Description for Mentorship Year 2025-2026

What Does Mentorship provide?

Mentorship includes:

• • • • • 1 year analysis of music program with constructive feedback from the CMAA Mentor.
        • Regular communication with esteemed CMAA Mentor (scheduled Zoom and/or phone calls and sharing of resources, etc.).
        • The development of a goal-oriented plan of achievable improvements. This will be discussed shortly after the beginning of the mentorship in collaboration between parish and mentor.
        • Parish visit of Mentor to Mentee’s parish to collaborate and experience parish program. Ideally, this visit would include a chance to observe choir rehearsals and weekend liturgies.
        • Invitation for Mentee to visit the Faculty Mentor’s music program.
        • Solid application of Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony as paradigm. Depending on status of current parish repertory, a plan to increase the use of this music at the parish, keeping in mind the local parish situation and the best way to gradually implement positive changes that will please pastor, DoM and parishioners.

What can mentorship provide for the pastor and parish?

• • • • • Sacred music from the prayerful depths of the Church’s treasury of inestimable value
        • Improved accountability and support for your parish musicians
        • Goal-oriented approach, with solid steps for bolstering musical development
        • Fresh ideas about how to achieve great outcomes, and excellent advice in tried and true ways for developing excellent sacred music programs
        • A hands-on model in how to develop your music program

What are some expectations the CMAA will require of applicants?

• • • • • Working knowledge of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony within the parish setting
        • Desire of the pastor and musicians to develop in excellence in their celebration of the sacred liturgy
        • High level of musicianship as choral director and/or organist, with a desired area of focus
        • Humility and patience in receiving constructive criticism from CMAA faculty
        • Prayer as the heart of one’s musical gifts, in service to the Church
        • A financial commitment from the parish in order to fund the Mentor’s and Mentee’s travel expenses and the mentorship fee

What is the process and what is required for consideration?

• • • • • Completion of an application into the program (must be fully supported by pastor and Mentee).
        • If selected, completion of agreement document to outline details of mutually-agreed expectations and desired outcomes.
        • If selected, Mentee will work with assigned Mentor to develop a schedule for visit(s), mentorship sessions, and other key dates.
          • Required multi-day visit of Mentee to CMAA Mentor’s parish/seminary to experience choir rehearsals and sacred liturgies. 
          • CMAA Mentors will similarly visit the Mentee’s parish for consultation. Expenses will be covered by mentorship parish, including mentorship fee, travel, and lodging of Mentor.
          • Zoom meetings/phone calls with CMAA Mentor on a regular basis for the period of one year.

Preliminary Information:

• • • • • Applications are currently being accepted until July 18, 2025
        • Application review and interviews August 14, 2025.
        • Decisions complete by August 30, 2025.
        • Agreements completed by September 15, 2025.
        • Primary mentorship period October 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026.
        • Summer schedule June 1 – August 30, 2026.
        • Mentor prepares progress review September 1-30, 2026.
        • Follow-up and review by September 30, 2026.