NYC Service, Grammy Museum, and The Recording Academy New York Chapter Honor The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through A Day of Youth Mentoring

January 21, 2019

Music industry professionals will mentor students in music programs from six NYC high schools across the five boroughs

NEW YORK — NYC Service is honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today by bringing nearly 100 music industry professionals and NYC high school students from music programs together for a day of mentoring at the Scandinavia House in Manhattan. Most volunteer mentors are City residents with careers in music ranging from GRAMMY winning producers and songwriters to engineers. They serve on the Recording Academy™ NY Chapter board and will spend the day sharing their life experience, career advice, and personal stories in one-on-one mentoring sessions with students from six NYC high schools interested in music careers. The students come from music and performing arts schools across the five boroughs and study everything from music production, audio recording techniques, composing, vocals, choreography, and more.

“Every opportunity we take to connect a student in our City to a caring and supportive mentor is a chance for that young person to unearth their highest potential,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I want to thank every mentor for taking time out of their day to help build the future leaders of our City.”

“All of our students – no matter where they come from – deserve the opportunity to shape their vision for the future with confidence and mentorship experiences can do just that,” said NYC Chief Service Officer Patricia Eng. “NYC Service is honored to partner with the GRAMMY Museum and the Recording Academy™ New York Chapter for the second year in a row to put our City’s music industry in front of our City’s music students for inspiring stories, honest conversations, and one-on-one advice. On this day of national service in honor of Dr. King’s legacy, mentees and mentors walk a shared path of civic engagement sparked by music.”

“Mentors have the power to connect with and inspire young people to consider avenues and opportunities they might not have considered open to them,” said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. “That’s why I’m so excited for this day of mentorship in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where music industry professionals are talking one on one with dozens of talented students. To show someone that they are taken seriously, and that there are career paths into the arts beyond just being an artist – that is an important, amazing thing. Thank you to NYC Service and everyone dedicating their time to make it happen.”

“Mentorship is a vital part of our educational Mission not just here in Los Angeles, but also throughout the country,” said Michael Sticka, Executive Director of the GRAMMY Museum. “Our programs focus on creating a nurturing space for music industry veterans to help future leaders grow and thrive in their dream industry career. We are thankful to NYC Service and the city for giving us the incredible opportunity to help inspire and educate future generations in New York.”

“The Recording Academy™ New York Chapter is thrilled to be involved with such an important initiative,” said Nick Cucci, Recording Academy™ New York Chapter Executive Director. “Keeping music alive and thriving is a vital part of what we do year-round and this program is another way for the Academy to support and help the next generation of music creators.”

Today’s event is part of citywide efforts to increase mentoring opportunities for high school youth across the five boroughs and build awareness around the need for volunteer mentors during January’s National Mentoring Month. Research shows that youth who were at-risk of falling off track but had a mentor are 52 percent less likely to skip a day of school, 55 percent more likely to enroll in college, 81 percent more likely to participate regularly in sports or extracurricular activities, and 130 percent more likely to hold leadership positions.

Six Participating NYC High Schools

• Performing Arts and Technology High School (Brooklyn)
• Crotona International High School (Bronx)
• Hyde Leadership Charter School (Bronx)
• The Renaissance Charter High School for Innovation (Manhattan)
• Bayside High School (Queens)
• Tottenville High School (Staten Island)

About NYC Service
NYC Service, a division of the Office of the Mayor, promotes volunteerism, engages New Yorkers in service, builds volunteer capacity, and mobilizes the power of volunteers and national service members to impact New York City's greatest needs. Its vision is to inspire and empower New Yorkers to serve each other through New York City’s nonprofits, businesses, and city agencies. To learn more about NYC Service and connect to mentoring and other volunteer opportunities across the five boroughs, visit nyc.gov/service.

About the GRAMMY MUSEUM 
The GRAMMY Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music; the creative process; the art and technology of the recording process; and the history of the GRAMMY Awards, the premier recognition of recorded music accomplishment.

About the Recording Academy™ 
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy™ is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy™ is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education, and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers, and ensuring that music remains an indelible part of our culture.