The NEC Board-Student Mentor Program, begun in 2001, is primarily designed as a friendship program. It is a unique opportunity for you to engage in meaningful interaction with an NEC Board Member or alumnus — someone who cares deeply for NEC and its students, and who wants to learn more about the student perspective.
We hope that through this optional program you will be able to glean valuable insight into Boston, acquire experience and guidance not necessarily taught in the classroom, and gain advice in terms of career development strategies as well.
The Role of the Student Mentee
- Maintain regular contact with your Mentor.
- Share your NEC student experience with your Mentor.
- Invite your Mentor to attend your performances at NEC and throughout the city.
- Provide feedback about the mentor program at the end of the year.
Benefits: Forming a relationship with someone who has perhaps had different life experiences than you and who has pursued a different career path than you can be very rewarding and enlightening.
“I was paired up with a wonderful mentor. We share so much in common and our personalities work very well together. My mentor is always there for me as a support system. It has made my NEC experience remarkable and wonderful.”
—Current Mentee
The Role of the Mentor
- Provide opportunities for interaction with the student Mentee such as meeting for coffee, attending a performance together, or inviting the student over for a “home cooked” meal.
- Provide experiences and guidance not necessarily taught in the classroom.
- Be a non-financial resource to the student.
Benefits: The program is an opportunity for Mentors to become further integrated into the Conservatory community by getting to know an NEC student on a personal basis.
“This is a great program. Mentoring and supporting the students enriches the lives of the mentors and keeps us in touch with the 'real world' of NEC.”
—Current Mentor
Things to Keep in Mind
- The Program Manager and Committee members will match Mentors and Mentees according to common musical and non-musical interests, personalities, and expectations.
- The program is designed to be “free form.” Once matched, Mentors and Mentees are expected to initiate and maintain contact with one another.
- Events will be organized throughout the year and include a festive kick-off dinner, outdoor activities, intimate parties at Mentor homes, and a year-end celebration. They are a lot of fun and definitely one of the favorite aspects of the program. Mentors are asked to host their Mentee(s) at events and cover any event costs (which are typically minimal).
Suggested Activities
- Try to meet two to three times per semester.
- Meet for coffee at Espresso Royale Café.
- Visit local museums and attend concerts together.
- Invite your Mentor to sit in on one of your lessons or rehearsals.
- Invite your Mentor to your concerts or recitals.
Mentee Feedback
- Highlights of the program for me: the feeling of an inner community at NEC, and meeting fabulous people from all walks of life at the gatherings.
- I have a great mentor. He offers much support, help and advice with all of my musical endeavors.
- I really feel that I have gained a lasting friendship and know that I have someone that really is a mentor to me whom I can come to for whatever I may need. The events were especially fun as we got to interact with all the mentors, and I really got a sense of community.
- I think that this program is excellent. It makes students feel involved, and for students who have family that live very far away, having a mentor makes us feel like we have a bit of family here to support us.
- This is one of the most enriching offerings of NEC. I feel very blessed to have my superstar mentor.
Mentor Feedback
- It has been such a joy becoming acquainted with these exceptional young people: to hear their passion for and dedication to music. Also, it is a delight to see them grow personally and artistically.
- I have really enjoyed my association with my mentee and have developed what will be a lifelong friendship.
- My experience has been most satisfying.
- I’ve formed delightful relationships with both of my mentees.
- Highly effective; good use of time; sense of long-term relationship forming.
- This experience has been extremely rewarding for me, and I hope for my mentee as well.
- It is an excellent program for students and members of NEC to interact with the younger generation of musicians.
Questions? Contact:
Barbara Raney
Office of the President
barbara.raney@necmusic.edu
617-585-1201
New England Conservatory
290 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02115-5018
2011-06-22
MILES DAVIS