How a mentor can help you
Mentoring can be the difference between failing and excelling. Talk to any successful person and they will tell you of the mentors they had on their journey. It is no different for singing teachers. All the trainers and mentors at BAST Training have benefited, and continue to benefit from having mentors, which is why we think it’s such an important aspect of the BAST Training courses.
As you navigate a path towards becoming a great teacher, mentoring offers invaluable guidance and support, paving the way for your growth and development as a teacher. Through the mentorship experience, you’ll gain insights, strategies, and wisdom from seasoned professionals, empowering you to not only refine your teaching skills but also cultivate a deep understanding of the nuances of vocal pedagogy.
Mentoring is not just about receiving guidance; it’s about forging meaningful connections, building confidence, and honing your craft to become the best teacher you can be. Through this exchange, you can pursue your goals with confidence, clarity and support.
A mentor is not a teacher, though you may learn a thing or two, they are not a hand holder, though they will have your back as you navigate the singing teaching path and they are not there to criticise though they will give constructive suggestions when appropriate.
What you can expect from mentoring
- Guidance: Mentors help with teaching, business, educational and career goals, offering support with resources, research, and activities aligned with your aspirations.
- Development: mentors can help you to develop crucial skills like time management and effective communication.
- Networking: Mentors connect you with valuable professional networks, opening doors to research opportunities, internships, and job offers.
- Confidence Building: Mentors provide encouragement and constructive feedback, helping you overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
- Navigating Challenges: Whether it’s academic or personal hurdles, mentors offer guidance to help you overcome challenges and stay on track.
- Success and Retention: Mentoring contributes to higher retention rates and consequently success by providing support and encouragement.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Mentoring promotes diversity and inclusion by offering support to underrepresented groups, helping them overcome unique challenges.
Mentoring is a transformative journey that will enrich your learning experience and set you on the path to success. We’re excited to embark on this journey with you!
How it works for the Foundation Course
To book
You need to have enrolled in either the Foundation Advance or Excel course to be eligible for mentoring.
If you have enrolled on the Foundation Fundamental you can request to upgrade by emailing us. This will come at an extra cost but you will then have access The Knowledge Hub as well as mentoring sessions.
Once you have paid for your course you should receive an email with your personalised code.
Find the relevant mentor and click their booking link. This will either open an email or booking link. If it’s an email please provide your name and the code and we will then instruct you on how to book a session with the mentor.
Foundation Excel mentors – Line or Kaya (BAST Training trainers)
Foundation Advanced mentors – Kimberley or Alexa (BAST Training mentors)
Suggested uses of a mentor session:
To gain expert and experienced advice, guidance, support and networking to help you in your teaching career, practices or business
- To gain a deeper understanding of the concepts taught on the course.
- To trouble shoot teaching issues. Here you might get the mentor to teach whilst you observe, or play a recording of your student’s issues for advice
- To help you gain expertise/specialist knowledge
- To get feedback on your teaching. Here you would teach a student for feedback and advice, or send a recording of you teaching for feedback
- To help you set goals for your teaching, career or business.
- Using the mentor as a sounding board.
- To work on your own voice.
Please note that mentors cannot make your teaching or business successful. They can not tell you how to run your business financially or strategically, nor are they counsellors or advocates. Their role is to offer guidance and support, help you clarify your weaknesses and strengths, refer you to suitable resources and other experts, share their knowledge and advice around their area of expertise and experience.