As an extension of the National Youth Choir of Canada (NYCC) professional artist training program and with the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation, Choral Canada has created a Mentorship Pilot Project. The purpose of this program is to match NYCC participants with more seasoned professionals involved in choral music and group singing including conductors, singers, composers, administrators, and educators from across the Choral Canada network.
Broadly, the goal of this program is to facilitate conversations between up-and-coming singers and professionals within the choral arts and group singing sector, with the overall aim of encouraging more young people to consider and pursue employment in the choral arts sector in a professional capacity.
Mentorship relationships are ongoing and one-on-one. Matching will take place once NYCC choristers have auditioned and been selected for the next iteration of the NYCC. Mentees and mentors wishing to participate in the program will both complete a profile survey, which will be used to match goals and interests between the participants. It’s important to note that while Choral Canada will facilitate the initial connection and provide resources to assist with discussions, the ultimate success of the mentorship is the responsibility of the mentee and the mentor. Mentees will be expected to take the lead in connecting with the mentor, and goal-setting and continued interactions will be coordinated between the participants.
What is the mentor’s role?
● Motivate - encourage young singers in their choral music journey, help them to identify realistic goals and next steps to achieve those aims
● Explore - career opportunities, what life as a professional in the choral arts might look like
● Expand – the mentee’s professional network within Canada’s choral arts sector
● Support – act as a resource to assist with vocal technique, rehearsal, and audition strategies, how to make professional contacts etc.
Program Guidelines
● 12 months commitment, during the performance cycle year of NYCC (January-December)
● Minimum equivalent of 4 meetings x 1.5 hr each (virtual or in person)
● Mentees are responsible for initial contact and discuss with the mentor to set goals and communication parameters
● Mentors should be active participants in the Canadian choral arts sector, preferably holding a paid, professional position in some area of choral arts – as a singer, conductor, administrator, music educator etc.
GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES - Download .pdf here for more information.
CHORAL CANADA'S CODE OF CONDUCT AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY - Download .pdf
Broadly, the goal of this program is to facilitate conversations between up-and-coming singers and professionals within the choral arts and group singing sector, with the overall aim of encouraging more young people to consider and pursue employment in the choral arts sector in a professional capacity.
Mentorship relationships are ongoing and one-on-one. Matching will take place once NYCC choristers have auditioned and been selected for the next iteration of the NYCC. Mentees and mentors wishing to participate in the program will both complete a profile survey, which will be used to match goals and interests between the participants. It’s important to note that while Choral Canada will facilitate the initial connection and provide resources to assist with discussions, the ultimate success of the mentorship is the responsibility of the mentee and the mentor. Mentees will be expected to take the lead in connecting with the mentor, and goal-setting and continued interactions will be coordinated between the participants.
What is the mentor’s role?
● Motivate - encourage young singers in their choral music journey, help them to identify realistic goals and next steps to achieve those aims
● Explore - career opportunities, what life as a professional in the choral arts might look like
● Expand – the mentee’s professional network within Canada’s choral arts sector
● Support – act as a resource to assist with vocal technique, rehearsal, and audition strategies, how to make professional contacts etc.
Program Guidelines
● 12 months commitment, during the performance cycle year of NYCC (January-December)
● Minimum equivalent of 4 meetings x 1.5 hr each (virtual or in person)
● Mentees are responsible for initial contact and discuss with the mentor to set goals and communication parameters
● Mentors should be active participants in the Canadian choral arts sector, preferably holding a paid, professional position in some area of choral arts – as a singer, conductor, administrator, music educator etc.
GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES - Download .pdf here for more information.
CHORAL CANADA'S CODE OF CONDUCT AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY - Download .pdf
