NIU alumna Lori Henriques, producer and writer, released “How Great Can This Day Be” in 2014. The children’s jazz album is nominated for a Grammy for Best Children’s Album in the 58th Grammy Awards which will premiere at 7 p.m. tonight. Henriques received her masters at NIU in 1997.

Her music is available on iTunes and at lorihenriques.com.

Q: What’s next in your music career?

A: I got a grant to write some charts, so that way I can fly anywhere and find musicians. The way the world is and the Internet is I can find musicians, and I can thank the Grammys for that. It is so fun to play with new people. My absolute wish is to be able to travel and be with a quartet and play music. There isn’t a lot of that type of music for kids and I feel a little bit of a missionary to bring ensemble to children. I also have been realizing there is a space opening for family jazz festivals. I would love to be able to be a part of that movement of adding a family element to a jazz festival. So many articles are being written with the question ‘Is jazz dead?’ But I think people are still falling in love with jazz. I would just love to be a tiny part of family jazz festivals.

Q: Can you explain some components of your musical journey?

A: Yes, so this is my third album of original songs. My very first was a classical piano album. My child, [who] was two at the time, … had a hard time going to sleep. So I would play for my own comfort and meditation. I had some writer’s block too when I had a baby. But I really played softly not to wake up my baby, but then I realized ‘God this could be a good album!’ Most classical albums had these big crescendos, but I figured I could just play softly and make this a lullaby album. This was my first kid album, that came out in 2008. [In] 2013 I put out the second album. Now this album came out in 2014. This third album is the first time I took the time and money to [arrange] a jazz ensemble and [pay] people to come play my music. This album really makes a difference to me.

Q: How has NIU influenced your music career?

A: NIU has a really great music department. But actually one of my piano teachers during my undergrad studied under one of the main piano teachers at NIU, so many students at that time wanted to go to NIU. His name was Donald Walker, who unfortunately passed away years ago. He was a treasure NIU had, so musical and so kind. He was always building you up. I often think of him. I have this hunch he knew I would move on from classical music to jazz.

Q: So would you say Walker had a lot of influence in your music career?

A: Yes, absolutely. It’s funny, back then I graduated in 1997 and I remember this to the day there were phones but nothing like we have now. I mean even emailing back and forth wasn’t really going on. He was one of the few people after graduation I saw, and I am not kidding I turned my phone around and took a selfie with him. It is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever taken. It was just he and I in a quiet hallway, but we were laughing so hard and that just summarizes what type of person he was. He had such a zest for life. I could say it a hundred times but he was just so great. I used to get so nervous playing my music and I remember he always said, “You get nervous because you care.” He said it so Julliard and dramatic but it’s so true, that saying is such a great thing to remember. He was so supportive in my life, and even though he isn’t with us any longer, I still feel supported by him.

Q: What would you like NIU students to know about your experience?

A: This is a huge defining point in my life. We really do have to get jobs and pay bills, but there is such a benefit to following your itch. Even if it sounds crazy; you’re the only one who knows what you’re called to do. I want people to know follow your curiosity ultimately.