Special Feature
As mentors we are being called to give back to those who come next, to those that are coming up behind us, the next generation of music creators, producers, filmmakers, broadcasters, writers, musicians and perhaps most importantly—the next generation of humans. We are their teachers, their role models, their guides. They count on us to give them pertinent, relevant information about our art, our careers, and yes, about what it means to be a man or woman in a beautiful world in a bunch of turmoil.
But what are we to do when our apprentices don’t show up for their session, blow us off, or flake? What are we supposed to do when one of our or more than one of our students don’t hold up their end of the bargain, and fail to show up, or show up unprepared or recalcitrant?
My answer is this: breathe and remember.
That is breathe in and remember that we too have failed at times. Maybe we’ve failed to show up, have come in unprepared, or not prepared at all. Maybe we’ve had times when we’ve been distracted, haven’t been up to speed, or have been consumed by a personal problem.
Doubt, lack of confidence, being distracted, or undergoing a crisis of some sort, all of these can leave us fragmented and off-kilter as human beings. The advent of pain is also an opportunity for the mentor to guide their apprentice with a firm but empathic knowingness. Pain, discomfort and setbacks are all inevitable for all of us. How to persevere in times of trouble is one of the most powerful lessons you can teach, one that can profoundly change someone’s life forever.
