A Slippery Rock University professor accepted an invitation to join one of the music industry’s most prestigious professional organizations. Jason Kush, an SRU professor of music, is among more than 4,000 music creators, performers, producers, engineers and industry professionals worldwide invited to become Class of 2026 members of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the GRAMMY Awards.
The annual invitation recognizes established professionals who have made significant contributions to the music industry and offers them the opportunity to participate in the academy’s mission of supporting music creators, advancing the profession and shaping the future of recorded music.
“It’s an honor to be part of the GRAMMY institution,” said Kush, who accepted the invitation. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to make connections in the music industry while using my unique voice to uplift a diverse array of music in various ways.”
Membership in the Recording Academy provides access to professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities while giving eligible voting members the ability to help determine GRAMMY Award nominees and winners. Members also contribute to advocacy efforts that support music creators’ rights, participate in professional communities for songwriters, composers, producers and engineers, and help guide the academy’s leadership and initiatives.
Kush teaches saxophone and improvisation at SRU and directs the University’s Jazz Ensemble, among other music groups as the Music Department’s performance program coordinator. In addition to teaching, he maintains an active professional career as a saxophonist with experience that brings current industry practices into the classroom. The Recording Academy represents approximately 30,000 music professionals and serves the global music community by promoting creators’ rights, providing professional resources and celebrating artistic achievement through the annual GRAMMY Awards.
More information about the Recording Academy Class of 2026 is available on The GRAMMYS website.
More information about music programs is available on the department’s webpage.
