FAQ's

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Who is eligible for this fellowship?

Musicians and/or arts administrators, and ensembles who self-identify as female or non-binary in the classical, contemporary, or jazz industries. Ensemble or band consisting of 2-8 musicians who self-identifies as 50% female or non-binary artist are eligible to apply.​ We do not exclude or discriminate based on citizenship status. 

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What does this fellowship offer individual and ensembles?​

If selected, you and/or your ensemble will receive customized coaching to help you develop your brand, grow your professional network, have access to a dedicated mentor, and be part of a supportive community of peers.​

• 8 individual mentorship sessions (September, 2024 - May, 2025)

• 3 group workshops (September, 2024 - May, 2025)

• Remote access to your mentor throughout the fellowship, to provide: 

  • Support for achieving desired goals, building connections, and identifying possible resources.

  • Motivation for fellows to become more active members of the creative community through introductions to an array of projects, organizations, and institutions.

  • Perspective and advice.
     

Where are one-on-one sessions held?

Mentoring sessions are held remotely via zoom at a mutually agreed upon date and time by the mentor and fellow. Scheduling is sent to fellows via email the first week of each month and sessions take place September 10, 2024 - May, 31, 2025. Please note, there are no session held during December.

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How are fellows paired with their mentor?

Gina Izzo and Eunbi Kim are bespoken's founders and mentors. Fellows and ensembles are pair according to the individual projects and goals as outlined in their applications. 

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How are the group workshops structured?

The workshops take place throughout the fellowship via zoom and provide each fellow the opportunity to learn from eachother and ask questions about specific topics related to their work in the industry. Often, the sessions are hosted by professional artists. Please visit our events page to see past speakers. 

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Who is this opportunity meant for?

bespoken appeals to ambitious women and non-binary artists in the classical, contemporary, and jazz industries who are interested in charting their own path and entering or looking to advance their musical career. ​

• Individuals and ensembles who want to grow their skills, project ideas, and network to reach their full potential and feel confident in any situation. 

• Individuals and ensembles with a project idea or musical initiative either in the beginning stages or those ready to take their project ideas and goals to the next level.

• Individuals and ensembles who are interested in being part of a supportive community of colleagues, mentors, and experts in the field.  

• Individual or ensembles who are able to make a commitment to one mentoring session per month (1 hour each) for the duration of the fellowship.
   

What is required of me or my ensemble to participate?

bespoken requires fellows to participate in one mentoring session each month remotely. We also offer three optional group workshops. If selected, there is a 2024-25 program commitment which runs September, 10, 2024 - May, 31, 2025.​ Successful past individual and ensemble fellows allotted a minimum of five hours each month to work individually on their projects and short and long term goals during the duration of the program and also felt confident in reaching out to their mentor with questions by phone or email over the course of the month to ask for advice.

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Is there a fee to participate?

Yes. $750 individuals and $950 for Ensembles. There is no fee to apply.​

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How do I apply? How does the application process work?

Applications are now open through July 26, 2024, 5pm, ET. The upcoming round runs September, 10, 2024 - May, 31, 2025. After reviewing written applications, applicants who are selected for the 2024 - 25 cohort will be notified via email.

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How will selections be made?

Applicants will be evaluated by an Advisory Committee and selections will be based on: 

• Applications – outlining specific projects and expectations you have from participating in the program.

• Goals – how you want to use the fellowship and why you need support from a mentor.

• Impact – the difference this fellowship will make on the next steps in your career.

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Questions?
Please contact our team at letsbespoken@gmail.com with any questions about the program or applications.​​