Alumni & Students Mentorship Program

This program aims to connect current students with SOMD alumni who are eager to share their experiences, offer guidance, and provide support as students navigate both their academic and professional journeys.

Each year, we will create a mentorship cohort consisting of 3 alumni mentors and a select group of approximately 10 students, chosen through an application process centered around a specific theme.

The cohort will meet as a group once every other month for a 90-minute session to explore topics related to the theme, followed by a feedback session where mentees can bring their ideas, challenges, or questions for discussion. Throughout the program, mentees will also have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one mentorship session with a mentor to receive personalized guidance in achieving their individual goals (1:1 will be paired based on mentee preference and mentor availability). 

What Do You Get as a Mentor in This Program?

  • Opportunity to network with fellow mentors, alumni, and current students
  • A chance to give back to the UO SOMD community
  • Valuable experience as a mentor that can support your own professional development

What Do You Get as a Mentee in This Program?

  • Networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals
  • Practical tips and insights to enhance your career and academic goals
  • Opportunity to collaborate within a cohort to brainstorm and problem-solve creative ideas and solutions

TIME COMMITMENT

Mentors & Mentees

  • Group Mentorship Sessions: Attend group sessions over the course of the program (approximately 90 minutes per session). These meetings will take place November 18, 2025, February 24, 2026, and May 19, 2026.
  • Individual Mentorship Sessions as needed/requested
  • Other Meetings: Kick-off meeting at the start of the program in October 2025 & in-person celebration in Homecoming weekend in 2026 (Dates: TBA)

2025-2026 SCHEDULE & THEME 

Theme: Careers in Music Education

Focus topics examples

  • Establishing your teaching philosophy and classroom management 
  • Navigating the job search process and securing a music education position
  • Balancing teaching responsibilities with personal musicianship and professional development

Mentors

Julie Bounds (2003, Music Education, Band)
Christopher McCurdy (2016, Music Education, Band)
Kelly Hefty (2020, Music Education, Choral)

Timeline

  • TBA (Homecoming weekend): In-person meetup and kick-off at SOMD (more details coming soon).
  • Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5:30-7:00 PM PST: Session #1 via Zoom
  • Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 5:30-7:00 PM PST: Session #2 via Zoom
  • Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 5:30-7:00 PM PST: Session #3 via Zoom
  • TBA (Homecoming weekend): In-person meetup and celebration at SOMD.

Interested in participating? Due June 13, 2025

Please note: This year, the program will follow a shortened cycle. In future years, the program will run from October to June.

FUTURE PARTICIPATION 

Are you interested in participating in a future year of this program or have theme suggestions you’d like to explore as a mentor or mentee? Take a few minutes to share some ideas:

QUESTIONS?

Wakako Stevens, SOMD Donor & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Kathie Hsieh, SOMD Student Services Coordinator and Graduate Advisor