Young Artist Mentorship Program

Through the Young Artist Mentorship Program, college students and recent graduates who identify as belonging to a marginalized cultural group (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, flutists with disabilities, etc.) are paired with professionally established mentors from similar backgrounds. The flutists selected for this program represent the NFA as ambassadors and role models and are provided with career development resources, dedicated one-on-one guidance, and a supportive network of like-minded artists to share the journey with.

The Young Artist Mentorship Program is free to take part in and is supported by the NFA Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee.

Activities

The YAMP operates in two semesters—fall (September–December) and spring (January–May)—and consists of a group of four to six mentors and four to six protégés, meeting one-on-one bi-weekly and as a large group every two to three months, at least once a semester.

One-one-one meetings

Throughout each semester, mentors and protégés meet to engage in career development activities such as (but not limited to): discussing career goals, cultivating networking opportunities, creating a digital presence, exploring grant and proposal opportunities, building a flute studio, and other related topics. Protégés are encouraged to formulate questions and project ideas related to their mentors' experience. These meetings will not serve as supplementary lessons.

Large group meetings

Every two to three months, all YAMP participants (both mentors and protégés) meet as a group. Group meetings act as networking opportunities and safe spaces where protégés can share their current projects and connect with their fellow protégés as well as other YAMP mentors. These meetings may involve guest speakers, career development conversations, and discussions of individual protégé projects or strengths—a coming together where all involved benefit from the unique perspective and wisdom of the group as a whole. 

Application Requirements

Mentors for the Fall 2023 semester include: 

• Dr. Maria Fernanda Castillo, Univ. TN, Knoxville
• Flor Cruz, Colectiva Huēhuecoyōtl
• Dr. Brittany Trotter, Univ. of the Pacific

Please read through the description above to ensure that you're suited to this program. In addition, each applicant must:

1. Be a member of the NFA.
2. Identity with a marginalized cultural group (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, flutists with disabilities, etc.).
3. Submit a 500-word essay on their qualifications for this program and how this program will benefit them in their musical career. (We encourage applications from individuals who are involved in career paths/fields of study beyond music performance, such as music therapy, administration, education, and business.)
4. Submit video recordings of up to fifteen minutes, consisting of two contrasting works. While not required, diversity of repertoire is encouraged.
5. Include contact information for two references who will be contacted for recommendation letters upon receipt of completed application.

Applications are due by Friday August 18th, 2023, 5 P.M. central time zone. Applicants will be notified by August 25th. The first group meeting will occur within the first two weeks of September. 

If you have questions about the Young Artist Mentorship Program, send an email to nfayamp@gmail.com.

View the YAMP Flyer 2023!