Ten ways to make the most of mentoring

Our 2023 Musicians Census found that 73% of musicians are freelancers, meaning they don’t have the structure of a traditional work organisation. 

Without the support of a consistent set of peers or colleagues, it can feel isolating and be difficult to take that next step in your career. 

That’s why we created Co-Pilot: the Musicians Mentoring Network. Co-Pilot offers musicians a chance to pair with an experienced music industry professional for six months. These mentors can act as a sounding board for ideas, help grow your confidence and introduce you to new opportunities to develop. 

But mentoring isn’t a one-way relationship. It should be rewarding for both mentors and mentees. Starting a mentoring relationship can help you both to develop, learn new things and grow as professionals. 

Remember it’s a valuable experience for everyone
Mentoring with a two-way learning experience is at the heart of many long-lasting mentoring relationships. 

Age is just a number
There is a common misconception that mentoring is just for young people; mentoring supports lifelong learning and can be relevant at all stages of your career. 

Learn from your peers
Peer mentoring can be as valuable as learning from those who are more experienced. Skill sharing between peers can be particularly helpful for freelance professionals who juggle many roles and responsibilities. 

Sometimes you just need a little confidence
Following a rewarding mentoring relationship, it is common for both the mentor and the mentee’s confidence to increase. 

Find your own way
The most valuable mentoring experiences are not always those that provide advice and solutions but those which support mentees to develop their understanding and find their own path. 

Learn to really listen
Becoming a mentor is a powerful tool to develop listening and leadership skills which can benefit many aspects of your career. 

Preparation is everything
Mentoring is as valuable as you make it; the time a mentee invests in preparation and reflection often determines their ability to meet or exceed their goals. 

Build trust
Taking time to build rapport and trust with a mentor can lead to a meaningful mentoring relationship. 

Be open to opportunities
Mentoring can take place in a formal or informal capacity; begin by noticing the opportunities you have available to learn from others. 

Be open-minded
You might learn the most from someone you didn’t expect. 

Applications to join Co-Pilot as a mentor are always open. If you work in music and think you could offer support and guidance to a musician then you could be one of our next mentors.

Applications for new mentees open around four times a year. Head to our mentees page to find out when applications open next.