Musical Mentor Application 25/26

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Become a Musical Mentor


At Musical Mentors Collaborative (MMC), we believe that music education changes lives – not just for students, but for the teachers and mentors who guide them. Our mentors come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, and we carefully match each one with the right students and program. 


We are a collaborative of artists and educators who believe every child deserves access to music. Together, we work to ensure equity in music education by offering one-on-one instruction and mentorship that builds confidence, sparks joy, and creates opportunities. As Musical Mentors, we share our time and talents not only to teach, but to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and communities.


When you apply to become a Musical Mentor, you may be placed in one of three tiers based on your experience, training, and teaching background. All tiers are essential to our mission, and each plays a unique role in shaping the next generation of musicians and music lovers. Musical Mentors are matched with students in both our MME and MMA programs to teach private lessons – both online and in person (depending on location). Some of our Musical Mentors also teach for our in person MME classes, serving as teaching assistants and leading small-group lessons for 1st and 2nd graders.


Principal Mentor (Paid $60/hour)
Our Principal Mentors are highly trained educators and professional musicians working with MMC’s most advanced students. They provide in-depth, high-level instruction, and their expertise and mentorship set the standard for excellence in our programs. 

  • Student Profile: Typically our most advanced and highest need students – usually middle school and high school – who are serious about their musical study and/or want to build a lasting relationship with their Musical Mentor. 

  • Teaching Load: 1-2 students per year (each receiving 20 one-hour lessons)

  • Experience Required: Undergraduate or graduate degree in music performance, music education, or similar AND prior teaching experience or pedagogy-specific training. 

  • You are: A highly trained musician and experienced educator, dedicated to guiding students towards their highest potential.


Benefits: *

  • $60/hour 

  • 50 hours free on Virtu’s Lesson platform

  • 1 Grand Mentor lesson per student taught

 

Associate Mentor (Paid $30/hour)

Our Associate Mentors are skilled musicians and developing educators who work with committed students ready to advance beyond the basics. They bring a blend of technical skill, musicality, and growing teaching expertise, helping students deepen their abilities and passion for music. 

  • Student Profile: Typically, late elementary and middle school students who have studied their instrument for at least one year and are moving past the exploration stage. Virtuoso Mentors can also teach students of all levels and on a wide range of instruments/genres, depending on their experience. 

  • Teaching Load: 3-4 students per year (some receiving 10 thirty-minute lessons, some receiving 20 one-hour lessons) 

  • Experience Required: Currently enrolled in, or holding, a music degree; OR prior teaching experience or pedagogy-specific training. 

  • You are: A musician building your teaching career – either trained in music but newer to pedagogy, studying music at the collegiate level, or an experienced private instructor without a formal music degree. 


Benefits: *

  • $30/hour 

  • 50 hours free on Virtu’s Lesson platform 

  • 1 Grand Mentor lesson per student taught

 

Founding Mentor (Volunteer)

Our Founding Mentors are the heart of MMC, carrying forward the spirit in which our organization was created – musicians giving their time and talent to ensure every student has access to music education. They inspire curiosity, joy, and confidence in beginners, often guiding students through their very first private lesson experience. Without Founding Mentors, our mission would not be possible.   

  • Student Profile: Typically, beginner students taking exploration lessons for the first time, though our Founding Mentors can teach students of all levels and on a wide range of instruments/genres. 

  • Teaching Load: 1-2 students per year (some receiving 10 thirty-minute lessons, some receiving 20 one-hour lessons) 

  • Experience Required: Strong proficiency on your instrument, ability to create individualized lesson plans with MMC support, and enthusiasm for mentoring through music. 

  • You are: A musician – whether or not you’ve taught before – who wants to inspire and guide students, helping them discover the joy of music. 


Musical Mentor Benefits

No matter your tier – Founding, Virtuoso, Principal, or Grand – every MMC Musical Mentor is part of a community that values artistry, collaboration, and growth. We invest in our mentors just as we invest in our students, ensuring you have the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive. 


