Know Someone Who
Should Be a Member?

Recording Academy membership starts with a recommendation. Both current members and non-members working in music can recommend up to two candidates per annual cycle.

I’m Not a Member

Anyone working full-time in music can recommend

You don't need to be a Recording Academy member to recommend someone. If you work full-time in the music industry, you can submit a recommendation for up to two candidates per year using the form below.

Submit Non-Member Recommendation

I’m a Current Member

Submit recommendations from your dashboard

Current Recording Academy members can submit recommendations directly through the member portal. Log in and navigate to your dashboard to recommend a candidate.

Log In to Member Portal

Before You Recommend


Consider whether your candidate meets the qualifications for membership:

  • Voting Members need 12+ commercially distributed, verifiable credits (5 released in the past 5 years).
  • Professional Members must demonstrate a primary career in direct support of music creators.
  • If your candidate doesn't yet meet these qualifications, consider guiding them on what to build professionally before recommending.


Please note:

  • Self-recommendations are not accepted. Applications with self-recommendations will not be processed.
  • Recommendation forms must be submitted by February 15 each year to allow the candidate time to complete their profile by March 1.
  • You may only recommend two candidates each membership cycle, whether a member or non-member of the Recording Academy.
  • Employees of the Recording Academy and its affiliates (LARAS, The GRAMMY Museum, and MusiCares) may not recommend candidates for membership consideration.

Key Dates

Recommendations due (to allow candidate time to complete profile)

All application materials are due by 11:59pm PT.

Last day to accept your invitation to participate in the full GRAMMY Season process.

Exceptions

Current-year GRAMMY nominees and winners do not need recommendations.

Candidates nominated in the past 5 years have credit requirements waived but still need 2 recommendations.

Dual Membership

Current Recording Academy members interested in dual membership with the Latin Recording Academy can apply separately.

Latin Recording Academy Membership

What Happens After You Recommend

STEP 1

Both recommendations are received

The candidate needs two recommendations from two different people. The Academy will not contact the candidate until both are submitted.

STEP 2

Candidate completes career profile

The candidate receives an email with a link and unique code to complete their career profile, including credits, discography, and supporting documentation. Profile must be completed by March 1.

STEP 3

Peer review in spring

The candidate's application will be reviewed by the Academy's Peer Review Panel, comprised of current Academy members.

STEP 4

Invitation in July

Approved candidates receive an invitation to join the Recording Academy. Invitations must be accepted by July 31 to participate in the current Grammy Awards season.

Questions about membership or the recommendation process?

Contact membership@grammy.com or call (866) 794-3391

View Membership FAQ