FAQs

Who is eligible for this fellowship?

Musicians and arts administrators  working in classical, contemporary, or jazz fields who self-identify as women or non-binary are eligible to apply. We welcome applicants regardless of citizenship status, location, or age. 
 

What does this fellowship offer?

If selected, you or your ensemble will receive customized mentorship to help develop your artistic vision, strengthen your brand, grow your professional network, and connect with a supportive community of peers.

bespoken provides:

• 8 individual mentorship sessions via zoom

• A required kick-off and closing group workshop for all current fellows via zoom

• Additional optional group workshops led by bespoken’s program team and industry professionals

• Remote access to your mentor for additional advice and support between sessions
   

Fellows receive:

• Practical guidance to achieve goals, build connections, and access resources

• Motivation and introductions to a network of artists, organizations, and institutions

• Honest perspective, encouragement, and accountability

Where are one-on-one sessions held?

All mentoring sessions are held remotely via Zoom.

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At the beginning of the fellowship, mentors will connect with fellows to coordinate scheduling. Fellows participate in one session per month, with sessions scheduled in two-month blocks, allowing them to plan their schedules in advance. Sessions not scheduled by the stated deadline will be forfeited.

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Fellows are expected to take notes during each session and keep track of follow-up assignments or action items. This helps maintain momentum between sessions and ensures that fellows can fully benefit from the mentoring process.
 

How are fellows paired with mentors?

bespoken’s founders and mentors, Gina Izzo and Eunbi Kim, are the sole mentors in the program. They personally match fellows with the mentor whose experience best aligns with the goals and projects outlined in their applications.
 

How are the group workshops structured?

Workshops are held remotely via Zoom throughout the fellowship. They bring fellows together to learn from one another and from guest speakers, ask questions, share ideas, and explore topics relevant to working in the music industry. Past workshops have featured accomplished professional artists and industry leaders.
 

Who is this opportunity for?

bespoken is designed for ambitious women and non-binary artists working in classical, contemporary, and jazz music who are ready to:

• Grow their skills, refine project ideas, and expand their networks

• Develop or advance a musical project or initiative

• Build confidence in navigating the music industry

• Connect with a supportive community of peers and mentors

• Commit to one monthly one-hour mentoring session for the full fellowship period
   

What is required to participate?

Fellows are expected to:

• Attend one remote, one-on-one mentoring session per month

• Participate in three optional group workshops

• Commit to the full duration of the program: November 2026 through June 2027

• Dedicate at least five hours each month to working independently on projects and goals

• Stay in touch with their mentor between sessions to ask questions and share progress
   

Is there a fee to participate?

Yes. The fellowship fee is a one-time payment of $750 per individual participant. There is no fee to apply.
 

How do I apply?

Applications open on August 23, 2026, and will be accepted through October 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

Fellows are required to participate in one mentoring session each month for the duration of the 2026–27 fellowship. Three optional group workshops are also offered. The fellowship runs from November 2026 through June 2027. Please note that the program fee is a one-time payment.
 

How are fellows selected?

An Advisory Committee reviews applications and selects fellows based on:

• Application: The clarity of your project and how it aligns with the program

• Goals: How you plan to use the fellowship and what you hope to gain from mentorship

• Impact: The difference the fellowship could make in your career development
   

Questions?

Reach out to us anytime at letsbespoken@gmail.com.