Co-Pilot is an online mentoring network that offers eight hours of support over six months. You’ll also gain access to resources, workshops, and networking opportunities to help you advance your career.
The application is simple and takes just 30–60 minutes!
You’ll need to provide basic information about your career and write three paragraphs (up to 500 words each):
- A biography that highlights your key achievements.
- An outline of your plans for the next 12 months and how they align with your career goals.
- An explanation of why mentoring would be beneficial to your career right now.
To help you make the best application possible, we’ve prepared a few tips!
TIP 1: Check Your Eligibility
To apply you must:
- Be an active music creator of any genre, able to demonstrate your work.
- Have earned some income from music in the past two years.
- Be 18 or older, living and eligible to work in the UK.
- Have less than £10,000 in savings.
- Have an active project or specific career focus for mentoring.
- Commit to Co-Pilot activities and have time to apply what you learn
If you meet these criteria, you can start your application by registering with Help Musicians. Registration takes less than five minutes!
TIP 2: Apply through The Ivors Academy
Applying to Co-Pilot as an Ivors Academy member comes with added benefits:
- Application Support: Access exclusive recordings of Information Sessions held earlier this month.
- Reapply for More Mentoring: Typically, mentees have to wait 12 months before reapplying, but Academy members can reapply immediately.
To apply through The Ivors Academy, simply provide your membership number.
Not a member yet? Join easily via our website. We offer an Early Career membership for music creators aged 18–24, in Higher or Further Education, or recent graduates (within the last three years) at just £4.67 per month.
TIP 3: Use SMART Goals
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
Here’s an example of a SMART goal for a songwriter:
‘Over the next 12 months, I will collaborate with at least five different artists, including at least one signed with an independent or major label, to co-write new songs. I’ll reach out to these artists by networking at industry events, connecting on social media, and leveraging contacts from previous projects. Collaborating with multiple artists will help me broaden my experience, explore different styles, and put me closer to my goal of making songwriting a full-time career.’
This is a SMART goal because:
- Specific: The goal is to collaborate with five artists, with at least one signed to a label.
- Measurable: Success can be measured by reaching the target of five collaborations.
- Achievable: Given the songwriter’s experience and current industry connections, this goal is realistic and within reach.
- Relevant: Building a portfolio of collaborations is essential to the songwriter’s professional growth and visibility.
- Time-Bound: The goal is set to be accomplished within 12 months.
TIP 4: Be Detailed About How Mentoring Can Help Achieve Your Goals
Remember, Co-Pilot is a mentee-led programme. Mentors are there to support your vision, but you need to take the lead. Consider the following when describing how a mentor can help:
- Identify Skills or Knowledge You Need: Think about areas where you need guidance.
- Highlight Specific Challenges: If there are particular hurdles you’re facing, explain how a mentor’s experience could help you overcome these obstacles.
- Define Concrete Outcomes: Describe any clear outcomes you want from the mentoring process.
TIP 5: Tailor Your Application for Co-Pilot
Don’t copy and paste content from other applications. Write responses that are specific to Co-Pilot to show your commitment and understanding of the programme.
TIP 6: Proofread Your Application
Have someone else review your application, especially if they’re unfamiliar with your plans. They can provide feedback on clarity and point out areas that may need more explanation.
