The GRAMMY Museum is pleased to team up with our long-time partner, the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, to produce the Student Showcase program. This program is designed to offer students an opportunity to showcase their musical talents on stage in the Clive Davis Theater for their friends and family.
The Student Showcase is open to all musical acts. Bands and solo performer from every genre are invited to apply as long as they are high school students currently living in the Los Angeles and Southern California area.
Ahead of the actual showcase, participants will rehearse with music industry professionals who will provide real-time feedback and suggestions. Participants will also work with the Museum’s production team to understand what it takes to produce a live event, including staging, lighting direction, managing the soundboard, and filming. The Student Showcase Finale will be free, open to the public, and livestreamed to reach a wider audience and allow for performers to promote their music. Participants will also receive their performance footage for their social media channels,a nd get tips on content creation and branding.
Event Location
GRAMMY Museum – Clive Davis Theater
All students who wish to participate in the Student Showcase will need to go through an application process
Student Showcase Application will include:
Akilamae has experience in songwriting, music theory, music production, singing, studio recording, mixing, and mastering. In 2024, Akilamae was the lead vocalist for Seattle Sound…and Beyond; the lead vocalist/guitarist/bassist for XZBT Art Gallery, the lead vocalist for the Y2K Takeover. In 2023, Akilamae was the lead vocalist for Becoming Electric, and Battle of the Bands. As a songwriter and producer, Akilamae is on all major music streaming platforms, and has released three singles on Spotify, amassing 40K+ streams. His songs were featured in the Film & Television world, including the Hulu show Younger Older Brother; the ABC show General Hospital; and the Disney+ show Diary of a Future President. Finally, Akilamae has done some commercial work including working with Lexus, Disney, and Bakugan. He can play multiple instruments including guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele and harmonica, and has an interest in hip-hop dance as well.
From Southern California, this teen artist is proving that the spirit of rock is not bound by age or era. And she is not your typical teenager. Starting her music journey at the young age of 5 she was mastering the guitar, drums, and piano. She then quickly dove into the local scene rocking out with the Belle Cats by age 11 and later jamming with XEN. AYVA's music reflects her innermost self, as she finds inspiration from her own struggles with anxiety and depression, especially during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The music she creates is more than just a hobby or profession. It serves as a lifeline for her and a way for her to connect with others who may find comfort and companionship in it. Her goals and desires revolve around providing a safe haven through her music, where fans can openly express their feelings without any restrictions. Listen to her first original single THE MONSTER now and more singles wherever you stream music. Stay updated on AYVA's journey. Follow her on Instagram @ayvamusicofficial for the latest.
Charlotte Milstein is a 15-year-old Gibson Guitars endorsed musician and singer-songwriter from San Diego. She has appeared in Nita Strauss' music video for "Victorious" and Green Day's Gibson signature guitar commercial. She has been featured and interviewed by Mario Lopez on Access Daily. Charlotte was one of the winners of the Dallas International Guitar Competition 10 under 20 in 2024 and won 1st place in the Coronado's Talent Competition at 12 years old in 2021. Charlotte was selected to participate in the Grammy Recording Academy's Camp in 2024 and performed with Kids Rock for Kids in New York. For videos, please visit @charlottemguitar on Instagram.
DUPLEXITY, The Indie Rock duo emerging in the LA rock scene, Formed by teen siblings Savannah Judy & Luke Judy. Both accomplished singers take turns on lead vocals while Luke plays the guitar and Savannah plays bass. Their music is inspired by 90s alternative rock, channeling a hint of metal mixed to have a modern feel. Their debut single, "Billboards," is a nod to their 10-year child acting journey. DUPLEXITY'S debut EP is an upbeat coming-of-age collection of songs that speaks to fellow Gen Z-ers. Since its release, the EP has peaked on the iTunes alternative chart at #3. The Single 'Drop the Act' peaked at #5 on the iTunes alternative singles chart, and the EP has had 1,250,000+ streams to date. DUPLEXITY has had a monumental first year of playing live shows all around LA, including up and down the Sunset Strip and House of Blues Anaheim, then off to NYC and the House of Blues Houston. All while filming three music videos and being named in SPIN magazine as "one of the most promising names to remember in 2024."
