarded two $1,000 scholarships for tuition, a $500 stipend for interview preparation, two $250 stipends for books and equipment, and financial and emotional wellness seminars. Furthermore, students will be awarded a spring internship at the Recording Academy or Latin Recording Academy.

For updates on the Recording Academy's DEI initiatives, click here. For more information about the GRAMMY Museum, visit grammymuseum.org.

From Oct. 21 to 23, songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, and music industry professionals gathered at the NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in Brooklyn, New York, to collaborate, network and support each other in navigating the ever-complex business-side of the music industry.

Presented in partnership with the Recording Academy's Songwriters & Composers Wing, the first two days were a highly collaborative songwriting intensive, where participants used the school's state-of-the-art studios to create songs for TV or film. Day three was all about empowering music makers, aptly titled, "Beyond the Studio: Navigating the Music Industry as Creators," and offered a plethora of useful advice across two insightful panels: "Crafting Hits: Songwriting in Today's Music Industry" and "Monetizing Your Music: Unlocking Opportunities in Media Licensing and Sync."

The first panel was moderated by NYU's own Professor Swagg (a.k.a. GRAMMY-winning producer and songwriter David "Swagg" Harris) and featured Samantha Cox, VP of Creative at BMI; Ian McEvily, artist manager and partner at State of the Art; and Travis McFetridge, president and CEO of Great South Bay Music Group Inc, a boutique music publisher. The second panel was moderated by singer/songwriter Toby Lightman and featured Josh Rabinowitz, professor and music consultant at the Brooklyn Music Experience; Jonathan Finegold, founder of Fine Gold Music; and Sue Jacobs, a music supervisor and founder of SueperVision.

Below, check out six useful takeaways from the intimate, informative event.

Versatility Is A Major Key To Success…

During the "Songwriting in Today's Music Industry" panel, Samantha Cox and Ian McEvily urged the importance of learning different skill sets as a songwriter. Cox pointed out that having a big pop star on a song doesn't guarantee a hit, even less so than in the past — even huge artists have had to diversify their sound and approach to stay relevant. "When I meet a young new songwriter, I always tell them to be open-minded to try a lot of different things," Cox said.

McEvily highlighted this point later in the conversation, when he was asked how he supports the artists he manages through the changing music industry landscape.

"The biggest issue starting out is money. It's really hard to be a songwriter and it hasn't gotten any easier. They used to be able to move out to LA and have a studio in their place, but now LA is expensive… To navigate that, I help them work past their skill set," McEvily explained. "I want to help them be able to be a Swiss Army knife, to be open. If you're just a songwriter and you're really lucky, maybe you'll make it. But [I want to] open you up for more opportunities."

McEvily reflected on how he encouraged his client of 10 years, GRAMMY-winning producer Dan Nigro, to learn production. When they met, Nigro was a songwriter and could produce lo-fi demos in GarageBand. Since then, he's honed his production chops and become Olivia Rodrigo's go-to producer and trusted collaborator, helping her perfect her chart-topping — and multi-GRAMMY-winning — pop-punk sound.

…And So Are The Relationships You Make

After an audience member asked whether an artist should have a manager, Cox stressed the importance of developing long-running personal relationships in the music industry. "Come talk to someone like me and I can link you with a rising songwriter and you can keep working together…And then maybe managers reach out," she emphasized. "Personal relationships are key."

McEvily agreed: "I think over the past five years, the relationship between the artist and the songwriter has become the most important relationship…and I think that makes it better."

For singer/songwriter and disability advocate James Ian, one of the biggest takeaways from the three-day event was the power that comes from gathering together with fellow music makers. While making music has mostly been a solo endeavor for him, he left feeling inspired to do more workshops and networking.

"Everyone was so generous with their time and their talent. We collaborated really, really well," he told GRAMMY.com. "Everyone was really willing to accept other people's ideas, and we used most of what everyone came up with in the songs. I'm really proud of the work, and really grateful to have networked and worked with such tremendous talent."

Read More: 4 Lessons & Resources Every Songwriter & Composer Should Know

You Might Be Missing Out On Money You've Already Earned

In between the two panels, The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) and Sound Royalties — two of the event's sponsors — were highlighted for the work they each do to provide income streams for music creators. And as Jamie Dominguez, National Director of Industry Relations at The MLC, pointed out, the streaming era has resulted in a lot of unclaimed money.

The MLC is a nonprofit that was mandated after the passage of the Music Modernization Act in 2018, which set out important regulations to protect music creators in the streaming era. The MLC — which offers free membership — allows artists and songwriters to locate and receive streaming royalties dating back to 2007. Jamie Dominguez, National Director of Industry Relations at The MLC, encouraged participants to sign up, explaining they have paid out almost $3 billion in streaming royalties since their creation. Additionally, they are funded by the DSPs and don't take a cut of artists' earnings.

