SEMO Alumnus Gets Grammy Vote

Acceptance into the Recording Academy is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate significant recent recording credits, receive endorsements from current Recording Academy members and undergo a comprehensive review of their professional work before being invited to join.

As a Voting Member, Redd will cast votes in categories aligned with his professional expertise, including classical music.

"It still feels surreal," Redd said. "I'm only 31 years old, and this wasn't something I ever imagined would happen. I started playing horn my freshman year of college, and I never thought I'd even earn my doctorate. Looking back at everything that's happened since then, this recognition is hard to put into words."

Today, Redd serves as assistant chair of the Department of Music and assistant professor of horn at the University of North Alabama, where he teaches applied horn lessons, conducting, music appreciation and other music courses. Earlier this year, he also earned first prize in the professional horn division of the Kings Peak International Music Competition.

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His path to the Recording Academy began long before his professional accomplishments. Originally from Hope Mills, North Carolina, Redd played trumpet in high school before switching to the French horn at the encouragement of his band director. Even after deciding to pursue music in college, he wasn't certain where the degree would lead.

That changed after he transferred to SEMO to study under Dr. Nicholas Kenney, chair of the Department of Music and professor of horn.

"That first year, I learned so much about my instrument," Redd said. "But Dr. Kenney also encouraged me to start thinking about where music could take me. That's when I realized I wanted to do what he was doing. He helped me see a future that I hadn't really imagined for myself."

Redd said Kenney's influence continues to shape his own teaching philosophy. After completing his graduate studies, he studied with Kenney's former teacher at the University of Nebraska before beginning his career in higher education.

"We're still like best friends," Redd said. "I teach a lot like Nick taught me."

Kenney said Redd's newest achievement reflects years of dedication rather than a single accomplishment.

"Jordan becoming a Recording Academy Voting Member is a great example of what can happen when talent is paired with consistency, mentorship and a willingness to keep showing up," Kenney said. "Throughout his time at SEMO, Jordan took advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, sought guidance from faculty and continually looked for ways to grow as both a musician and a professional."

Kenney said Redd's success also reflects the preparation students receive through the Department of Music.

"Our students are challenged to develop at a high artistic level while also learning how to navigate the music profession, build meaningful relationships and create opportunities for themselves," Kenney said. "Faculty mentorship plays an important role, but ultimately it's students like Jordan, who consistently put in the work and remain engaged, who turn those opportunities into lasting accomplishments."

For Redd, joining the Recording Academy represents another milestone in a career built through steady investment in long-term goals.

"I think a lot about planting seeds and trees that take a long time to grow," he said. "If you plant that seed and keep watering it every day, eventually it'll pay off. Invest in yourself. Don't be scared to take chances and do hard things. There were times I was very close to quitting because things weren't happening as fast as I wanted, but I kept reminding myself that the top of the mountain might be just a few feet away."

By connecting students with accomplished faculty mentors and preparing them for meaningful careers in music, SEMO continues to help graduates build careers that resonate far beyond the concert stage. Learn more and apply at semo.edu/apply.

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