Gigi Santorelli is an up-and-coming vocalist from Venice, California. Her music journey began at 8 years old when she became the lead vocalist and bass player for the band Hyperactive, performing at local venues like The Mint. Her passion for music led her to study voice at the Colburn School of Music during elementary school, and she later went on to study opera at Idyllwild as a freshman in high school. After attending Berklee Summer School for Jazz, Gigi shifted her focus to contemporary music. Now a Senior at LACHSA (Los Angeles County School of the Arts), she is deeply involved in singing, songwriting, and music production. Gigi has written and produced around 30 original songs, many of which are available on SoundCloud. Gigi met Ryan "Roakii" O'Connell through mutual friends from Boston and the two started producing music together in 2023. Ryan formed a Reggae band called "Remedy" when 14 and was signed by Revolutionary Music Group out of Boston at 15. He moved out to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue his music career. Aside from working with G1G1 as her sound engineer and co-producer he has engineered for YG, Trippie Red, and produced and co-wrote with Charlie on Friday. A multi-faceted artist Roakii has produced solo work which can be found @hoo.be/roakii. Though she has not promoted her music on social media yet, Gigi has amassed over 500 hundred thousand views on TikTok for her fashion and beauty content. She plans to use her platform to share her music once she finalizes her signature sound, taking inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey. Working together Ryan and Gigi hope they will make some progress with their music here in the LA industry. They continue to record on the regular each week homing in on their sound, which has been a journey. While Ryan is the "Phineas" to Gigi's "Billie", and they hope something great will come of their collaboration, she is also considering attending Berklee Music or The New School for college. With experience and determination, she could make waves in the music industry sooner. An opportunity with a Grammy music program would be exciting and beneficial, providing a platform to refine her craft, network with professionals, and take her career to the next level. Whether through her studies or her growing presence in Los Angeles, Gigi Santorelli is undoubtedly a star on the rise.
Gina De Bosschère, known as her stage name "Gina DeBoss" is a 15-year-old teen singer-songwriter, dancer, model, and actress based in LA! She is French Korean and can speak English, Korean and French! She also lived in France, Korea, India, and Canada before settling down in the US. She has been modeling and featuring in some TV shows on and off since the age of 2 in Korea with her older brother. At the age of 11, soon after producing 3 original songs and music videos with Robbie Rosen, a former American Idol Semi-finalist, she was casted by JYP Entertainment, one of the top K pop labels in Korea, and professionally trained for almost 2 years in Korea. She was introduced to a reality survival series "A2K" co-launched by Republic Records and JYP Entertainment in 2023. Gina came back to America a few months ago after producing several original songs and music videos with different producers from London, LA, and Seoul. Managed by Treadwell Entertainment Group, Gina starts her fresh new chapter as a music artist, model, and actress! She walked Mila Hoffman Couture Fashion Show Runway in NYFW 2024 and LAFW 2024. Gina performed at the Citadel Tree Lighting Concert 2024, the LAFW Kickoff party 2024 and Teen Stock Hollywood 2024. It will be exciting to discover how much she can prove her talents and values in the entertainment industry!
I am a seventeen-year-old musician that is passionate about expressing myself through music. I began playing guitar at a young age and have since picked up many other instruments. I am actively involved in my school's music program as both musician and leader, but my true passion is in performing for others with my guitar.
Kaira Soin is a captivating musician whose passion for the sitar shines brightly. Her musical journey began at the tender age of four, and by eight, she had discovered her true calling in the enchanting sounds of the Indian classical string instrument. Under the mentorship of her inspiring science teacher, Kaira's sitar skills have flourished, leading her to triumph in prestigious regional and international competitions. Kaira's talent has taken her to renowned stages worldwide, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Kleine Zaal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York. Beyond her classical mastery, Kaira is a creative force, dedicated to composing her own original music and exploring the exciting possibilities of sitar fusion with other instruments.
Mariachi Diamante de Downey, founded in 2022, is Downey Unified's student performing Mariachi ensemble comprised of fifteen student members: six violinists, one guitarron, three vihuelas, two guitars, and three trumpets. Led by Downey Unified's Band Director, Raul Guerrero, and Mariachi Professional, Jorge Cardenas. Mariachi Diamante de Downey performed in their first showcase in the spring of 2023 at the California Music Educators Association receiving positive marks. They have also performed at The Athenaeum at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from The Fine Arts Club of Pasadena. They have accompanied Lupita Infante during her induction at the 2023 Downey High School Hall of Fame Ceremony and enjoyed performing at various District and community events including Downey Unified's 2023 Staff Kickoff event with over 3000 employees in attendance, Downey Unified's Mariachi Music Festival, and the Annual City of Downey Dia de los Muertos Art Festival.
