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The Recording Academy has upheld and supported excellence in music for over 60 years. On and off the GRAMMY stage, at the national level and through its Chapters, the Academy is dedicated to the music people who make the industry work.
Founded in 2014 by the organization’s Los Angeles Chapter, the NEXT Class program offers purpose-driven career development experiences to voting and professional members aged 21-35. The NEXT Class of 2025 featured 23 participants from a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. They engaged in multiple mentoring circles with esteemed Recording Academy members with focuses on music business, music licensing and supervision, music marketing and technology, production and engineering, and songwriting.
Over the course of the program, participants experienced invaluable networking opportunities and deepened their understanding of the music industry. “We witnessed powerful peer-to-peer learning and creative evolution,” said L.A. Chapter Operations Manager Luke Savage.
“These rising leaders are guided by mentors whose brilliance and generosity light the way. This year, we don’t just nurture talent — we ignite it, creating a legacy of excellence, empowerment, and enduring impact,” said Qiana Conley Akinro, Senior Executive Director of the Chapter.
The 2025 NEXT Class of the Recording Academy reflects the promising development of the industry. Conley Akinro called the program “a powerful testament to the future of music — bold, visionary, and deeply connected.”
To celebrate the NEXT Class of 2025, hear from some of this year’s participants and mentors about their experiences.
NEXT Class Mentors
“It was an honor to serve as a mentor for the Recording Academy’s NEXT program. The participants were not only incredibly creative and thoughtful, but also deeply curious and driven. Engaging with such bright, passionate minds left me inspired and optimistic about the future of music.” – Jibran Ahmed, Music Crossover, Creative Artists Agency
“This program allowed me to share insights and advice with (and learn) from the future of our industry. I greatly value mentorship. Since I entered the workforce, at different levels and industries, I was always fortunate to have individuals help and guide me on my path to becoming a professional. I believe in the value of paying it forward by giving back. Excited for this new class and generations to come!” – Martin Mycoo, Music Supervisor, TV + Film
“It’s a true honor to give back to my GRAMMY family — a full-circle moment in every sense. I remember what it felt like to seek guidance in the industry and not always find it. That’s why being part of mentorship programs like GRAMMY U and GRAMMY NEXT means so much to me now. They give me the opportunity to pour into others what I once searched for — to share my journey, lessons, and perspective in hopes of inspiring and empowering the next wave of creatives.” – Angela M. Jollivette, Music Supervisor & Producer (Moonbaby Media)
“I always enjoy participating in the NEXT Program as no session or mentee group is ever the same. It’s great to hear from rising talent and professionals what their perspective is on marketing and the industry overall. Exchanging ideas is how we keep music creative and helping each other out is how we keep it human.” – Dani Chavez, Artist Manager, Good Girl Management
NEXT Class Mentees
“GRAMMY NEXT was a powerful and unforgettable experience that greatly inspired my path as an Indigenous composer and violinist from the Huron-Wendat Nation. Through friendship, mentorship, and shared storytelling, I was reminded why I create — to carry memory, culture, and art through music for the next seven generations. Tiawenhk inenh for this incredible honor and for uplifting artists and our stories.” – Geneviève Gros-Louis, Composer and Artist
“Being part of GRAMMY NEXT was such an incredible honor. I met amazing mentors and fellow mentees who left a real impact on me. I feel so inspired and encouraged by the experience; it made me fall in love with the Recording Academy all over again. This program helped me feel more grounded and confident as I navigate the ever-changing music industry landscape.” – Jonathan Thomas Maiocco, Film Composer, Music Producer, Recording Artist
“It was a distinct honor and pleasure to be a part of the GRAMMYs NEXT Class of 2025. Throughout my time as a mentee, I had the privilege to connect with so many incredibly gifted music creatives, executives, and engineers. Each session was a wealth of knowledge and presented me with the opportunity to network, ask questions, and soak in as much of the experience as I could. It was fascinating to hear the backstories of our mentors, their career experiences, and how to best navigate an ever-evolving industry. One of my favorite parts of the NEXT Program was the ability to ask each mentor for advice in a small, intimate setting and further connect with them outside of the sessions. This ultimately made the entire experience even more impactful and enriching. I am very grateful to my mentors, and the Recording Academy, for allowing me to be a part of something so incredible. GRAMMY NEXT has impacted me deeply, and I have emerged on the other side of the program feeling inspired and excited for what’s next in my career as a music executive, producer, and artist manager.” – Angela V. Benson, GRAMMY-Winning Producer, Artist Manager, and CEO of Vitae Records
