93: The Importance of Mentorship
A young musician faces an immense range of challenges, decisions, and new situations at the start of their professional life. The vast difference of self-management starkly contrasts the structured environment of a degree program. Gone are the roadmaps, the weekly lessons, the access to facilities and resources, and the syllabi outlining what to learn and where to learn it. Career management, self-promotion, concert programming and preparation, concert travel, and the daily existence of a working musician fill the void. The young freelance musician is on their own—a one-person enterprise navigating a highly competitive field where opportunities are scarce, competition is fierce, and it often takes years to patiently build towards a sustainable career.
Proactively seeking out a mentor is one of the most transformative actions a young musician can take after leaving school. An experienced mentor offers invaluable support by providing wisdom, insider tips, and warnings to avoid potential mistakes. They can also deliver encouragement and advice, guiding young musicians through new challenges. A seasoned mentor helps diffuse tough situations, advising on how to repair mistakes and minimize repercussions. This compassionate guidance builds resilience and confidence, crucial for a young musician's career.
Mentorship played a critical role at the start of my career. Esteemed composer Jennifer Higdon continued to mentor me long after I graduated, providing invaluable experience and guidance. She helped me navigate the complexities of self-publishing, teaching me how to structure the finances and business aspects to maximize my personal income. When I received my first major orchestral commission, I called on Jennifer’s advice on the meticulous care required for part preparation. When I stood before the Philadelphia Orchestra in my early twenties, my expertly prepared parts helped them see me as a serious musician, significantly enhancing the entire experience. I also remember purchasing my first suit on Jennifer’s recommendation as I prepared for a critical interview for a tenure-track teaching position—a job I secured. These lessons repeatedly helped me face new opportunities and present my best self. My music and artistry flourished because I patiently applied Jennifer's wisdom to my budding career.
A young Beethoven famously sought guidance from Haydn, and his diary of expenses includes multiple entries for chocolate and coffee (“for Haidn”), which surely helped facilitate this invaluable relationship. In this spirit, YCA has recently launched an Alumni Mentoring Program, pairing new YCA artists one-on-one with successful YCA alumni who are active in the field. Our goal is to create trusted relationships that provide a space for exploring the myriad topics and challenges facing young working musicians. As our artists transition from their educational environments to active careers as soloists and in-demand performers worldwide, seasoned musicians offer invaluable friendship, insight, and support.
Mentorship allows for the discussion of crucial aspects of a musician’s career, such as concert preparation, program selection, professionalism, and building a supportive network. It also helps with expressing gratitude for opportunities, connecting with audiences, effective communication with managers, and making smart choices about travel logistics and self-care. Mentorship in music is tailored to the unique needs of each young artist, addressing their specific questions, challenges, opportunities, mistakes, and strengths. A primary goal is to create a trusted and safe space for difficult conversations, enabling young artists to open up about career fears and receive tough but beneficial feedback.
Providing mentorship is invaluable for young musicians and serves as a gift to the mentors as well. It offers them the opportunity to give back, connect with the next generation, and refine their ability to articulate and teach their experience. Our shared love for the power of music is deeply enriched by helping young musicians find their footing. Mentors become a special part of their mentees' stories, and witnessing their younger colleagues achieve significant milestones in their careers brings immense pride and joy.
So how does one find a good mentor? A great mentor might be a musician or ensemble that is 5-10 years ahead of where you aspire to be in your career. This person could be someone you look up to and with whom you feel a natural artistic connection. It might also be a seasoned veteran decades further along who believes immensely in your potential. Additionally, an ideal mentor might have a personality that complements yours or shares a similar training and background, creating fertile ground for ongoing discussions around shared experiences. In essence, the best mentorship relationships are those where both mentor and mentee can engage in meaningful and open dialogue, and where learning and growth are invited.
Most young musicians won't find mentors by waiting for them to come along. Instead, taking a proactive approach is essential. Look for opportunities to connect with experienced colleagues over coffee and ask for their advice. Seek out older musicians who can share their life lessons learned during the early stages of their careers. Invite someone to lunch, buy them a drink after a concert, or find another warm way to gather a bit of their time and expertise. A little bit of good career advice can go a long way.
Many successful people look back on their transformative years with fondness for the excitement and joy of taking big steps, stretching, and growing. The first time one does many things professionally often becomes a cherished memory. Warm and encouraging individuals are frequently present during those pivotal moments, offering quiet guidance from the sidelines. Reflecting on life, mentors stand out for the immeasurable impact they have had. I hope that young musicians will embrace this rich tradition of seeking help from their seasoned colleagues.