Join the Leading Community Shaping the Future of Music
Recording Academy members help shape the future of music by celebrating creative excellence, advocating for creators’ rights, mentoring the next generation and strengthening the music community year-round. We welcome qualified music creators and professionals across genres, disciplines and regions.
How To Apply
Recording Academy membership is community-driven and peer-reviewed annually, with a process designed to recognize qualified music creators and professionals.
The Value of Membership
Membership Starts With a Recommendation
Recording Academy membership is community-driven and peer-reviewed annually, with a process designed to recognize qualified music creators and professionals.
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Step 1
Get Recommended
Two music industry peers currently working full-time in the music industry must submit recommendations on your behalf. They do not need to be Recording Academy members. Current members may recommend candidates directly from their dashboard, while non-members may use the recommendation form. Each person may recommend up to two candidates per year.
Recommendations due by February 15
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Step 2
Complete Your Career Profile
After both recommendations are received, you’ll receive an email with a link and candidate code. Complete your career profile with your professional credits, discography and supporting documentation.
Profiles must be completed by March 1
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Step 3
Peer Review Begins
A peer review panel of active Recording Academy members reviews submissions each spring. The panel evaluates your full career profile as part of the annual membership review process.
Spring review period
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Step 4
Receive Your Invitation
Approved candidates receive an invitation to join the Recording Academy, with instructions to activate their membership and pay annual dues.
Invitations sent in late June/July
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Step 5
Activate Your Membership
Accept your invitation, set up your account, select your chapter, and begin participating in the Grammy Awards process, chapter events, advocacy opportunities and member community.
Accept by the applicable Grammy season deadline
Exceptions to the standard process
Current-year Grammy nominees and winners do not need recommendations. Candidates nominated for a Grammy in the past five years may have certain credit requirements waived.
Three Paths Into Academy Membership
Voting
Member
Who
Performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists and other creators currently working in the recording industry.
Requirements
12 commercially distributed, verifiable credits, with at least five released within the past five years. Credits must be available through U.S. retail or streaming platforms.
$150/year
Professional Member
Who
Music business professionals whose primary career directly supports music creators, including label executives, managers, booking agents, publicists and similar roles.
Requirements
Documentation demonstrating a primary career in the music industry, such as a professional web presence, marketing materials or other professional evidence.
$150/year
Grammy U
Who
Emerging music professionals ages 18 and older pursuing careers in music. College enrollment is not required.
Requirements
Demonstrated interest in a music industry career. Separate application process from Voting and Professional membership.
$50/year
Become a Member
Begin Membership ProcessCommon Questions
No. Membership begins with recommendations from two people currently working full-time in the music industry. After both recommendations are received, you’ll be invited to complete your career profile. You cannot recommend yourself.
No. Anyone currently working full-time in the music industry can recommend up to two candidates per annual cycle. Current members can submit recommendations through their dashboard.
Submissions are reviewed by a peer review panel each spring. Approved candidates receive invitations in late June or July. You must accept by July 31 to participate in the current Grammy Awards season.
Current-year Grammy nominees and winners do not need recommendations. Candidates nominated for a Grammy in the past five years may have certain credit requirements waived but still need to complete the application process.
Annual dues are $150 for Voting and Professional members. Grammy U membership is $50 per year. Dues support year-round member programs, advocacy, resources and community experiences.
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