On Friday, that place was the downtown campus of Columbia College Chicago, where industry professionals met with more than 120 high school students as part of Grammy Career Day. The free program was co-hosted by Grammy in the Schools and the Gibson Foundation.
The day opened with spoken-word artist Malik Yusef of Chicago, who has collaborated with Kanye West and Common, among others, stressing the importance of immersing yourself in your work and making as many contacts as possible.
“Greatness runs in circles," Yusef told the students. “Be careful who you surround yourself with."
The four-hour event included workshops on learning how to mix tracks and arrange music, maintain a healthy singing voice, and understand copyright laws and their importance for songwriters as well as singers.
We caught up with some of the students looking to break into the music business.
Rolando Martinez
Chicago, 18, senior at Little Village Lawndale High School
Workshop attended: Music advertising
What brings you here?
I have an interest in how music can affect the mood of what you watch on TV and on the screen.
What are your musical aspirations?
I want to put together music for movies.
What sparked your interest in music?
I took a class in playing different instruments, and when I came here to learn more about it, this workshop interested me more.
Who has your dream job?
I haven't figured that part out yet, but I look toward people who started out small in rock bands.
Paul Sherewick
Detroit, 17, junior at Salem High School in Detroit
Workshop attended: Songwriting
What brings you here?
I'm looking [to go to] Columbia College, and I'm trying to get a head start and figure out my place in music.
What are your musical aspirations?
I can't decide now, but if anything, [I'd] like to be in a band or to be a session player as a jazz musician.
What sparked your interest in music?
Early on, I had guitar lessons. I was in the orchestra at my school. My parents nurtured that in me.
Who has your dream job?
Sufjan Stevens, an artist who writes all the music I wish I could write.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
