Peer Mentor Program
Portland Youth Philharmonic’s Peer Mentor Program pairs middle school music students with experienced PYP musicians for FREE or low cost, half-hour private music lessons on their instruments.
“Our PYP mentor did a great job with my son. She helped grow his love for playing and gave him an extra little boost of confidence to try out for a solo at school. Her encouragement and knowledge were invaluable, and she made learning both enjoyable and motivating. We truly appreciate the positive impact she had on his growth as a musician.”
Peer Mentee Parent
Our PYP musician mentors are high school or college students who have benefited from private lessons for years. They are eager to share their experience and knowledge with young, enthusiastic musicians. The individual attention these young musicians receive in private study will allow them to work on areas of their playing specific to their needs, and to explore music at their own pace.
“Thank you for giving this opportunity to me. Mentoring my mentee has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. “
Peer Mentor Musician
How to get involved
- Apply for the program
Apply for our 2026-2027 season! New applicants for the Fall Term encouraged to apply by September 19th.
If you are a PYP student looking to mentor a community musician, please use this link.
If you are a musician in our community looking for a mentor, please use this link.
- Program term length
Each term allows for 8 half-hour lessons, or 4 60-minute lessons per term, however the pairs decide to divide the time.
- Fall term runs October 3, 2026 through December 5, 2026.
- Winter term runs January 2, 2027 through February 27, 2027.
- Spring term runs March 13, 2027 through May 8, 2027.
Terms are able to be adjusted for school breaks. Each student and their mentor will establish a timeline together.
All orchestral string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments are taught based on PYP musician availability. Piano lessons are not offered.
Mentoring may take place online, at the mentee’s or mentor’s home, or other agreed upon location. Pairs, and their families, should work together to find the best mutually agreeable option. PYP practice rooms are not available at this time, however will become an option as PYP building renovations progress.
- Investment
Mentee tuition is $80 per term (of 8 half-hour lessons, or 4 hour lessons).
Financial aid is available! Please contact Maluhia Ose, PYP’s Community Programs Manager, with questions or for more information: maluhia@portlandyouthphil.org.
- Attendance Expectations
Students who participate in the Peer Mentor Program are expected to attend all lessons. Should a student find it necessary to cancel a lesson, the instructor must be notified at least 24 hours in advance. Any last minute cancellations by the mentee will not be made up and will count towards the total number of lessons received by the student. Cancellations by the mentor will be made up.
“We are grateful to have this affordable learning opportunity. My son learned lots of playing techniques, useful practicing and playing habits, and instrument care tips. Yes, we would recommend the Peer Mentor Program to families who are considering private lessons because it is affordable and gets students familiar with a one-on-one lesson.”
Peer Mentee Parent