PGCEi Mentoring

Mentoring

Mentoring on the Musicians of Change (PGCEi) plays a central role in helping students to deepen their critical reflection skills and apply their learning to their everyday teaching and professional conduct in schools. This culminates in the portfolio submitted at the end of the year.

Through mentoring, students are exposed to a broad range of perspectives, expertise and experience. Mentors provide a balance of support and challenge to students as they navigate the course and their career aspirations as an educator.

Music Masters favours a coaching approach, which sees mentors inspire mentees to develop their own solutions through active listening. This encourages independent, critical and collaborative thinking, a core aspect of our work with young people and music educators.

Who are the Music Masters Mentors?

The Music Masters mentoring team are a national network of Music Masters staff teachers, Music Masters associate mentors and Musicians of Change graduates, all of whom have significant experience within a broad range of music education specialisms. Trained in the Music Masters Coaching and Mentoring approach, the Music Masters mentoring team are as committed to their own learning as supporting the individual needs of their mentees.

How are Mentors matched with Mentees?

Selecting and matching mentors with mentees is based on a variety of factors which could include relevant teaching experience in a particular instrument or specialism, being based in a similar location, or holding a shared interest. Consultation is carried out at the interview stage of the application process to support the matching process.

What is the Music Masters approach to mentoring?

There are many shared aspects to mentoring and coaching approaches, with both committing to reflection and learning through open discussion and self-development.

Traditionally mentors have been considered more experienced professionals in the same field, sharing specific knowledge and advice to help mentees progress in a particular area, whereas coaches can have expertise in a completely different field, who help coachees articulate their goals and identify their own solutions.

Music Masters’ approach to mentoring emphasises a more equal partnership between mentor and mentee, prioritising the quality of discussion, listening and exposure to difference experiences.