6 top tips for a successful mentorship

Thinking about applying for the 23% Mentorship?

Former mentee and mentor Lucy G. Rash shares her top tips about making the most of the opportunity

Applications are open now and close Sunday 3 May
 

1. A quick overview

The 23% Mentorship is for emerging and established women and gender diverse Australian APRA AMCOS members at a pivotal stage in their career. This includes non-binary, trans, gender non-conforming and other non-cis male gender expressions. 
 
14 positions are open in total – 10 for members living in Australia and 4 for members living in the UK, Europe and North America.  

This is a six-month mentorship, where you’ll meet with your mentor at least once face-to-face, and an additional 5 meetups (via video, phone, etc). Mentees are paired with an industry pro to receive 1-on-1 guidance. 

You’ll also receive an AU$3,000 honorarium to cover any mentorship-related expenses. 

Sounding good so far? Let’s get to the application. 
 

2. 'Think carefully about what matters to you'

Give yourself plenty of time to read the application form, and brainstorm your answers first.  The application form is a mix of short (up to 150 words) and long (up to 300 words) answers. 

Photo: Nick Manuell
 

3. Be specific in your application

Lucy continues: “If you have an idea of who you’d love to work with as a mentor, feel free to say so. If you have particular outcomes in mind, outline them in a clear and measurable way. Numbered dot points (or subheadings) are great for this. The more tangible your goals are, the easier it is for us to understand how the mentorship can genuinely support you!  

“I personally love reading applications from artists who have taken the time to reflect on why they’re applying for this specific program, while still remaining open to what the experience might become. That balance of intention and flexibility can feel like a really powerful place to start.” 

So, whether you’re planning your first EP, touring, or looking for marketing expertise, be specific about what kind of assistance you’re after, and identify the gaps in your current knowledge. We want to know why this mentorship is perfect for you at this stage in your music career. 

4. Have a preferred mentor on the list? Let us know!

Speaking of being specific, if you’d like to be paired with a particular mentor, let us know in your application. "Take the time to research the mentors and think about who might be the right fit for you," says Lucy.
"When I was mentee in 2024, I chose my mentor Xylo Aria very intentionally. I looked into her work and articulated clearly in my application why I felt we’d be a great match, both creatively and professionally. Don’t be afraid to be specific about what you want and who you want to work with.”

See the 2026 list of potential mentors here. 

5. 'A successful mentorship is about how you show up'

Let’s jump ahead to how to make the most of your mentorship while it’s running. 
 
Lucy G. Rash: “I would recommend setting aside at least 30-60 minutes before and after each session. Use that time to arrive with clarity and then to reflect afterwards - what you discussed, what felt important and what you feel your next steps are. I think it's generally easier to stay in the thinking phase, but the real growth comes from action. If you can carve out the space to reflect and follow through, I reckon you’ll be amazed at how much momentum you can build! 
 
APRA AMCOS has kept the structure intentionally loose – it’s up to you to set your own direction in order for you to make the most of the opportunity! 
 
You are the captain of your mentor-ship! ⛵🥹 

6. A word from our Class of 2025