Launching soon!

Mentorship Programs are used in business and in educational institutions to great success, but no such programs exist specifically for artists and bands working independently as entrepreneurs.

The CIRAA Mentorship Program, therefore, will build a network of music industry professionals across Canada to offer mentoring sessions to Canadian independent artists. These in-depth mentoring sessions will give artists (who typically are also entrepreneurs managing their careers as their own small businesses) the coveted opportunity to receive personalized, one-to-one advice from leading music industry professionals over a four-month period.

Mentors will include experienced artists, producers, songwriters, managers, talent bookers, booking agents, publicists, indie record label owners, grant writing consultants, festival directors, music supervisors, publishers, and other music industry experts. Where feasible, professionals such as entertainment lawyers and accountants will be brought in to augment certain mentorship connections.

This mentorship program will help today's independent recording artists navigate the rapidly changing music industry paradigm by providing them with direct access to those who can share valuable insight regarding the experiences that today's up-and-coming artists are facing.

Topics on which artists will be able to receive guidance include: recording, event planning, live performance & touring, promotion & publicity, social media, and much more.

Mentorship spots will be filled by CIRAA members on a first-come-first-served basis. Mentees will be paired with a mentor of their choice for up to four months. Mentors will work with the mentees towards specific agreed upon goals to help the mentees reach the next level in their careers. Mentors and artists will meet or speak by phone once per month, with follow-ups done by e-mail throughout the term of the mentorship.

Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new program!