The Importance of Paying it Forward

I am proud to be a brother of the honorary band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi. As a brother, I am committed to supporting VCU's music program. It brings me great pleasure to give back to the system that provided a life-changing experience for me. My way of showing support to the program is to invest in its individual members, the next generation of musicians. In efforts to do this, I have drawn up a plan for a mentorship program for the VCU music students that I am hoping to start in the fall. Below is my vision. If you are able, please consider supporting this vision with your ideas and/or resources.

Plans for Mentorship Program

By Tara’ Davis

Mission: To support the growth of the music program at VCU by supporting the individual mental well-being, growth, and development of the students.

Projected Start Date: Fall 2022

Target Demographic: VCU music majors

Ideas I’d like to implement:

1. Giving welcome packages to incoming freshman, introducing the program as a resource to them.

2. Biweekly support group for students to talk about any issues they me having as they go through the program. Once a month in person and Zoom once a month.

3. Finding opportunities for students to play gigs in the area so they can learn professionalism and get confidence playing in public.

4. Treating small groups to a meal once a month to facilitate talking and bonding.

5. Once or twice a semester giving every student a care package as a surprise. I’ve noticed students respond well to things like necessities.

6. Finding local businesses to partner with that may be willing to offer discounted goods, services, or opportunities. For example, I have a friend who is an alumnus of the photo/film department. She is willing to partner with me to provide discounted photoshoots for the students. I also own my own massage business. I am willing to offer deeply discounted services to the students. I would just need a place to set up.

7. Educating the students about the importance of self-care and having regular events (monthly?) for them to come and de-stress. (That’s my specialty)

8. Forming a student buddy program, where an upperclassman gets a younger buddy to support and check in with on a regular basis. The person would need to be somehow vetted to make sure they would be a safe person for their buddy.

9. Providing students with information about VCU’s existing resources that can aid them in their success. Examples: TRIO, UCS, SAEO

10. Teaching students the value of utilizing their resources to succeed.

11. Promoting the idea that utilizing mental health services is a sign of strength, not weakness.

12. Providing instrument specific education to the students about the physical toll of playing music as a career and how to prevent repetitive use injuries. (Again, my specialty)

13.Forming a sub-program that addresses the issues of female musicians. This is something that is very important.

14. Planning at least one event during the semester that promotes community amongst the students to decrease the negative effects of competitiveness

15. Promoting a “lift while you climb” concept.

16. Offering workshops about the healing properties of music and sound.

Ideas From My Peers

1. Using some convo time to speak about the benefits of utilizing mental health resources.

2. Having a student liaison (or maybe a recent alumnus) from each of the divisions of the music department to work with the students and hear their needs, desires, ideas, and concerns. The liaison would then voice those issues to the people in power that can make change.

Resources I will need to make this work:

1. Support from the powers that be (not sure who they are yet). I talked to Professor Garcia, and he is all for the idea. I’m also thinking this will be a good thing to run by my KKPSI brothers, as this fits in with exactly what KKPSI stands for.

2. Support from the music faculty who can link me up with others that may want to join me in mentoring the students.

3. Possible support from the University Counseling to facilitate a support group if a mental health professional is required to be present. (Now that I’ve connected with the UCS, I realize this whole program could be something I could establish with that office.

4. Funding to pay for supplies as well as meals. I am wondering if local restaurants would be willing to provide complimentary meals or gift cards. They can write these things off as charitable donations. I also feel like if I get an official okay by someone to do this program that I will get further when working when approaching businesses because I will have some credibility.

5. I would like the opportunity to keep my existing VCU email address and Google drive space beyond my upcoming graduation. I would also like to maintain my affiliation with VCU via a VCU ID and access to the two music buildings.

Desired Outcome:

I believe this program will serve two purposes. It will give music students the extra support they need to succeed and increase their odds of graduating from the music program. It will also help promote the growth of the music program because, once the system is established, it can be used as a tool to present to prospective students as a benefit to choosing VCUarts Music.

My Biggest Resource:

My desire to use the gratitude I have for this life-changing experience by paying it forward and investing in the next generation of musicians.