MELD Program
Musical Entrepreneurship & Leadership Development
Seeing the whole musician.
2021-22 PROGRAM IS ANNOUNCED! APPLY NOW!
About MELD
What past participants say…
“I definitely feel more confident in my knowledge about freelancing. I’m really happy to know good musicians in Philadelphia that I can collaborate with and it makes me feel more empowered. I also feel challenged and like I have peers to confer with, especially in ways that challenge my own thoughts and approaches.” —Anonymous Survey of 2020-21 Participants
“…it definitely opened my eyes up to different topics regarding studio lessons and being a teaching artist that I didn’t think about before.” —Anonymous Survey of 2020-21 Participants
“I was able to grow so much as a teaching artist without having to pay an astronomical amount for a program. I actually made some money doing what I love!” —Anonymous Survey of 2020-21 Participants
“I really enjoyed the MELD program! I think it is very unique and I’ve told many friends about the positive experience I’ve had in MELD.” —Anonymous Survey of 2020-21 Participants
Goals of MELD
Receive guidance, training, and mentorship as a teaching artist.
Collaborate with like-minded musicians.
Learn ways to diversify your skills and income through marketing, performance, teaching, and more.
Receive teaching exposure, opportunities and experience in a variety of settings, including group classes and private lessons.
Learn to use your musical skills to positively and effectively impact students and communities.
Become a part of a growing, thriving musical network and community.
2021-2022 Program
Details
Cost: Free
Program Duration: Sept 2021 – Feb 2022
Hours: about 1 hour per week
Virtual and in-person opportunities and training, must be in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia area
Topics and Skills Covered:
Teaching strategies and methods for quality private and group music lessons
Personal branding that encapsulates a musician’s strengths, passions, and goals
Marketing strategies for freelance teaching artists, as both teachers and performers of music
Financial planning for teaching artists
Networking and collaborating with like-minded musicians
Candidate Standards
MELD Candidates are interested in hands-on training on how to be a successful and thriving Teaching Artist. They are excited about learning new things related to their career, collaborating with like-minded musicians, cultivating quality artistic experiences, and teaching in a variety of settings. They are passionate, creative, dedicated, and hard-working. MELD candidates must have either received or are in the process toward receiving a music degree from a university, college, or conservatory. Candidates should be interested in:
Teaching in a variety of settings
Collaborating with like minded musicians
Cultivating quality artistic experiences from start to finish
Practice managing a growing career as a professional performer to ensure their long-term growth and success
Building a marketable brand as a performer and teaching artist
Applicant Qualifications/Requirements:
Soon-to-be or recent graduates of a music (performance or education) degree program (Bachelors or Masters)
Interested in building a career as a creative entrepreneur in music performance and education
Possess the following qualities: creativity, determination, entrepreneurialism, willingness to try new things
Available 1 hour per week. Hours are flexible and depend on the student’s class schedule (if applicable) and availability
Application Process
Step 1: Email resume, cover letter with reason why you want to join MELD, and performance video
Step 2: One-on-One Interview
Step 3: Second Round Interview
Step 4: Candidates Selected