Articles

Danielle R, Roving reporter

The FReeZACentral Mentoring Program

The music industry is one of the hardest to crack into. It's relatively small, jobs are rarely advertised and there's no one direct path to getting involved. Meeting people in the scene, building networks and establishing yourself is crucial if you plan a future that revolves around music.

The annual FReeZACentral Mentoring program (new window) matches 50 industry hopefuls with established professionals. In doing so, the mentees are given the opportunity to experience what it's like to obtain jobs in their desired field.

The program trains in five streams including:

• Performance
• Technical
• Music business
• Publicity and marketing
• Event management

It begins with a 'meet your mentor' day and each partnership builds based on ongoing interaction between each pair.

Mentees are also involved in varies stages of the FReeZACentral recording project and tour. The 2009 tour to promote the mentee compilation album titled Naked in the Woods will hit the road the start of August with Katy Steele from Little Birdy as headline act.

Meet the Mentors

One of the greatest benefits of participating in the program is being introduced to some of the most successful people in the current industry.

Mary Mihelakos's experience in the industry extends back to the early 1990s. Her CV includes Editor of Beat magazine, booking entertainment for venues, DJing at venues, and organising large scale events.

Mary is  a more-than-worthy mentor who has participated in the FReeZACentral program for a few years. "I've had a long association, understanding and appreciation of the work of The Push and FReeZACentral. When approached to be a mentor a few years ago, I jumped at the chance," she says.

Bernard Galbally has worked in the music industry for twenty years, managing bands and artists, touring them overseas and releasing albums (achieving gold records and ARIA awards in the process), as well as running nightclubs and working as a promoter. In 2005 he started running Mana Music, a music licensing and supervision company.

"When I started in the music industry there were very few courses or information for aspiring managers," he explains. "I am a passionate believer in the idea of mentoring and giving back to the industry. The FReeZACentral program provided a great opportunity for me to do this in a structured way."

At the 2009 meet your mentor day the mentees were almost in awe as the mentor names were called out and introduced. The wealth of experience and knowledge was something of great benefit for the mentees to utilise.

Meet the Mentees

Christina Papadimtropoulos and James Stanley, both studying music industry at Victoria University, are currently being mentored by Mary and Bernard respectively.

Being involved with FReeZACentral has helped Christina learn more about event management through working at festivals such as Apollo Bay Music and PushOver, as well as DJing alongside her mentor each week.

"I had been involved with the Moreland FReeZA committee for about three years and I really wanted to step up my game, get involved with something that would challenge me and get me more involved with the music industry," she says.

James started playing in bands at a young age and found himself interested in the business side of the industry as much as the creative. "I've been exposed to music industry environments such as The Push and Mana Music and been able to see first-hand what an industry role demands," he explains.

"On a practical level, I was responsible for developing proposals and contracts involved with the FReeZACentral recording project. I also participated in meetings and seminars with the other music business stream mentees, where we learnt about relevant industry protocols and activities."

Everyone benefits

The personal and professional relationship doesn't have to end when the program does. And it's not just the mentees that gain from being involved.

"It is important to step back from something that you have being doing and look at it from an outsider's point of view," says Bernard. "Mentoring has provided this opportunity. It has also introduced me to James, who I am sure has a promising future in the music industry."

Mary has similar thoughts. "The music business is a young business, always changing and evolving. It's interesting to see how the next generation interpret it."

"It's all about who you know in the music industry," she adds. "The best way to build these networks is to be out there as much as you can. Go to shows and industry events and schmooze."

Just like an opportunity won't fall in your lap in the music industry, it's important that mentees make the most of the program and be proactive. The passionate ones get the most value.

"If you are enthusiastic about a career in the music industry, then this program will provide a strong source of experience, learning and networking," says James. "Being a part of FReeZACentral has reiterated my desire for a career in the music industry."

Visit www.freezacentral.vic.gov.au (new window) for all program and tour information.  And don't forget to check out our articles archive for more articles about Arts & music or Work & study, as well as our Jobs & careers and Study & training sections for more advice, tips and information.

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