GRAMMY
Camp

GRAMMY Camp is a seven-day non-residential music industry program for high school students interested in careers in music. For the 2025 summer season, GRAMMY Camp will be expanding to three locations across the United States:

• GRAMMY Camp Miami will be held at Miami Art House Studios from June 8 - 14, 2025.
• GRAMMY Camp Los Angeles will be held at the Evergreen Enterprise Experience from July 13 - 19, 2025.
• GRAMMY Camp New York will be held at Engine Room Audio from July 27 – August 2, 2025.

Students from across the country will have the opportunity to apply for a variety of music industry career tracks instructed by GRAMMY Camp faculty of music industry professionals, GRAMMY nominees and winners, as well as guest professionals.

GRAMMY Camp is the industry’s only summer camp dedicated to providing students valuable insight from real world music makers to give campers the best chance at achieving success in their chosen career.

GRAMMY Camp is made possible thanks to the generous support provided by:

• Aufmann Family
• Beatheadz
• Chuck Lorre Family Foundation
• Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation
• Hot Topic Foundation
• Natalie Cole Foundation
• Pacific Bridge Arts Foundation
• The Recording Academy Florida Chapter
• The Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter
• The Recording Academy New York Chapter
• The Recording Academy San Francisco Chapter

Application
Process

The GRAMMY Camp Application is a multi-step process:

• Complete the initial application (contact information, school information, career track, etc.
• Submit your audition materials. Once you submit the initial application, you will receive a confirmation email that directs you to complete the audition materials. Here you will include your video essay and career track requirements. This form is also located on your CampMinder Dashboard under the “forms” tab once you fill out the initial application.
• If interested in applying for a scholarship, there is also a financial aid form you must fill out on CampMinder as part of your application. Without this form, you will not be considered for a scholarship.
• All applicants must submit a short video essay explaining what you hope to gain by participating in GRAMMY Camp. Some possible questions to address can include why you want to attend GRAMMY Camp; how you will benefit if accepted; your long-term career goal(s) in the music industry; and some influences in your preferred career track. Be concise. Be creative. Be yourself!

CAREER
TRACKS

Check out all the possible career tracks below and the audition requirements for each:

ELECTRONIC MUSIC AUDIO PRODUCTION (LA and NY ONLY)

Description:
Campers will receive comprehensive instruction on recording techniques, including mic technique, signal flow, and sonic shaping both in studio and live applications. Campers will also learn aspects of traditional music production through to music creation with digital instruments with learning methods of programming, editing, sampling, and mixing on digital audio workstations to help further develop their original compositions. Campers will how learn innovative techniques in digital music production, remixing, and sound manipulation to combine performance, composition, and orchestration with computer, synthesis, and multimedia technology. Students should have at least a rudimentary understanding of recording equipment and be familiar with basic audio terminology (i.e., microphone, compression, reverb, etc.) and digital audio workstations (DAW).

Submission Requirements
Submit one music and/or video selections as MP3s YouTube or SoundCloud links of projects you have recorded and/or mixed either in a recording or live performance setting. You must provide a brief yet detailed description of what you did and how you did it for each selection (i.e., recorded, mixed, equipment used, location, etc.). Submit one example in MP3 format of music you have created using computer-based platforms (with or without the addition of live instruments). You must provide a brief yet detailed description of what you did and how you did it for each selection (i.e., recorded, mixed, equipment used, location, etc.).

MUSIC PRODUCTION DJ EMPHASIS (MIAMI ONLY)

Description
Campers will receive comprehensive instruction on both traditional, modern, and experimental recording techniques, including mic technique, signal flow, and sonic shaping both in studio and live applications. This is combined with instruction and practice of music creation theory and execution, using modern DAWs, virtual instruments, plug-ins and modern techniques, across multiple genres with a focus on modern electronic music genres and remixing. A performative module will bookend the end-to-end music and audio creation, providing an opportunity for campers to choose either live performance of original music, leveraging computer-based technologies and MIDI instruments or DJing as a live performance. Students should have at least a rudimentary understanding of recording equipment and be familiar with basic audio terminology (i.e., microphone, compression, reverb, etc.) as well as an intermediate to advanced level of comfort and expertise in their DAW and/or performance software of choice.

Submission Requirements
Two examples of original music you have recorded and/or created using computer-based platforms (with or without the addition of live instruments). You must provide a brief yet detailed description of what you did and how you did it for each selection (i.e., recorded, mixed, equipment used, location, etc.). Additionally, one example of a live electronic performance or music DJ set, will also need to be provided. If submitting a live performance, a detailed summary of equipment and software used (visual aids such as video and/or photos are helpful), along with an explanation of how the performance is executed. If submitting a DJ set, a track list (artist – song title – label) and detailed summary of DJ equipment (mixer, controllers, DJ software) is also required.

