The mentorship is a free 8-week online program including
- 8 individual lessons/mentoring sessions: open to all participants
- 8 labs*: open to the public
The purpose of this program is to create an intimate community for serious flutists to develop genuine, long-lasting relationships. Participants will develop their abilities to perform, give and receive feedback, communicate their musical ideas, and take on leadership roles. It is intended for flutists between the ages of 18-28, though these limits are not strict.
In my personal experience, having supportive relationships with other flutists has provided me an empathetic ear and fresh perspective from someone that I know REALLY gets what I’m going through. This has been invaluable to me at times when I was struggling with self-doubt, lacking direction, or facing a big challenge.
We all need support, so let’s all give support!
*Labs are group classes that will include performances, feedback, discussions, and are intended to be a safe place for us to experiment, hence the name “labs.”
In the labs, all participants will:
- Perform for each other/public
- Give feedback to each other. It will be an exercise in listening, communication, and a place where you can experiment and develop your own musical point of view.
FAQs
What is the time commitment? A minimum of 2 hours/week: 1 lesson, 1 masterclass. Lessons are open to all participants, because I’ve personally found watching other private lessons very helpful. It was easier understand the lessons when the pressure wasn’t on me!
Will you be giving all the lessons and masterclasses? Yes. This program is intended as a mentorship, so lessons have the potential to be more discussion based than a typical lesson. You may spend the time as you wish- play, or ask me questions about anything including, but not limited to, flute playing, auditions, finances, career, etc.
I acknowledge that there are many flutists far more accomplished than myself, and I don’t claim to be an expert on anything. However, I do feel strongly that navigating the time between school and getting your dream job is a really crucial and challenging time.
I graduated with my MM in 2012, so I’ve been at it for a little while now. It is really hard as a musician to figure out how to get from point A (school) to point B (and even- where is point B?), while still having a life and making a living. That’s the realm where I feel like I can be useful.
I am really busy with school right now, will this stress me out more?
No! It will add 2 hours/week of time commitment to your schedule, but the idea is to support whatever you are already doing or experiencing. You don’t need to prepare any extra music, unless you want to. The labs are not high-pressure, one-way performances. They are a place for creative experimentation.
I remember well how stressful school was. This mentorship is meant to provide a safe and understanding space for you to discuss whatever musical, personal, or professional challenges you are experiencing. Over the past few years, I found myself informally mentoring some younger flutists. I created this program to give myself more structure and accountability.
Why is this program free?
I just created this question, because it is what I would be wondering myself!
Providing the mentorship for free addresses some of my frustration with the high price of entry to the world of orchestral music. Instruments, lessons, school, auditions… it adds up! Frankly, those with more financial resources tend to excel, especially at the early stages of their careers.
Additionally, I read a book (Give and Take, by Adam Grant), that changed my idea of what is required for success. By giving something that is really meaningful to them, the giver can actually get a lot of energy, and gain intangibles like a connecting to a deeper sense of purpose. So I’m testing his hypothesis!
Now that I’ve run a couple of mentorship sessions, I also know that I gain some great teaching experience, and really wonderful new friendships with flutists.
What participants say:
“Alyse really elevated my musical knowledge and skills by providing effective practice techniques, and insight into what a life of music looks like. I felt extremely comfortable with not being perfect, because the learning environment she creates is very welcoming. Alyse cares about everyone she meets and wants to create a safe space for flute players, which she accomplished very well. In those 8 weeks I became so much more confident in my skills for giving feedback, listening, and playing than I have learned in the 10 years of playing I have done.” -G
“Alyse is a pioneer in the flute world! She is always looking for creative ways to improve and bring others on the journey with her. I am thankful for Alyse’s openness, honesty, and kindness. Alyse is an innovator who will surely come up with more ways to unite and start conversations within the music community. Watch out world!” -Katie
“Alyse has given me the confidence to reveal myself as a musician in this mentorship. She has not only created a safe environment for people to express themselves, but she has also been very supportive as a fellow flutist and friend.” -Melissa
Mentorship #1 Lab classes
Specific lab topics will be determined based on the individuals in the group. Here’s what we did in Mentorship #1.
Week 1: Individual performances and verbal feedback. Each performer is assigned a designated “listener” to give them feedback.
Week 2: Same thing, but walk the performer through an adjustment or practice technique.
Week 3: Designated listeners ask the performer an open-ended question, helping them think deeper about what they are doing.
Week 4: Written feedback + opportunity to respond to your feedback. Discussion on vibrato.
Week 5: Exploring individual topics of difficulty- how to dig deeper into areas of personal challenge
Week 6: Written feedback + participant-led class exploring music preparation.
Week 7: Written feedback + participant-led class exploring breathing.
Week 8: Written feedback + participant-led class exploring finding your “why”- deeper purpose of music
Please contact me or DM me on Instagram or Facebook if you have any questions at all!
Alyse Hokamp 