Central to Trust activities is our Mentor Program. The program seeks to equip scholars with practical skills to complement their musical development and focuses on providing tools that can be immediately applied by the singers. It’s aim is to develop young professionals who have a competitive advantage over other young singers.
Throughout the year we provide workshops, seminars and individual consultations conducted by a variety of industry experts, over a range of disciplines. Sessions incorporate national and international experts to promote a global understanding of the industry. After presenting a session in the program, presenters continue their relationship with the singers in a mentoring capacity.
The Mentor Program helps our singers to establish their own networks and a support base to assist them along their journey. It also provides realistic insight into the industry, the ‘business side’ of the profession, a snapshot of what to expect in Australia and overseas, and a sense of what it takes to succeed.
Paricipation in the Mentor Program is included in a singers scholarship. Alumni are also invited to attend to aid their ongoing development.
Faculty of Mentors
View our 2012 Faculty of mentors to see who is working with our students this year.
Topics of Focus
Some of the topics covered in the program include:
- accounting and law for freelance artists
- networking
- personal presentation: hair and make up / working with a stylist
- preparing an effective performance biography
- audition preparation
- self-promotion
- public speaking
- preparing for an agent
- time management strategies
- vocal health
- working with the media
- proposal and grant writing
- negotiation techniques
- understanding the recording process
There is also a series of Masterclasses for singers to workshop their personal repertoire with renowned performers.
“The mentor program is going from strength to strength. The Graham Pushee seminar was particularly helpful, as it was a reminder of the end goal – maintaining a career in the industry. His real-life anecdotes were realistic and inspiring.” – Siobhan Stagg, Amelia Joscelyne Memorial Scholarship holder 2010 and 2011
Read about our Past Mentor Sessions.