Rose Morris is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is a current student at the Interlochen Arts Academy where she is in the Singer-Songwriter program. Rose has been writing songs ever since she was 10 and singing (literally) ever since she could talk. She has played shows at the famous Whisky-A-Go-Go in LA, and at various venues and festivals in Michigan. On weekends she can often be found busking wherever there is an open space and people to listen. She has two sisters, one dog, and lots and lots of songs!
Eighteen-year-old Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and composer Sofia Erskine, known professionally as Sofia Bella creates a compelling sound through her expansive versatility among genres. Ranging from pop and piano ballads to EDM, Sofia lets her genuine spirit and honesty shine through in solo projects and collaborations as she derives inspiration from her own experiences and emotions.
Tra'von McCall is a 16-year-old queer Black artist whose work celebrates identity, creativity, and empowerment. Inspired by legends like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Michael Jackson, Tra'von blends music, storytelling, and performance to honor Black excellence and push boundaries. Through bold visuals and heartfelt narratives, he explores themes of self-discovery and cultural legacy, creating art that inspires connection and change. Tra'von's vision is to uplift marginalized voices and build a legacy that encourages others to embrace their authentic selves unapologetically.
Vitriol is an emerging independent musician and songwriter from Los Angeles. Emotionally raw and introspective, Vitriol crafts music that deals with mental health, relationships, self-discovery, and existential struggles. Their lyrics often combine poetic vulnerability with a sense of unfiltered honesty, offering listeners a deeply personal connection to his work.
The Willow Corinne Quartet features Willow Corinne on vocals, Benjamin Rahav on keys, Gabriel Valencia on drums, and Ishaan Jain on upright and electric bass. The musicians are notably accomplished in jazz studies; some recent awards and honors include the JEXA Young Artist Award being awarded to Willow Corinne and selection of all three rhythm section members for the Herbie Hancock Institute's All-City Jazz Band. The Quartet has a wide repertoire, featuring standards like Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" to fusion and neo-soul tunes like Erykah Badu's "Didn't 'Cha Know." Each member of the Quartet brings their own musical backgrounds and intellect to craft a truly unique and remarkable sound that has been appraised for its interpretation and exploration of jazz and its subgenres. As a group that has been playing together for multiple years, the musicians are familiar with each other and accompany each other well, creating for engaging performances that will often feature much musical "chattering" and, often, smiles across the musicians' faces as they trade fours or repeat motifs that the others have played.
These artists/bands are our participants in this year's Student Showcase
Cisco Adler is a multi-platinum and GRAMMY-nominated producer/ songwriter ( The Internet - Ego Death - Best R&B Album Nom ) and artist who is best known for bringing back the California sound. As one half of recording duo Shwayze, he had a top 10 album and several Top 10 singles. Cisco has lent his touch as a producer and writer to artists like Blackbear, Wiz Khalifa, Mike Posner, Mickey Avalon, the Internet, YG, Adam Lambert, and more. Cisco has also had his music featured in television and film, most notably being The Hangover, Tropic Thunder, The Hills, Love and Hip- Hop, Final Destination, and more and even produced the soundtrack to FOX televisions remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show musical featuring Laverne Cox and Ben Vereen. His most recent focus is on his new solo album California Son, due later this year, which is a blend of his signature California, sun-drenched melodies, and country-fried guitars to create what he believes is the next wave of Country music. "It always comes back to California."
Doris Anahí is a first generation Los Angeles born, Southern California raised, Mexico City based Chicana singer-songwriter who has been rooted in the ground where art and activism meet from the start of her career. Doris began her journey as an artist manager/founder of mija mgmt and founder of Solidarity For Sanctuary, a concert series that originated from a very personal need to help her own undocumented parents in their legal process, rapidly growing into benefitting immigrants rights organizations from coast to coast. Her story caught the eye of director Isabel Castro, who then created the feature length documentary “Mija” about Doris and her family’s journey, premiering at Sundance 2022. In the same year, Doris pivoted into her own artistry and released her debut EP “Aprendiendo Por Las Malas” to critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard to Rolling Stone. In December of 2023, Doris released her sophomore EP “Por Las Buenas,” introduced to the world via her Vogue Mexico debut. She is a recent recipient of the 2024 Latino Spirit Award by the California Latino Legislative Caucus, and her hope is to be able to continue to uplift her community through music, storytelling, and advocacy. She is currently working on her first full length album in Mexico, diving into the depths of the intersections of her identities, and is looking forward to sharing it with the world when the time comes.
