Mentoring Overview | Northwest Music Mentors

General Information

Mentoring sessions are break-out sectionals, separate from the ensemble rehearsal, during classroom hours. Session duration is 45 – 60 minutes and is based on the classroom schedule. The mentor and instructor will coordinate to determine session dates and material to be covered during each session.

The mentor provides students coaching and instructions for improvement, focusing on the material the instructor has determined would be most beneficial. It is the mentor’s responsibility to determine the approach that will yield the most progress for the students. Most times the mentor will work with students on material to be performed at their next concert or festival performance, however in some instances a mentor may spend time working on fundamentals, such as technique or instruction specific to their instrument. The approach is up to the mentor, and how the time is spent would be communicated to and agreed upon by the music instructor.

A school may request that a mentor work more than one classroom/ensemble, allowing a mentor to work with multiple classrooms on the same visit.

There are three programs the music director may choose from; Focused Mentorship, Season Mentorship, and Bridge Mentorship. The program the instructor has selected will determine the number of sessions that will be scheduled.

Focused Mentorship

15-18 sessions in one classroom throughout the year based on the school calendar spaced evenly throughout the school year.
Sessions focus on material designated by the instructor for any upcoming concerts or events, and fundamental skills based on the ability of the participating students.
Sessions may be conducted in person or remotely depending on school program needs and guidelines.
Required commitment is for the full school year.
The full year is not guaranteed to be completed due to potential changes in focus required by the instructor, however we will always do our best to insure completion of all sessions.

Season Mentorship

Five to six in a quarter/semester for a single classroom spaced evenly throughout the season duration.
Sessions focus on material designated by the instructor for any upcoming concerts or events, and fundamental skills based on the ability of the participating students.
Sessions may be conducted in person or remotely depending on school program needs and guidelines.
Required commitment is for all session in the quarter/semester.
The instructor may request additional seasons which the mentor may accept or decline.

Bridge Mentorship

Three or four sessions that start in the spring, and continue the next fall.
These sessions are for mentoring students who will be advancing to a different school (i.e., elementary to middle, middle to high).
Two sessions in the spring, with one or two follow-up sessions at the new school the next fall.
Sessions are intended to answer questions and create a connection to help students continue with their participation in music at their next school.
Required commitment is for all spring and fall sessions.

Reimbursement

Mentors are reimbursed monthly once sessions are reported as completed by both the mentor and instructor.

Continuation Compensation

If a mentor is able to work subsequent years in the same school, they will receive an additional reimbursement after the first session of the next school year. For example, if a mentor works at the same middle school for consecutive years, they will receive additional compensation after the start of the next year.

Travel Expenses

Travel reimbursement is the IRS charitable deduction rate for mileage of $0.14/mile.

Requirements

Commitment to completing all sessions in the current mentorship program(s).
Open communication with the instructor on schedule, student progress and effectiveness of focus areas.
100% attendance for all scheduled sessions (including being set up and ready to go on time).
Submission of your professional information for inclusion in our roster, which can include your education background, teaching and performance experience, instrumental areas of expertise, and a photo.
Annual Washington State Patrol background check (FBI fingerprint check required if you’ve lived in Washington State less than 3 years).
Signed contract agreeing to basic terms required to perform mentorship tasks.
Inclusion in our roster is subject to review based on performance feedback from the music instructors and student surveys.

Being included in our roster of available mentors does not guarantee any mentorship assignments. All mentors operate as independent contractors, and are not employees of Northwest Music Mentors. Scheduling of all sessions is at the discretion of the music instructor in coordination with their preferred mentors.