For our Principal and Virtuoso Mentors, volunteering your time to teach additional students unlocks even greater benefits, including additional lessons with Grand Mentors (1 additional lesson per student) and additional use of the Virtu.Academy platform (50 additional hours per student). This is our way of honoring those who give back to MMC’s mission beyond their paid teaching, creating a cycle of generosity, artistry, and impact. 


Lessons with Grand Mentors

MMC’s Grand Mentors are leading musicians in their fields, from award-winning performers to industry-recognized educators. They offer free lessons and coaching to mentors who give back to our mission, helping you strengthen your teaching, refine your artistry, and continue growing as a musician. This is individualized professional and artistic development from the very best.

 

Free Use of Virtu.Academy (Principal & Virtuoso Mentors)

MMC partners with Virtu.Academy, a professional-grade online lesson platform, to deliver most of our Academy lessons. Normally a paid service, Virtu.Academy is provided free to our top two tiers of mentors, giving you high-quality tools and hours of use at no cost. 


Professional Development & Training

We host monthly events for all mentors, offering training on pedagogy, student engagement, and mentorship best practices. These sessions are designed to sharpen your skills, inspire new ideas, and ensure you feel supported in every teaching scenario. 


Networking Opportunities

From local gatherings to national events, MMC provides in-person networking opportunities for mentors at all levels – Founding, Virtuoso, Principal, and Grand. These events connect you with fellow musicians and educators, building a supportive, mission-driven community. 

 

University Volunteers

Founding Mentors who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs can apply for scholarship funds through MMC’s Tom Levine Scholarship Fund. University Volunteers are given incentive pay for their teaching ($15/30-min lesson and $10/group classes as well as merit scholarship.


*Note – Virtuoso and Principal Mentors are not eligible for the Tom Levine Scholarship Fund.






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Tier Explanations

We have limited spots for Associate Mentors and even more limited spots for Principal Mentors. While your input will be useful for the assignment process, MMC staff will make final decision on tier assignments.

We also acknowledge that more applicants will apply to be Principal and Associate Mentors than spots allow. By filling out this application, and more importantly by serving as a Founding Mentor at the beginning of your MMC journey, you will be put on our waitlist for Associate/Principal Mentor spots as openings arise. Thank you for your dedication to MMC!













International students without a Social Security Number (SSN) will be required to complete an international background check process, which differs slightly from our normal background check.

i.e. Big Brothers Big Sisters, high school/elementary or middle school programs, local animal shelters, community improvement, etc.



Volunteer Instructor Application


Serving as a Volunteer Instructor is a year-long commitment (Fall AND Spring). Most students in lessons are in grades K-8. Most have no or little music training and attend public schools with little to no arts education budget.

Founding Mentor (volunteer) benefits include:
  • 1 Grand Mentor lesson per private student taught
  • Professional development & training
  • Networking opportunities
  • For university students: scholarship opportunities, including the Tom Levine Scholarship Fund










We cannot guarantee that every Founding Mentor will be matched with a student, especially if you do not select an instrument in the list above.

Additionally, if none of these are your primary instrument, we’d like to encourage you to still teach private lessons. MMC can assist with loaning instruments to teachers and provides curriculum, repertoire, and training for volunteer instructors.

The majority of students will be beginners/novice musicians. Your enthusiasm, consistency, dedication, and passion for music are most important for these lessons!
Musical Mentors will be assigned a student/students in one of two lesson pathways: Exploration Lessons or Forte Lessons.

Exploration Lesson students are beginners with one year or less of experience on their instrument, students in elementary school, or students who want a introductory private lesson experience. The instruments offered for Exploration Lessons are limited. Most Exploration lessons are with students in our MME program.

Forte Lesson students are intermediate or advanced players with two-plus years of consistent, dedicated experience in their instrument, students in middle or high school, or students who have previously excelled in music classes and/or private lessons. Forte Lessons are offered on any instrument. All Forte lessons are with students in our MMA program.

The following questions will help us match you with a student/students.




Teaching Experience




Musical Background


We'll give you a chance to attach a CV in a moment, but use this space to draw attention to your most meaningful work. Please keep this under 300 words.

This question is required from teachings applying to be Principal & Associate Mentors.

Resume/CV is required from teachers applying to be Principal Mentors.

Language


This is not a requirement to teach in our program!