
Anne Heaton
Photo: Barry Brecheisen/WireImage
GRAMMY Camp—Weekend Brings Music Career Training To Pittsburgh
On Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Penn., a special weekend program of GRAMMY Camp—Weekend will take students in-depth along three career tracks: audio engineering, songwriting and video production. The program will be presented in partnership between the GRAMMY Museum and Phase 4 Learning Center, which has been a model alternative education program for more than 14 years..
The experience will include instruction and networking, and training in specific career tracks, as well as collaborative instruction showing how the various pieces of the music industry puzzle fit together. Participating students will explore career strategies that can turn their passion and talent for music into a livelihood.
Professionals participating in the all-day event promise to deliver straight talk and reliable guidance about how high school students can make progress toward careers in the music industry. Participants will hear from working music industry pros including songwriters, producers and visual artists.
Independent filmmaker Michelle Ehlen has unique takes on society and comedy, and she has proved how writing, directing, acting and more can all exist in one determined talent. Similarly, singer/songwriter Anne Heaton earned her reputation as a folk singer/songwriter even before her 2003 album Black Notebook by making strong musical choices. Now many albums later, she is an honest voice, expert pianist and experienced instructor, conveying her art to the next generation face-to-face and online. Both women will be on-hand to share their expertise and experience with campers.
Michael "Smidi" Smith will also provide guidance to help students find their way into a career in music. As a composer, producer, engineer, Emmy winner, and assistant professor at the USC Thornton School of Music in music technology, Smidi knows how to be hands-on to produce a final recording. He demonstrates personally — as the life histories of his fellow professional participants exemplify — obstacles can be successfully overcome by ensuring skill and talent work together.
This weekend edition is joined in spirit with the five-day immersive GRAMMY Camp held by the GRAMMY Museum from July 23 through July 27 in Los Angeles, for which applications are now open. The community of music creators show that musical livelihoods can be achieved by talented, dedicated commitment regardless of personal backgrounds or setbacks. The opportunities are there for the next generation.