Introduction

What Is an ACDA Apprentice? 

An ACDA apprentice is a student, recent student, choral conductor or teacher fairly new to their position, or an experienced conductor or teacher who wishes to grow professionally through mentoring from a peer. The ideal apprentice brings skills and commitment to the relationship, and is also interested in learning and continually growing his or her knowledge and experience. 

What is an ACDA Mentor? 

An ACDA mentor is a guide, friend and resource who shares her or his choral education and professional experience to help pave the way for you to succeed at your studies and/or profession. 

A mentor plays several roles, including: 

• Motivator: Expresses belief and confidence in your abilities, and encourages you to try new things. 
• Resource: Teaches and advises you on how to make professional contacts, and introduces you to new people, places or ideas. 
• Supporter: Encourages open and honest dialogue, and listens to and responds to your needs. 
• Coach: Helps you develop, and work to achieve, realistic and meaningful goals. 

The Mentoring Relationship 

For mentoring to be successful there must be a reciprocal, comfortable relationship between mentor and apprentice. Both parties must work at the relationship to make it successful by being open-minded, respectful, and keeping to the expectations they have set for the relationship. Ideally, the mentoring relationship will be mutually beneficial for both the apprentice and mentor.