Upper School music students gained a unique perspective on the music industry during an educational visit to the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.
Although the GRAMMY Museum is typically closed to the public on Tuesdays, Sierra Canyon students were granted exclusive access to explore and engage with hands-on recording and music technology displays. During their visit, students viewed exhibits showcasing iconic outfits, handwritten lyrics, and memorabilia from legendary artists, gaining a deeper appreciation for the history and artistry of the music industry. They were among the first to experience Sonic Playground, a newly launched interactive exhibit designed to immerse guests in music creation. Through activities such as producing beats, mixing loops, and stepping into the role of a DJ or performer, students engaged with state-of-the-art tools that brought the music-making process to life.
A highlight of the trip was the dedicated career wall, which spotlighted the many professional paths within the music industry, from songwriting and sound engineering to artist management and concert production. The exhibit was inspired by the book Careers Through Music, written by our very own Director of Performing Arts, Chris Sampson.
Following their self-guided tour, students gathered in the Clive Davis Theater for an exclusive Q&A session with the legendary record executive himself, Clive Davis. Speaking with students via Zoom, Mr. Davis reflected on his influential career, sharing insights into how he shaped American popular music by signing iconic artists such as Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Aerosmith, Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Whitney Houston. Without missing a beat, he also provided his expert opinion on Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance and the recent GRAMMY Award show. Throughout the conversation, he stressed the importance of a strong work ethic and high attention to detail.
Sierra Canyon's art teachers are practicing artists who inspire and challenge their students by bringing real-world expertise. With a distinguished career in music education, including the curriculum development for the GRAMMY In the Schools Festival, Mr. Sampson exemplifies the excellence of our faculty. Experiences such as this field trip, combined with mentorship from educators who are leaders in their fields, provide students with an exceptional foundation to pursue their passions at the highest level.
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