Mentoring Programme

We are working on a new album, and we’re looking for six young people aged 16-21 who identify as a woman or non-binary person to collaborate with mentors involved in various aspects of the production and release of it.

Mentees will have the opportunity to work in the specialisms of:

• Studio Recording

• Marketing & Branding

• Instrumental Performance

• Music Business

• Sound Production

• Live Sound

The programme will run from March – November 2023, following the production of the album to its release. Mentees will receive expert knowledge, advice and guidance throughout this process to inspire a pathway into the creative industries.

The application is open to anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary person, is aged between 16-21 and is passionate about pursuing a career in the music industry.

WHY ARE WE RUNNING THIS PROGRAMME?

We released our debut album in 2021, which was created, performed, engineered, mixed, mastered and marketed by women; after the success of this and the positive reviews and feedback, we wanted to do the same again, but in highlighting several people, we’d like to work with - engineers, producers, videographers, recording engineers, mastering engineers, we struggled to find many women to add to the list. This highlighted a problem for us within the industry; both gender minorities and women are underrepresented in Trad Music. So we decided it was time to help find the next generation of women, and we want to work with you to help you develop your practice and career opportunities.

• Q. What will the mentees get to do?

  This will depend on your role, but your mentor will set some learning outcomes with you. This will form the structure of what they think is important to learn, as well as what you want to learn. You will gain a lot of hands-on experience as well as knowledge exchange. If you would like more details on an individual role, please get in touch with Holli on heiskmentoring@gmail.com

  We well as one-to-one mentoring, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the music business. Jen Anderson will be running music business workshops covering a range of important topics such as copyright, monetising music, marketing & branding, and so much more.

• Q. How much time will I have to commit?

  Throughout the programme, you will receive approximately 15 hours of mentoring. This will consist of 5 hours of one-to-one time with your mentor and 10 hours of mentoring as a cohort.

  You will also have the option of studying a short course linked to your specialism with The Academy of Music and Sound. These short courses have 36 hours of contact time.

• Q. Can I do the position remotely?

  This will depend on your chosen specialism. Most roles can be completed remotely, however, some roles, such as Live Sound, will be delivered in person. If you are based further afield, we will help arrange for mentoring to be accessed in person in Glasgow.

• Q. I have work/childcare/other commitments; can it work around these?

  Yes, this position is open to anyone, regardless of other commitments. We will be as flexible as possible to enable you to access the programme while undertaking any other commitments.

• Q. What is the age limit?

  You must be between 16 and 21 (including those who have already turned 21).

• Q. What are the short courses?

  You can learn more about The Academy of Music & Sound's short courses from here. We can help with the process of enrolling too.

• Q. I’m not based in Glasgow; can I still take part?

  Yes, depending on your specialism, this role can be completed remotely or we will help arrange transport and accommodation to access mentoring in Glasgow.

• Q. Do I have to supply my own equipment?

  No, equipment will be provided. You may wish to use your instrument for instrumental performance, or we can arrange for instrument hire if necessary.

• Q. I have additional access/support needs; can this be accommodated?

  Yes, we encourage applications from everyone and will accommodate any additional access/support needs.

• Q. I’m still at school; can I apply?

  Yes, we will arrange for mentoring to take place around your school hours.

• Q. Who are the mentors?

  Craig McMahon (Sound Production), Barry Reid (Studio Recording), Jen Anderson (Music Business & Marketing), Carla Feuerstein (Live Sound) and one member of HEISK (Instrumental Performance).

• Q. How many of the roles can I apply for?

  You can apply for as many roles as you are interested in, but if you are successful in your application, you will only receive one-to-one training in one specialism. However, you will have the opportunity to work with every mentor as a cohort.

• Q. Can I speak with someone before I apply?

  Yes, if you would like to speak with someone before applying, you can email heiskmentoring@gmail.com and arrange to speak with Holli, the programme administrator.

• Q. I already have some experience; can I still apply?

  Yes, this programme is intended to support a career in the music industry. If you already have some experience but would like support to progress further in the industry, this role is perfect for you. It is also open to people with no prior experience.

• Q. When will the mentorship finish?

  The programme will finish in November, following the release of HEISK’s album.

• Q. Do I get paid?

  The role is not paid. However, we will reimburse all reasonable expenses.

• Q. Does it cost me anything?

  The role will not cost you anything as we will reimburse all reasonable expenses.