Three Indiana University Jacobs School of Music alumni took home Grammy Awards Sunday night.
Pianist Cory Smythe won a miniature gramophone for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble for his work with Grammy-winning violinist Hillary Hahn on "In 27 Pieces: The Hillary Hahn Encores."
"It was surprisingly thrilling," Smythe says. "I've been a little bit unsure of what it really means to win a Grammy. I know so many artists who are never even nominated for a Grammy, so part of me doesn't assign that much importance, but in the moment I was freaking out."
Smythe says the award is the kind of recognition many outside the music industry hold in high regard.
"It does make you feel like maybe you're doing something right," he says.
Double-bassist Edgar Meyer received the Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album with mandolin player Chris Thile — his fifth — for the album "Bass & Mandolin."
Tenor Aaron Sheehan won in the Best Opera Recording category for his solo work on "Charpentier: La Descente D'Orphée Aux Enfers." That work also features two other Jacobs School alumni.