Grammy Camp Inspires Local Students To Pursue Music Careers

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Hundreds of Los Angeles area high school students Wednesday attended Grammy Camp, where they learned about the realities of the music business from Grammy-winning singers, songwriters, and producers.

The Grammy Foundation invited more than 700 kids to take part in intensive career workshops and one-on-one sessions with music industry professionals.

Jimmy Jam is a five-time Grammy winner who has worked with artists such as Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey.

"We're not really trying to show them how to do specific things," said Jam. "But we're trying to make sure that if music is something they want to pursue, we inspire them to do that."

Inspiration can be hard to come by for these students who often see their school music programs cut.

"I think arts in schools is one of the most important things," said student Rebecca Michelson. "Building group dynamics, and getting people to be creative, knowing they can do something that they really love."

Michelson said the Grammy program helps reaffirm that importance.

Producer and songwriter Evan Bogart, who has worked with Rihanna and Beyonce, told students the key to making it is to be themselves.

"I think a lot of people are doing stuff that they feel like other people want from them as opposed to being themselves," said Bogart.

Grammy Camp "Basic Training" took place at USC's Thornton School of Music. It was sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.