SONGWRITING

Description
Aspiring songwriters will sharpen the skills of their craft while exploring song structure, harmony, melody, lyric writing, and (where applicable) vocal technique. This track will also provide Campers with the opportunity to collaborate with a band, singers, and other songwriters. They will also gain valuable insight on sound business practices including effective marketing. This Career Track does not require you to be a singer. However, you should have a rudimentary understanding of music theory, and having some keyboard or guitar performance abilities is highly recommended.

Submission Requirements
Video of you or someone else singing two of your original compositions. If someone else is performing, you must make an on-camera introduction of each song and the performer(s). All songs must be written solely by you. Please upload your video to YouTube and submit your link(s). You are encouraged to submit lyric sheets with your songs and/or put the lyrics in the YouTube description.

MUSIC BUSINESS

Description
There are many careers in music that make the success of an artist possible. This Career Track will explore the inner workings of the music business including marketing, management, touring, concert production, publicity, entertainment law, and entrepreneurship in this ever-changing industry. Students should have a passion for exploring the non-performance roles on an artist’s team and a basic knowledge of the current music industry.

Submission Requirements
Please submit a brief (2-6 sentences) written response to each of the following:

• Pick an artist that you would like to work with. Describe what role you would like to play on their team (management, PR, marketing, live event production, legal, etc.) and how you would approach that position.
• Pick a person, a music company, and/or a website that you feel has had an impact on the music industry and explain how.

Please upload answers to these two prompts. Video response submissions are also allowed, but answers should be prepared and recited (no rambling responses).

VOCAL PERFORMANCE

Description
The Vocal Performance track is primarily for singers who desire to pursue an artist path in the music industry and/or wish to work as professional vocalists in some capacity (session singer, background vocalist, etc.). If you are a singer/songwriter, you should also consider applying for the Songwriting track. Campers will spend their time learning about the many different aspects of a vocalist that must be developed to have a successful, sustainable career in the industry, taking the vocalist beyond simply singing well and diving deeply into other essential skills. These include caring for and protecting the voice, developing better relational skills for collaboration, overcoming performance anxiety, increasing business savvy, and identifying ways to up-level musicianship. This track provides Campers with the opportunity to collaborate with the instrumental combos as well as create original material with the songwriting track.

Submission Requirements
Video of you singing two songs of differing styles and/or tempos in the following genres – pop, country, R&B, rock, soul, hip hop, gospel, etc. One jazz selection is fine but please do not submit musical theater or classical songs. Announce the title and artist who originally performed the song before you sing each song. Performance with live or recorded accompaniment is strongly recommended (a cappella performances are not advised). Important: we recommend that you do not use professional studio audio in your recording. Simply use the mic on your phone or whatever you are using to capture your video– we want to hear a raw, (untuned and unprocessed) vocal as that tells us the most about your singing. Please upload your video to YouTube and submit your link(s). You are encouraged to submit lyric sheets with your songs and/or put the lyrics in the YouTube description.

If audio is recorded with a DAW (a digital audio workstation like Logic, Garageband, ProTools, etc.), no processing of pitch and/or time is acceptable. A bare minimum of effects (reverb, delay, compression, etc.) is strongly encouraged as well.

INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE ANY GENRE (LA, NY, OR MIAMI)

Description
Musicians will study, rehearse, and perform in multiple settings including live events and studio sessions while also learning practical paths to a successful career as a musician.

Submission Requirements
Submit videos of you performing two musical styles chosen from the following:

• Rock
• Pop
• Jazz
• Latin
• R&B
• Blues

If audio is recorded with a DAW (a digital audio workstation like Logic, Garageband, ProTools, etc.), no processing of pitch and/or time is acceptable. A bare minimum of effects (reverb, delay, compression, etc.) is strongly encouraged as well.

Please do not submit recordings of school performances or video links from social media sites such as Instagram or Tik Tok.

Rhythm Section: Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keyboard

Please perform with a band, making sure you are clearly heard in the mix, or with recorded or programmed accompaniment. If you must perform unaccompanied, you must perform with a “click” (a metronome). Please demonstrate your abilities both “comping” (accompanying) and soloing.

Drummers—please ensure the camera angle shows your entire body so we can see both of your hands and posture while playing.

Winds & Strings: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Violin, Viola, Cello, Other Brass, Woodwinds, and Strings

Please perform with a band, making sure you are clearly heard in the mix, or with recorded or programmed accompaniment. If you must perform unaccompanied, you must perform with a “click” (a metronome). Please demonstrate your abilities soloing, and if possible, playing background parts.

Please upload your videos to YouTube and submit your link(s) to the application form.

INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE JAZZ SPECIFIC (NY ONLY)

Description
As part of the performance tracks there will be an option for jazz performance. Campers will dive deeper in theory and history, with an emphasis on performance leading to original compositions to be performed by the end of camp. Please perform with a band, making sure you are clearly heard in the mix, or with recorded or programmed accompaniment. If you must perform unaccompanied, you must perform with a “click” (a metronome). Please demonstrate your abilities soloing, and if possible, playing background parts.

Submission Requirements
Submit two performance videos showcasing the Jazz genre.

