Shreveport musician, actress now has a say in who wins a Grammy award

Classically trained violinist and actress Jennifer Carsillo of Shreveport has received – and accepted – an invitation to become a voting member of The Recording Academy, which hosts the annual Grammy music awards.

The Recording Academy is known as the world’s leading society of music professionals.

“It wasn’t at all on my radar, being able to become a member of The Recording Academy, much less a voting member,” she said. “Which means I get to nominate and vote for artists in consideration for a Grammy — that is huge for me. It’s so exciting — to be able to influence the music industry is a huge privilege and honor.”

“I am very happy to be part of such an esteemed organization that really cares about music education and fostering the next generations of music creators and performers.

As a part of The Recording Academy, I am looking forward to actively participating in its mission to make the music industry better for live human creators, as well as helping to expand their educational initiatives.”

She said she wouldn’t be a musician today if a group of upset 3rd grade moms didn’t create their own music program when the California public school she attended didn’t have one. That’s where she first saw and heard the violin up close.

Fortunately, the public school she attended in fourth grade did have a music program. “I was so excited, I couldn’t wait,” she said. “I used a school instrument and got put into our orchestra which felt like a huge deal to me. That started my journey that has taken me all over the world, and now this.”

She said she first met people associated with The Recording Academy when she attended as an actress The Valley Film Festival headquartered at the Television Academy in Hollywood.

Carsillo was nominated to be a Recording Academy member by other professionals in the music industry. “I think it was a combination of my many years as a performing violinist and most recently as a composer, arranger and performer for film scores.”

As just one part of the application, “I had to amass a collection of very recent work and it had to be commercially available right now for purchase or streaming,” Carsillo said. “It’s a very involved and thorough process,” she said.

“It has seemed in my acting and film life that my music — violin in particular — has often influenced my opportunities. This time, I really felt this musical honor was heavily influenced by my film work. That was kind of cool, to have that reciprocal moment where both disciplines are helping each other,” Carsillo added.

“You go along, have your career, do the best you can. Now you realize you can help others and make the music industry the best it can be and hopefully inspire future musicians and music makers. I’m so honored and grateful that this opportunity presented itself and excited to use my influence for good,” she said.

There’s also this. “Recording Academy members have the opportunity to purchase tickets to The Grammys, so that thought is very exciting – to be in the room where it happens,” she said.