The Early-Career Fellowship is a new program for 2025-2026.
The WSMTA Early-Career Fellowship is a unique opportunity for private music teachers in their first 5 years of teaching. While providing financial startup support, this one-year program includes mentorship placement with an experienced teacher and provides valuable networking and professional development experiences.
Those selected for this program will be awarded:
- $1,000 (two $500 payments, one occurring at the beginning and the other occurring at the end of the fellowship term)
- National and State dues reimbursement for one year
- Reimbursement for up to two WSMTA State Conferences registration fees. (Selectees are required to give a report at the state conference at the end of their fellowship term. Conference attendance at the beginning of the term is encouraged but not required.)
FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2026
There is no deadline for applications for becoming a mentor.
Eligibility and Application Process
- Private music teacher in the state of WA, currently within the first 5 years of teaching.
- Current active member of WSMTA (not available to collegiate members).
- A resume and a recommendation letter are required.
- Application deadline is March 1, 2027 (application will be available in early January).
- Applicants will be notified of the decision results by April 1, 2027.
- All eligible applicants will receive State Dues and Conference registration reimbursement in the first year that they apply for the fellowship.
Fellowship Mentee Obligations
- One-year fellowship term: Obligations must be completed within one year.
- Observe 4 or more music lessons taught by the Mentor Teacher.
- Attend 2 local chapter meetings.
- Assist in 1 local or state event.
- Consultation with Mentor on pedagogy, lesson planning & studio management encouraged.
- Attend WSMTA State Conference at the end of the term to give a report. Conference attendance at the start of the term is encouraged but not required.
Fellowship Mentor Requirements
- Must have 10 or more years of private music teaching experience.
- Provide Mentee with opportunities to observe 4 or more lessons, virtually or in-person.
- Discuss pedagogy, lesson planning and studio management with Mentee as requested.
- Post-term: Submit form to confirm Mentee obligation fulfillment.
- If you would like to be a Fellowship Mentor, please contact the Mentorship Program Chair, Katie Levine. Mentors will receive full WSMTA Conference reimbursement for each year of service!
APPLICATION FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JANUARY 2027.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Mentee
- Funds help in early years of career
- Financial assistance for dues and conference attendance
- Work with mentor to learn more about various aspects of teaching
- Incentive to learn more about chapter and state activities
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development and personal growth
Mentor
- Chance to share knowledge with another teacher
- Opportunities to learn from mentee
- Conference registration fee reimbursement
- Increased involvement with chapter
- Professional development and personal growth