Julie Mutnansky, The Grammy Museum

This episode of Music Is My Mantra marks a special milestone—our very first guest interview. Join me in welcoming Julie Mutnansky, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Grammy Museum, lifelong percussionist, and passionate advocate for music education.

From our days as middle school bandmates in Tucson, Arizona to her work with Grammy Camp and national youth programs, Julie’s journey is a story of purpose, persistence, and the power of community. We explore how early music experiences shape identity, how mentorship fuels growth, and what it means to hold space for young artists navigating the music industry.

This is a conversation about connection—through music, through friendship, and through the calling to uplift others.

Episode Highlights:

• Growing up in music: band camp, drumline, and throwing spaghetti at cabinets
• How Julie landed her dream job at the Grammys straight out of college
• What Grammy Camp is—and how it changes students’ lives
• The link between music education and emotional resilience
• Creating safe spaces for expression and sober support in the industry

Takeaways:

• Music brings people together—and keeps them connected across time and distance
• Teachers play a vital, often under-celebrated role in shaping the next generation of creatives
• Early creative sparks often carry the seed of lifelong purpose
• The music industry encompasses more than performance—it includes nonprofit leadership, mentorship, and impact
• When you follow what truly lights you up, it gives others permission to do the same