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GRAMMY U And The Full Circle Of Mentorship

Civic Nation

Growing up, I dreamed of all the different careers I could have when I was older. I’d lay on my bed and fantasize about being a flashy movie star or creating a masterpiece in a spacious art studio. The world seemed full of endless opportunities. However, as I got older and college drew near, I found myself lost and didn't know where or how to actually start within these industries. Nothing spoke to me, and I felt overwhelmed. Eventually, it was clear that my interests were guiding me to move towards the music industry. Not knowing much about it, though, I didn’t have anyone to look up to—especially another woman—in the field. 

Last winter, I found the GRAMMY U program. GRAMMY U is run by the Recording Academy, and aims to support and prepare college students to enter the music industry. I instantly found a community of like-minded people in a similar stage of life all pursuing their passions. I was lucky to attend a few impactful events before the whirlwind pandemic sent me back home. Being in such a different environment, one where I previously felt disconnected from the creative community, it would’ve been easy to fall back into the feelings of being lost and uninspired. Determined to not let this happen, I scoured the internet for online networking events and digital resources.

When GRAMMY U and the GRAMMY Museum announced their Mentorship Mondays partnership with Reach Higher, I was all ears. On the launch day of the program, I signed up for Phylicia Fant's session. She is the Co-Head of Urban Music at Columbia Records. On our digital video call, I saw my peer’s faces smiling back at me, all looking forward to our chat with Phylicia. We learned that she had worn many different hats before landing in her current position. She, too, didn't know how or where to start her career. But, it all began with a post on a job listings wall in her college cafeteria for a CNN internship. She applied and got it. From there, her career flourished, and she collected a variety of experiences that grew her toolbox of skills. Phylicia showed us that connections happen where one may least expect it, to always be ambitious, and to look for opportunities everywhere.

As she described the various projects she was working on, a memory came flooding back to me. In spring of 2019, I worked on a marketing project centered around Lil Nas X for a music class, and I spoke to Phylicia on the phone for my project. This led to being invited to a music video release party and brief meeting with Phylicia. In a whirlwind of emotions, I brought it up during the conversation as it dawned on me just how small and interconnected the music industry really is. It also moved me to know that there are mentors like Phylicia in the industry who continuously try to push young voices and aspiring professionals like myself. As someone who didn't have a single connection to anyone in the music industry a couple of years ago, I couldn’t feel more appreciative of the GRAMMY Museum and GRAMMY U for bringing me this opportunity to further connect with an extremely successful and powerful woman of color in music.

While having mentors and people in higher positions that you look up to is clearly necessary in the music industry, Phylicia shared that we must also connect with those who are in the same career stage and build relationships with each other. We will be the future leaders. As I closed the computer and sat back in my chair, I felt the excitement of this new information and connection rise up in my chest. This GRAMMY Museum mentorship session left me inspired, ready to connect with my peers, and reaffirmed my passion for working in the music industry.