If audio is recorded with a DAW (a digital audio workstation like Logic, Garageband, ProTools, etc.), no processing of pitch and/or time is acceptable. A bare minimum of effects (reverb, delay, compression, etc.) is strongly encouraged as well.

Please do not submit recordings of school performances or video links from social media sites such as Instagram or Tik Tok.

INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE LATIN / MOVEMENT SPECIFIC (MIAMI ONLY)

Description
Movement—Students in all performance-based tracks will learn ways to connect with an audience to further develop and enhance the necessary skills for live performance. This will include not just musicianship but stage presence and audience interaction. Campers will explore performance as communication to incorporate musical and artistic interaction with different kinds of audiences that also incorporate movement and dance as a form of connection. Students learn skills and strategies for microphone and rehearsal techniques, lead sheet preparation, stage presence, programming, audience interaction, persona development, and more. Students also learn strategies for effective auditioning. Students will give special consideration to the technical aspects of performance (e.g. acoustics, achieving an appropriate mix for the venue, and recording live performances).

Latin Music—Campers will enhance their knowledge of the rhythms and sub-genres of Latin music, while also exploring the cultural contexts in which Latin music's various genres were developed.

Please perform with a band, making sure you are clearly heard in the mix, or with recorded or programmed accompaniment. If you must perform unaccompanied, you must perform with a “click” (a metronome). Please demonstrate your abilities soloing, and if possible, playing background parts.

Submission Requirements

Submit two performance videos showcasing the Latin genre.

If audio is recorded with a DAW (a digital audio workstation like Logic, Garageband, ProTools, etc.), no processing of pitch and/or time is acceptable. A bare minimum of effects (reverb, delay, compression, etc.) is strongly encouraged as well.

Please do not submit recordings of school performances or video links from social media sites such as Instagram or Tik Tok.

MUSICAL THEATER (NY ONLY)

Description
Students will develop as performers incorporating acting, music and dance to enhance their ability to be a triple threat. In this track campers will build their repertoire in both music and dance, singing for the stage and a study of the American musical. The program will bridge classical methods of various cultures through drama, music and dance to contemporary performances happening currently. Students will also learn about the business of musical theater from grand rights to filling a theater.

Submission Requirements
Singing—Performing two contrasting pieces (required)

• One song should be written prior to 1970. This song can be either the up-tempo or the ballad (student’s choice).
• One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first (can include jukebox musicals).
• Each song file should be 60–90 seconds in length. (This time limit is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
• The songs should be filmed top of the head to waist visible in the frame.

Acting—One monologue from a published play or written by a professional writer.

• A professional writer is someone whose plays have been produced, but may not have been professionally published.
• Each monologue should be 60 to 90 seconds in length, please do not upload media files larger than 90 seconds.

Dancing—(optional but highly recommended)

• If you have dance training or experience in any discipline (including but not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, cultural dance styles, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary), you are encouraged to submit a video in whatever discipline you feel most confident that shows us your best version of dancing or moving.
• Dance submissions can be self-choreographed but must be a solo video of you.
• All choreography must be performed to music.

SCREEN SCORING (LA ONLY)

Description
This track is designed for students who want to learn the craft and business of creating original music for film, tv and video games through hands-on practice. Here campers will learn to compose and arrange for a variety of industries using a variety of technologies and musicians to maximize a project’s budget. Campers will also learn about cues for film and television as well as studying business principles relating specifically to the film, television and video game industries.

Submission Requirements
Three or four scores of original works in different instrumentation and style, and audio or video recordings of at least two of them. These are some guidelines:

• Scores should be notated by you using a notation software (or by hand). They should not be auto-generated from a DAW.
• In addition to a concert piece or a song, you can submit a film, TV, Ad, or videogame score as long as you have a score you created using a notation software (no DAW printouts).
• Include your best work regardless of style or aesthetic. You need not restrict your submissions to music that was written for moving images. We will evaluate your portfolio in its entirety.
• Varied instrumentation is a plus, but not required.
• A single video file including a performance of two pieces in contrasting styles on an instrument of your choice. One of these pieces may be a composition of your own, but at least one (and, if you prefer, both) of them must be a work by a composer other than yourself.
• Each performance can be recorded separately if you prefer so, and they could be on different locations.
• The video should also include an introduction no longer than two minutes discussing your musical and personal background as well as your goals if accepted into the program.
• You can record everything as one single take or combine different videos into one.

Please upload your videos to YouTube and submit your link(s) to the application form.

Please make sure if you are uploading a video to YouTube and want only the GRAMMY Camp selection committee to see your video, that your video is marked “unlisted” and NOT “private.” If your video is marked “private” our screeners will not be able to view the video. If this is the case, we will attempt to contact you to correct it, but it may put your application and eligibility in jeopardy.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Below, you will find answers to many common questions about GRAMMY Camp. If your questions are not included here, feel free to contact GRAMMY Camp via email at grammycamp@grammymuseum.org.