NAMM YP Launches Fall 2022 Mentorship Class

The NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP) has announced it has paired seven mentees and mentors in a year-long mentorship experience beginning Nov. 15. This grouping marks NAMM YP’s 10th class since its Mentorship Program launched in 2018. Participants in this class include individuals from industry companies, such as Taylor Guitars, The Music People, Korg USA, Martin Guitars, Instrumental Music Center, Shure, Sweetwater and more.

“I’m so incredibly proud of the growth and success of this program,” said Jeremy Payne, NAMM YP president. “After an applicant applies online, our board has a discussion with each mentee, and they’re thoughtfully matched with an appropriate mentor from the industry who will help them grow. That’s a ton of volunteer work and our industry owes the board a great debt of gratitude. This work is ensuring the future leadership of our industry, and I’m happy to say the future is looking very bright.”

Mentors and mentees who embark on the mentorship journey together can expect a year-long educational journey with meetings together at least once a month.

“We provide a handbook and other resources to guide the experience,” Payne said. “The aim is for mentors to develop and guide mentees towards effective decision-making and not just provide them the answers they need. The age-old saying, ‘Give someone a fish and they’ll eat for a day, teach them to fish they’ll eat for a lifetime,’ is how I always explain how the mentorship experience should go.

“Mentorship is important. This program is life-changing on so many levels,” Payne continued. “We want to pair as many young people in our industry as possible, and I challenge the leaders around our industry to let their staff members know this program exists and encourage them to sign-up. It’s free for all NAMM Member company employees.”

Those interested in becoming a mentor or mentee can sign-up for future classes at nammyp.org.