What is the IML Mentorship Grant?

The IML Mentorship Grant provides students with opportunities to receive funding and mentorship to encourage new thinking and the development of innovative ideas in music.  Successful recipients demonstrate creativity, innovation, uniqueness, passion, added value to the music field and their own communities, and the potential for sustainable initiatives and projects.  The application deadlines are October 1, 2024 for projects to be completed no later than the start of the next academic year and February 1, 2025 for projects to be completed no later than the end of the next academic year.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Full-time, matriculated Eastman School of Music students
• Students (or the lead student in a collaborative project) must be enrolled for the duration of the award period
• Prospective applicants must attend an advising appointment prior to submitting in order to be eligible.
• Email jdunn@esm.rochester.edu to schedule an appointment or with any questions.

When is the application deadline?

• October 1, 2024 for projects to be completed no later than the start of the next academic year. Awards will be announced by November 15.
• February 1, 2025 for projects to be completed no later than the end of the next academic year. Awards will be announced by March 15.
• Applicants must meet with the advisor 1:1 prior to submitting. Please email jdunn@esm.rochester.edu to schedule an appointment, or do so on Handshake.
• Grant advising does not guarantee funding.

What criteria are applied to assess IML Mentorship Grant proposals?

• Musical excellence
• An inspired project concept/artistic mission
• Projects that provide value to the music field and the community
• Projects that have potential for sustainability
• Project Teams that demonstrate capacity (i.e. realistic budget, required professional and personal skills, access to resources, partners/collaboration, appropriate authority/permission)

What is the mentorship component of the award?

The students for each project will participate in one mandatory information session following the award, one group mentoring session, and then three individual one-hour mentorship sessions with an IML staff member during the duration of the award period. Workshops focus on these topics:

• Assessing the value and feasibility of your project
• Developing capacity for implementation
• Designing implementation steps
• Assessing implementation

What is the monetary size of the award?

There is not a specific amount for awards, but most are in the range of $500-$1000.

How is the award money distributed?

Awards are distributed as reimbursement for approved project expenses. Original receipts must be submitted by the grantee to receive reimbursement. Services provided by others in support of your project (either a company or an individual) must invoiced by and be paid directly to the service provider by Eastman/ the University of Rochester.

All award monies are to be used to cover direct program and project costs. If you have questions about this, please contact jdunn@esm.rochester.edu.

How many award winners are chosen?

The number of award winners is determined by the quality of the proposals and the program budget of any particular year.

Who chooses the winners?

The IML Mentorship Grant Committee, which is composed of staff and faculty members. The Committee reserves the right not to choose any award winners in a given year.

How long does the funding last?

Funding lasts for 1 year after contract execution.  Students nearing graduation are welcome to contact the advisor to discuss their timeline.

In order to accept the grant, students are required to submit headshot and bio to use for promotional purposes.

Grantees are also required to submit final project write-up in order to fulfill their IML Mentorship Grant requirements. 

Grantees will be interviewed on our podcast, Careers in Crescendo: Lessons for Musicians, at an agreed upon time either during, or at the completion of, their project.

How do I submit an application?

Who should I ask if I have additional questions?

Please use our Contact Us page if you have any questions.