This year, the NFA is proud to launch the Young Artist Mentorship Program, an initiative of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Through the program, which is slated to occur this fall and again in the winter, college students and recent graduates who identify as belonging to a minority group will be paired with professionally established minority mentors. The flutists selected for this program will be provided with career development resources, dedicated one-on-one guidance, and a supportive network of like-minded artists to share the journey with.

The participants in the fall 2021 iteration of this program have been selected. They are:

• Gabriel Cruz (Oberlin College)
• Amanda Garcia (New Jersey City University)
• Isaiah Shaw (Oberlin College)
• Natalie Trejo (Manhattan School of Music)

Program co-founder Jeiran Hasan says, “We were very impressed with the level and dedication of all the applicants, especially considering many of them had to overcome many challenges to pursue their love of playing the flute. Some topics of interest we will pursue as a group include building a social media and professional presence, starting a chamber ensemble, and acquiring the tools and funding to support after-school community music programs for students in need. We sincerely look forward to this inaugural class!”

 

“The Young Artist Mentorship Program is near and dear to my heart," notes program co-founder Mily Harrod. "I know firsthand how amazing it can be to have a professional in the field be there to support you along your musical journey. Thank you so much to everyone who applied to the program, to Dr. Hasan for taking on this project with me, and to the NFA for their support of young artistry. I am so excited to work with these students to further the NFA Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s goal to advocate for a flute community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences."

Congratulations to all involved! The application window for the second round of the Young Artist Mentorship Program will open up this December. To learn more about the structure of the program, visit the Young Artist Mentorship Program web page.