skip to main content

DIY Guide to Mentoring in Music Released

Mentoring in Music is a comprehensive DIY guide to mentoring that gives you the tools you need to create opportunities to get mentoring or be a mentor.

Published: 20 August 2021 | 6:13 PM
Photograph of a band playing, in what appears to be underground archways, with red lights shining.
The creator Frank Hamilton hoped the guide would help new entrants to the industry navigate the best path to finding the right mentor. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The guide includes information on what mentoring is, its benefits, and information on the roles of mentee and mentor.

It includes a step by step guide covering:

  • Finding a mentor
  • Setting SMARTER goals
  • The mentoring process
  • What happens after a mentoring arrangement ends

It also includes examples of mentoring agreements – which cover things like frequency of meetings, timescale of the relationship, rules and expectations, alongside useful resources for mentors and mentees.

Download the Mentoring in Music Guide.

By and for young people in the music industry

The guide was created by artist and Bedroom Indie label owner Frank Hamilton, and the UK Music Futures Group.

Frank, known for his pioneering One Song A Week project and critically acclaimed follow up album ‘Songs To Make Life Slightly Less Awkward’, said he hoped the guide would help new entrants to the industry navigate the best path to finding the right mentor.

He also hopes that the guide will also encourage those working in all parts of the industry to lend their skills and expertise to advise others by becoming a mentor.

“If this guide helps just one person to understand the process and make it seem more achievable, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

“In truth I hope it can inspire many to seek out their own mentoring arrangements and improve their chances of success, both personally and professionally,” he said.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

A young man in a wheel chair writing in his journal and working on his computer.

What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?

Catch up with musician Balraj Samrai, Labour MP John McDonnell and others on why unions should support a universal basic income (UBI), plus find out how you can be part of the movement too.

Published: 13 May 2024

Read more about What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?
Young woman playing acoustic guitar with friends in a field.

Members Affected by RWCMD Consultation Urged to Contact the MU

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is proposing to cease its weekly creative sessions for young people from the end of this academic year. Members who will be affected by this are urged to contact their local regional office.

Published: 13 May 2024

Read more about Members Affected by RWCMD Consultation Urged to Contact the MU