AOC 006: The Pathway to Mastery, Part 3 – Beyond the Apprencticeship

Episode 6 of the Art of Composing Podcast. In this episode, we look at what it takes to find a mentor and how to get the most out of the experience.
What is in this episode:

* Finding the ideal mentor.
* Four strategies for receiving the ideal mentorship.
* Cultivating your social intelligence.

Support the Podcast!
Click Here to go to Jon's Patreon page, and support the podcast!

http://patreon.com/artofcomposing
Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:

* Mastery by Robert Greene

Episode 6 Take Aways

* Anyone wishing to master a field must go through years of deliberate practice. This practice can be maximized by having a wise mentor guiding the process.
* Finding a mentor can be a little difficult though, so you need to make sure you are actively seeking one, and not just hoping for it to happen.
* Make sure you bring something to the table as well. Most people are happy to pass on their knowledge and expertise, but realize that they are more than likely busier than you, and so you can help simplify their lives by bringing your unique skill sets to the relationship.

Once you have found a mentor, utilize these four strategies for the ideal mentorship:

* Choose the mentor according to your needs and inclinations. Have a clear understanding of where you want to go, and find a mentor who can help you get there.
* Gaze deep into the mentor’s mirror. Be willing to accept your mentor's criticism and difficult tasks. They will help you grow.
* Transfigure their ideas. Don't just passively accept everything your mentor tells you. Make their ideas your own by wrestling with them, changing them, rephrasing them, and even discarding the ones you don't agree with. This usually happens later in the relationship.
* Create a back-and-forth dynamic. Finally, realize that you too have a contribution to make to your mentor, and they can learn from you.

In the end, both of you are people, and you have the opportunity to build a life-long friendship with like minded individuals that is mutually beneficial. Don't take that lightly.
Transcript
Welcome back to another episode of the art of composing podcast. As I said in the introduction, this podcast is all about learning to compose music.

Well what does that mean exactly? Well I want you to understand not just the technical side of composing, which we will talk about in future episodes, but I also want you to understand the emotional side as well. What kind of emotions are you going to be feeling along the way? What are the big mistakes that you can make on the pathway to composing? How do you master the subject?

You see, the pathway to mastery is fraught with danger. Many people never succeed in mastering anything in their life accept causing trouble for themselves and others.

How do you avoid this fate?

In this episode, we'll look at two more factors in mastering music composition.

These are - finding a mentor and learning social intelligence.

This episode will be the final in the series on mastery. As most people who listen to this show will more than likely be in the apprenticeship phase, I don't yet want to focus on what to do when you reach the creative/active pha...