Music Industry Mentoring Applications Now Open

Gena Rose Bruce and Madeleine O'Gorman - Music Industry Mentoring, 2018

Are you starting your career in the contemporary music industry? Do you need individualised support and guidance from an industry mentor?

Applications are now open for The Push’s Music Industry Mentoring program.

Music Industry Mentoring is a one-on-one vocational mentoring program for young contemporary music industry practitioners and artists in the early stages of their music career.

Having supported the careers of artists such as Courtney Barnett, Alice Ivy, Alexander Biggs and Angie McMahon, the five-month mentoring program matches young people with leading music industry professionals, giving program participants direct access to practical advice, hands-on experience, and pathways into the contemporary music industry. 

Mentoring is offered not only to young artists, but also those with an interest in artist management, record labels, events, technical production, marketing, media and publicity.

In 2020, 20 participants will be selected through a competitive application process across a range of streams including music business, performance, technical production, marketing, publicity and events management. 

Important dates

Applications close – 30 April 2020
Program interviews – 7 May 2020
Applicants notified of outcome – 14 May 2020
Program commences – 21 May 2020
Program concludes – 30 September 2020

How do I apply?

Please note: the Music Industry Pathways application will take you approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

Applications close 5pm, Thursday 30 April 2020.

Frequently asked questions

+ What are the requirements?

The Music Industry Mentoring program is highly competitive and limited to 20 participants. Participants are selected through an application process, assessed against criteria including:

• Be aged between 18-25 years

• Live in the State of Victoria

• Demonstrated commitment to a career in the contemporary music industry, shown through:

      -Relevant past experience in the contemporary music industry

      -Pro-active current participation in the contemporary music industry

      -Consideration of current interests and future goals within the contemporary music industry

• Demonstrated understanding of how access to a mentor and professional development opportunities through this program will help you achieve your specific career goals.

• Able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours of activity throughout the program

+ Who can apply?

While the Music Industry Mentoring program is open to all young Victorian’s aged 18-25, priority access will be given to:

• First Nations young people

• Young people of colour

• Young women

• Non-binary young people

• Young people with a disability

• LGBTQIA+ young people

+ What will I get out of participating in the program?

As a Music Industry Pathways program participant, you will be individually matched with an industry professional who will support you with a minimum 10 hours of one-on-one vocational mentoring. Throughout the program, mentors may:

• Talk with you about how they got started and their day-to-day working life

• Help you develop and articulate your skills

• Explain aspects of the music industry or their profession

• Introduce you to relevant people in the industry

• Help you explore your career and training options

• Support you in skill development activities that are part of the program

In addition to your mentoring relationship, you will also have access to a range of professional development opportunities including industry masterclasses and an online portal with regular employment and volunteer opportunities.

+ Who will mentor me?

The Push has a great track record with mentoring and helping young people connect with like-minded music industry professionals.

On the basis of your application and career ambitions, The Push will review their industry database and approach a mentor that will suit your unique needs. Industry mentors are people with skills and expertise in one or more areas of the contemporary music industry.

All mentors are volunteers and provide their time to you free of charge.

Your mentoring relationship will be monitored and guided by The Push throughout the duration of the program.

Through your contact with The Push, you will also get regular feedback and career guidance from The Push staff themselves. All staff have either worked, or currently work in the industry in different roles along with their work at The Push.

+ How much time will I need to commit to the program?

You will need to commit a minimum of 10 hours throughout the duration of the program. You will have at least 10 hours of contact with your mentor, in addition to a series of monthly industry masterclasses.

+ How much does the program cost?

Participation in the Music Industry Mentoring program is free.

The Push offers financial subsidies for internet access to participants who may be experiencing financial hardship.

Please contact The Push on (03) 9380 1277 or email hello@thepush.com.au if you have any access or support needs, or with any questions about this program.

Music Industry Mentoring is delivered as a part of Music Industry Pathways – a Victorian Government initiative.