Attendees also learned about Sound Royalties, an artist-friendly funding source for creatives. For artists who earn $5,000 or more a year from music royalties, the firm offers advances to help you cover a tour, new studio equipment or whatever else to further your art. Sound Royalties doesn't take ownership of the artists' copyrights or a percentage of their futures, allowing artists to maintain control of their work.

One important thing that the first set of panelists noted, though, is that in order to get royalties, you have to be credited on the song. Thus, it's important to discuss songwriting credits and splits amongst collaborators before going into a work session. "Even if you brought in a song 90 percent done, the [producer's] chord progression change made it a hit, so that's worth something," McEvily said.

There's A World Of Possibility In Music Licensing

Following the in-depth discussion on the world of songwriting and a lively networking lunch, the second panel focused on how to earn money (and ears!) on your music through film, TV and ad placement. The career of moderator Toby Lightman — who has landed over 100 major song placements in film, TV and commercials as an independent singer/songwriter — was a shining example of the many opportunities that lie for musicians in the world of sync.

"When I got a song signed to a movie, it was life-changing, and now it's my artist focus," the "Breathe In" singer said with a smile. Her heartfelt music has been featured on TV shows such as "The Rookie," "Monarch," and "Sesame Street," as well as NFL ads.

For newer or independent artists, it might feel like a pipe dream to imagine your music being featured in a film trailer or a popular TV show. But as Lightman and her panelists suggested, there are ways in — especially since there are plenty of visuals these days that need backing music.

"A lot of the places I'm trying to support independent artists are those background scenes, [like in a] diner. The money can be quite good, but you'll need to have music that you put on and are able to have a conversation with somebody. If it's pulling your ear away, it's going to do the same in the picture," Sue Jacobs asserted. "[I'm looking for music] that someone can put under the dialogue to put into the next scene."

She also recommended that artists and producers have instrumental versions of their tracks ready to go, as they're more adaptable for different scenes. And if you want to see if your music could work in film or TV, put on a montage scene, mute it, and play your music.

"Film is not very forgiving of things that are just staying there and not changing," Jacobs, who has provided music supervision for Little Miss Sunshine, HBO's "Big Little Lies" and several other critically acclaimed films and shows, points out.

She advised that the music needs to be dynamic and have non-specific lyrics that can drive a variety of scenes. For this reason, Jacobs appreciates friendship songs over romantic love songs, as well as happy music that successfully steers away from cheesiness. Finally, she noted that when it comes to sounds and genres, "hybrid always works."

Read More: The Expanding Universe of Music Sync: How It Works, Understanding The Opportunities

Ad Sync Isn't Selling Out

When the "Monetizing Your Music" panelists were asked why they thought more artists are focusing on licensing now, Josh Rabinowitz pointed to Volkswagen's dreamy ad from 2000, featuring Nick Drake's "Pink Moon," as pivotal in changing the perception of syncing your music for commercial purposes. Though the spot came out 26 years after the British indie singer/songwriter's death, it brought a whole new, wider audience to his music and inspired future TV-ads-as-music-videos.

Jonathan Finegold also called out a Michelob beer ad from 1989, which featured guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton as another turning point in sync, along with Apple's iconic iPod commercials. He emphasized the market reach of that kind of placement, exemplified by Apple's ability to break songs and artists, such as Feist's iPod Nano ad (a song selected by Steve Jobs himself) from 2007.

As Rabinowitz offered, "It's music for context. It's not just music that's great, it has to serve in a particular capacity. It has to serve a creative idea, a concept, a brand, a brand's purpose, a product or sell persuasiveness, etc."

He described the best ad songs as anthemic with a positive message — tracks that are dynamic, unexpected and build, and don't sound mainstream. "I did a listening session the other day, and there was an Afrobeats track with a lot of humming and crazy beats. It was really warm and kind of universal in its positivity," Rabinowitz added. "That's exciting for me, and I think that's a great opportunity for people that are experimental and creative."

Landing An Ad Placement Is An Art In Its Own Right

As Finegold pointed out, if you are signed with a label or publishing company — even a small one — it's their job to pitch your tunes to music supervisors. He offered that it's something you can tee up for them by suggesting one of your tracks for a specific show or brand.

That said, there's no need to be obvious with your lyrics. In fact, Finegold warned that making songs with a brand in mind may have the opposite result.

"I would be careful about writing specifically for sync. A music supervisor can spot that a mile away," Finegold said. "If you write a song all about basketball and slam dunks, it doesn't mean that the NBA wants to use it. For the most part, they want to use a song about teamwork or coming together or winning or something like that."

Instead, you can create remixes of your tracks for specific scenarios, or craft unique reimaginings of well-known songs, as Finegold noted that the ad world has been big on unique covers in the past few years.

From honing songwriting skills to learning about the advantages of royalties and sync, the New York Chapter's Songwriting Camp offered an array of inspiration for those who attended. While being a creative in today's economy can be daunting, the event was a vital reminder of the power of community and collaboration — and how much further we can go when we share ideas, insights and resources.

