Aug. 21, 2023
Introduction:
I think it's safe to say that pandemic or not, online education is here to stay ? If there ever was a silver lining to one of the toughest phases we have been through as a collective, it's that musicians and artists now have an abundance of options like never before to enhance their skills online at a degree of quality that is arguably unprecedented.
But we're far from being perfect in this new modality. As you've probably noticed by now, the two most popular choices for us in the current eco-system are:
1. Online Courses for self-study.
2. One-on-one mentorship/coaching
Both offer you access to location-independent education regardless of which part of the world you are in. But choosing the right format that works for your specific needs isn't always the easiest decision to make.
So I thought I'd try and shed light some light on the advantages and considerations of each.
Online Courses: Pros & Cons:
1. Structured curriculum.
Pro: Courses offer a systematic approach, with a clear outline of topics, exercises, and assignments.
Con: If you'd like to get a deeper understanding of the material and individualized context, you can be left feeling a little lost.
2. Time and location independence.
Pro: With pre-recorded lessons, you get to study at your own pace and revise whenever needed. So not only are you independent of your location, but your time as well.
Con: This can make accountability a little tricky since you're bearing the additional load of being your own coach when it comes to making sure you are maintaining a productive study routine.
Pro: Many online courses facilitate interaction among students, providing a platform for sharing ideas, collaborations, and networking opportunities.
Con: These communities are never a guarantee of quality feedback. It can be hit or miss and you're also in the midst of people who haven't necessarily figured it out any more than you have. So it can get confusing.
1-on-1 Mentorship: Pros & Cons
1. Personalized guidance
Pro: One-on-one mentorship allows for tailored instruction, specific to the individual's skill level, interests, and goals. So the potential of enhancing the depth of the material you're studying increases manifold.
Con: Your mentor might have approaches that are different from yours. So it might take a while for you to get a feel for it. In the best case scenario, you'll hit it off immediately. In the worst-case scenario, you'll be stuck in a relationship where you feel trapped amidst someone else's projections.
2. Accountability and feedback.
Pro: Regular check-ins and personal feedback from your mentor go a long way in helping stay accountable and provide motivation and most importantly, corrective advice.
Con: This could make you dependent and go into approval-seeking mode without even realizing it!
3. Relationship-building.
Pro: Mentors usually have established sets of real-life experience and a network in their field, which could open doors for you to potential collaborations, gigs, and career opportunities.
Con: Raising false hopes. While your mentor will hopefully genuinely try to help empower you in every way, they are only human themselves and will usually be well-occupied with their own artistic practice themself. It is important to note that while synchronicity is a beautiful thing, it is easily killed by expectations, projections, and murky beliefs regarding the scope and capacity of your relationship.
General overview: other factors to consider:
1. Learning type: This is probably the most important point to consider. Some folks thrive in a structured environment, while others prefer a more personalized approach with more room for interpretation and discussion. What do you think is your optimal learning style? Take a minute to consider this when choosing between a course and mentorship.
2. Timelines: Some courses often have set schedules and deadlines. Some mentorship programs require you to finish within one too. Most courses will give you more flexibility to align with your life-style, so you can explore the material on your own time. 1 on 1 mentorship will require you to be on call at stipulated times.
3. Budget: Courses typically have a fixed fee and give you lifetime access. Mentorship is a more exclusive system where the teacher is taking time out especially for you. So it will always be more expensive. Rates can vary depending on your mentor's expertise, credibility and reputation.
Finding the Right Mentor/Program
1.Research: This is where things get tricky. Thoroughly exploring the mentor's credentials, experience, and teaching style can be a lot of work. Look for interviews, podcasts where you get a feel for their vibe and communications styles. See if you can find testimonials and reviews from previous mentees or students. With courses, this can be easier to deal with, because you are primarily dealing with the material.
2. Compatibility: Seek mentors who align with your artistic goals, values, and preferred genre. A compatible mentor-mentee relationship enhances the learning experience. The opposite results in disaster.
3. Trial sessions: Most mentors will offer a discovery call to assess compatibility and teaching methods. Most online courses will come with a limited-time refund period too.
Combined Coaching: An Alternative Perspective:
Some courses or mentors will offer a combined package wherein you can sign up for 1 on 1 coaching sessions with the author of the course you studied. This can be a fantastic combination as I can confirm both as a mentor and a student. Case in point: my tutelage with Kenny Werner where I got to study with him 1 on 1 after years of studying his books and attending lectures and intensive group courses.
Conclusion:
Deciding between courses and one-on-one mentorship is a matter of personal preference and learning goals. While courses offer a structured learning environment with ample freedom, mentorship provides personalized guidance that could be crucial for you, depending on where you're at in your journey.
Make sure you consider factors like learning style, time & location, commitment, and budget.
And conducting thorough research will help make an informed decision for your learning journey.
Either way, don't forget to enjoy the ride 🙂!
