WIJO Mentors

APPLICATION INFORMATION

GUIDELINES

Applicants can choose to apply as either a vocal performer applicant, instrumental performer applicant, or composer applicant. If selected to participate, the applicant will be paired with a mentor in the category they apply for. Applicants can only apply in one category per season.

All performer applicants (both vocal and instrumental categories) are required to submit one video recording of their playing in order to be considered for acceptance to WIJO Mentors. All composer applicants are required to submit both a score of an original composition and an accompanying audio or video recording of their composition.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUITY STATEMENT

WIJO is seeking and encouraging individuals of all backgrounds to apply for WIJO Mentors 2023-2024. We are committed to representing and cultivating diversity in all areas of this program. This commitment is present in all decision making, including the selection of mentees and mentors. Diversity, inclusion, and equity will be a primary consideration in the review process of determining which mentee applicants are chosen to participate.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to qualify to be selected as a mentee for WIJO Mentors, the applicant must:

• - Be between the ages of 18 and 24 years old (as of January 2, 2024)
• - Identify as a young woman or non-binary/gender-neutral individual
• - Provide evidence of a commitment to pursue jazz professionally either through current participation in a music degree program and/or through proof of artistic practice

(Currently and actively studying jazz formally, or show a strong desire to pursue jazz in the future and show a high capacity for understanding and working to improve in areas specific to jazz. Applicants do not need to be enrolled in a music degree program to apply.)

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

1. Submit a WIJO Mentors online application form (through Acceptd)

2. Include all supporting materials in application (more detailed information available on application landing page through Acceptd):

• - Cover Letter
• - Current Bio
• - Current Resume
• - Letter of Recommendation
• - Headshot
• - Audio/Video Submission (ONE music selection)
• - Score (Composers only) (ONE music selection)
• - Application Fee (*You can request financial assistance if needed. See below for more info)

*If you are a current student you can apply for a fee waiver or reduced cost of the application fee if you qualify for financial aid. This application will go through Accetpd. Please contact the Accetpd Help Desk via this link. If you're not a current student and need to apply for a fee waiver or reduced cost of the application fee, please contact WIJO directly at Mentors@wearewijo.org

This program is FREE to participate, if selected - there are no costs involved or expected from the mentee participants, once they are accepted into the program. There is a fee that is required to submit an application, in order to maintain the program and its related administrative costs.

Mentors will be paid fairly for the lesson time given through this mentorship, but all other time involved in the program, including building the relationships, is given on a voluntary basis.