The New York Chapter would like to offer thanks to the sponsors that made the event possible: The MLC, Sound Royalties, NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, and Amazon Music, along with their Recording Academy event partner, the Songwriters & Composers Wing. Learn more about the S&C Wing on Instagram.

Dolly Parton is almost as well known for her charitable spirit as she is for topping the country charts. The 10-time GRAMMY winner has made kindness, philanthropy and inclusivity major tenets of her life and career, and this year she's the 2024 recipient of the PEACE Through Music Award.

Parton accepted the honor at a special ceremony held at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Oct. 25.

"Is that not what we're all looking for: a little peace?" the country icon asked in her joyful acceptance speech. "We all want it. Some of us, all around this old world, can only dream about it. But as people, we all deserve it."

Presented by the Recording Academy and the U.S. Department of State, the PEACE Through Music Award honors an American music industry professional, artist or group who has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose music work advances peace and mutual understanding globally. The award launched last year as part of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative; 28-time GRAMMY winner Quincy Jones was the inaugural honoree.

To celebrate Dolly Parton's 2024 PEACE Through Music Award honor, dive into five of the many ways she's demonstrated her commitment to the principles of peace, unity and inclusion throughout her celebrated career.

Giving Back Through The Dollywood Foundation

Parton first launched her namesake nonprofit, the Dollywood Foundation, in 1988 — just two years after opening the doors to her famed theme park, Dollywood. In the 36 years since its inception, the country star has used the foundation to encourage the importance of education in her native Tennessee. She first began raising money for scholarships given to local high school students before eventually launching the official Dolly Parton Scholarship in 2000. 

Initially, Dolly's scholarship offered $15,000 to four students at Sevier County High School, the country icon's alma mater. However, to date, the scholarship program has expanded to award students in at least three other neighboring high schools, continually perpetuating the gift of education to rising generations where she was born and raised. 

Promoting Childhood Literacy With Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

For decades, one of the pillars of the singer's philanthropic mission has been Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the children's literacy program she founded in 1995 to honor her father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr.

Though the sharecropper and father of 12 never learned to read or write in his lifetime, his famous daughter's Imagination Library focuses on early childhood education by "gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age 5" throughout the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia.

Working with local affiliate partners, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has gifted more than 250,000,000 books and counting to children around the world as of press time. In July 2024, the program also reached a new milestone of registering 3 million children worldwide.

Assisting Wildfire Victims Through Her My People Fund

In 2016, Parton created the My People Fund, a new branch of her Dollywood Foundation, in response to the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires that devastated the Southeastern United States — including her beloved home state of Tennessee — that year.

Killing at least 14 people and burning down thousands of homes and businesses, the wildfires quickly became the deadliest in Tennessee history, and Parton's My People Fund aimed to help victims of the tragedy get back on their feet.

The charitable initiative gave $1,000 a month for up to six months to residents of Sevier County, Tennessee who had lost their homes and livelihoods to the blaze, and brought together major organizations like Verizon, Tanger Outlets and Miley Cyrus' Happy Hippie Foundation to donate to the cause.

"I have always believed that charity begins at home," Parton said at the time of the tragedy. Ultimately, the My People Fund helped more than 900 families affected by the crisis. 

Parton's associated telethon, Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund, also raised more than $13 million and featured appearances by Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Alison Krauss, Cyndi Lauper and more. 

Helping Fund The Moderna Vaccine

It's not an understatement to say that Dolly Parton is a major reason the world has one of the COVID-19 vaccines.

In the early days of the global coronavirus pandemic, the country star announced she was donating $1 million to fund research of the virus at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Parton's massive check helped fund early stages in developing Moderna's vaccine, and less than a year later, she received the potentially life-saving vaccine her donation played a part in creating. 

Naturally, the singer also used her platform to encourage fans to get vaccinated as well — to the tune of "Jolene," naturally. It's virtually impossible to estimate just how many lives Dolly helped to save by this one act of generosity alone.

Championing LGBTQIA+ Rights Through Music & Advocacy

There's no denying Parton is a bonafide queer icon, and she's actively supported the LGBTQIA+ community for decades.

The "Coat of Many Colors" singer made a plainspoken reference to gay people, and the need to stand by them no matter what, in her 1991 ballad "Family." ("Some are preachers, some are gay/ Some are addicts, drunks and strays/ But not a one is turned away when it's family," she sang on the saccharine album cut from 1991's Eagle When She Flies.)

Nearly two decades later, she spoke out with her trademark wit in support of marriage equality during a 2009 appearance on "The Joy Behar Show." "I always say, 'Sure, why can't they get married? They should suffer like the rest of us do,'" the singer joked at the time, a full six years before the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision.

Parton's support of the LGBTQ+ community hasn't been in words alone, either. The beloved icon has regularly supported HIV/AIDS charities during her time in the spotlight, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and GLAAD.