Award-winning music supervisor Mary Ramos has spent her career helping Directors shape the sound of their films. Mary has collaborated on blockbuster features, fierce independents, and passionate documentaries. As a longtime music partner to Quentin Tarantino, with several GRAMMY-nominated soundtracks and two Guild of Music Supervisors Awards for Django Unchained and Once Upon A Time…in Hollywood, she also worked on The Hateful Eight, which brought Ennio Morricone his first ever Academy Award for Best Original Score. She has been a trusted collaborator with other world-class directors, writers, and producers, including Aaron Sorkin, Kerry Washington, RZA, Cate Blanchett, Stacey Sher, Tom McCarthy, and Dennis Lehane.
An American-born Bangladeshi entrepreneur with an intense love for popular music and over 13 years of management experience, Nazia Mollah possesses a wealth of knowledge spanning across industries from finance to higher education to the music & entertainment industry. A childhood vocalist turned businesswoman, Naz pursued her Bachelor's and MBA degrees while working as a bank manager for nearly a decade. Upon completing her Graduate degree, Naz bid farewell to the world of banking and stepped into a new career as a part-time Business Lecturer & Business Administration Curriculum Advisor at a private institution. A few years into teaching, a unique opportunity to advise independent music producers and songwriters presented itself and sparked inspiration for the young businesswoman. Feeling more motivated than ever before, Naz launched her very own consulting firm that following year. Establishing her own business marked a defining moment for Naz in her professional life. She realized that her passion had finally aligned with her purpose, so she made the decision to slowly transition out of her career in higher education and applied to join the Roc Nation family as an Executive Assistant to the GM of Artist Management. Putting to good use skills her skills as an educator, Naz quickly absorbed all there was to learn about Artist Management as an Assistant and then as a Coordinator. In doing so, she was able to achieve her goal of becoming an Artist Manager in a short amount of time. Since stepping into her role as an Artist Manager, Naz has acquired ample intel on the many facets of the entertainment business given the diverse roster of clientele she supports including legendary Radio + Podcast Host & Entrepreneur Angie Martinez, Rap phenom Benny the Butcher, the Marathon Brand alongside the family of Nipsey Hussle and others. Able to draw from her diverse professional and distinct personal experiences, Naz has proven how transformational skills such as her openness to learn and approachability have contributed to her success in navigating the many complexities that are present in the workforce today.
Ryan McDiarmid is a drummer, recording artist, and educator based in Los Angeles, CA. In 2011, he was selected as a Louie Bellson Scholarship recipient at USC’s Thornton School of Music, prompting a move to Los Angeles. While at USC, he had the great fortune of studying privately under the direction of Peter Erskine, Russell Ferrante, Roy McCurdy, and Jeff Hamilton. Since graduating, he has maintained a busy touring and recording schedule with various artists including HAIM, JMSN, A.G. Cook, Fuji Kaze, Lizzy McAlpine, Alan Pasqua, and Bruce Forman among others.
Jamila Wright is a millennial Atlanta native and graduate of the University of Miami who currently works at RCA Records as an Associate Director of Marketing. Over the course of the last 6 years in the major label space, Jamila has created a lane for herself as a go-to marketer for developing and established R&B acts. Having worked on Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe, Insecure HBO’s Season 4 Soundtrack, Pink Sweat$’s debut album, Crush by Ravyn Lenae, Homegrown Deluxe by VanJess, and most recently JAGUAR II by Victoria Monét, she has used her role in the label marketing space to champion R&B in a world that keeps trying to say R&B is dead and not as cool as it used to be. She is extremely passionate about helping to develop the stars of tomorrow via both digital and IRL marketing campaigns that help expand the audiences of her roster by any means possible. Whether it’s partnering with A3C Festival in Atlanta to host a developing R&B artist showcase, introducing her artists to new social platforms early (like in the early Clubhouse and TikTok days), partnering with HBCU bands to play new music and surprise students, or even taking over a salon to give back to an artist’s community in the name of Victoria Monét. She is always trying to connect the amazing music of her artists to their fans in a way that feels personal and authentic. And though R&B is her personal passion, regardless of the genre, she gives each artist she works with the same personalized treatment. No matter the type of music they create, every artist has their own unique story to tell, and her goal is always to find the audience for that story and get those fans to help spread the word.
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