“Being selected for NEXT Class of 2025 truly felt like the stars aligned. This program recharged me both creatively and spiritually. I came eager to absorb wisdom from every mentor, whether it was mixing and mastering tips, branding strategies, or powerful reminders to stay rooted in your ‘why’ It reminded me how magical songwriting really is. We create something out of nothing, never knowing where a song might lead. I’m walking away with renewed purpose, a deeper sense of community, and so much gratitude to the Recording Academy.” – SOZI, Artist, Songwriter, Producer, Engineer
“Being born and raised in Istanbul, the Recording Academy and the GRAMMYs always felt like an unattainable dream. That’s why becoming a voting member, a nominee, and now a NEXT Class of 2025 mentee has been deeply meaningful — and, to my surprise, also incredibly eye-opening. I’ve come to realize that the people I’ve looked up to are, at the end of the day, human — just like me. And yet, the more I’ve learned about their journeys, passions, and resilience, the more I admire them. Being an artist can often feel like a solitary path, even when it doesn’t look that way from the outside. That’s why learning from — and alongside — like-minded musicians who share the same goals and aspirations feels like home. Very honored. Forever thankful. Changed for the better.” – Esin Aydingoz, Composer and Conductor
“Rhe NEXT program has been an incredible experience, and I’m so honored to have gotten to be part of it. I became more inspired with every session, leaving with great advice from our mentors. Not only did they gift great industry advice, but they also empowered me to march forward with more confidence in the industry. One major highlight was getting to visit the Recording Academy office and meet our mentors and peers in person. I’m proud to be part of the Academy community.” – Ryan Cassata, Artist
“Being part of the Recording Academy’s NEXT Class of 2025 was truly a dream. The care, support, and wisdom I received from our mentors was incredibly inspiring. Everyone at the Recording Academy was so welcoming and generous with their time, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication to uplifting the next generation of creators. I’ve also met so many incredible people in my cohort and feel inspired and honored to be part of this community.” – Joy Ngiaw, Composer
“Being a part of this program was truly special to me. It affirmed and confirmed so much for me and reminded me that I am not only on the right path but also that my goals are possible and within reach. This year I received my first certificate for writing on the Best Progressive R&B Album Of The Year and I will continue to work until I’m holding my own golden trophy in my hand.” – Rob Milton, Artist and Songwriter
“Participating in the NEXT program was a transformative moment in my career. It uniquely positioned me to forge connections with forward-thinking individuals already excelling in my desired professional spheres. The direct insights and wisdom shared by the industry leaders were incredibly inspiring, fortifying my resolve to continually break down barriers and wholeheartedly own my path to success.” – Amir Duke, Urban Marketing Coordinator
“My journey throughout this experience with the Recording Academy has been beyond transformative, from networking and bonding with newfound industry peers, to deepening my understanding of the industry as a whole this experience ignited a fire in me, I will continue to use to spark my growth. Each lesson served as a steppingstone for me, and I enjoyed being a sponge and soaking in all the newfound knowledge. The future and most importantly the culture of music is in great hands, and I can’t wait to continue to be a catalyst to help support the generations to come after me.” – Tylon A. Freeman a.k.a. Yxng Viz, Artist, Songwriter, Executive Producer
”The NEXT Class of 2025 provided a safe and favorable space to converse with top music industry leaders, alongside a small group of curious mentees. Closely listening to their stories, understanding their vision, and asking questions was an incredibly valuable experience. I’m now more confident in navigating professional and life transitions, fully embracing them as essential for growth.” – Riccardo Gresino, Producer and Music Director
“My experience in the Recording Academy’s NEXT CLASS of 2025 has been extremely affirming and an invaluable source of knowledge. I learned so much from our mentors and I’m very excited to move forward knowing that I’m connected to a diverse community of individuals at every level of the music industry.” – Aiza, Artist and Producer
