Every Musician Has A Mentor: Who is Yours?

by Cari Cole

Every musician, had a mentor — a person who, in one way or another, inspired them to plug in their guitar or step up to the mic.

Mentor / men-tor, noun:

1. A wise or trusted advisor or guide.
2. An influential senior sponsor or supporter.

I want to take this moment (for Thank Your Mentor Day, Jan. 26) to really acknowledge those people who have inspired me in my life – I want to sing their praises. I hope it will inspire you to sing the praises of the people in your life who have inspired you!

I’ve had several mentors and teachers, whose influence, and encouragement made me more than I thought I could be. My first mentor taught me the two things that have carried me through life probably the best of all – music first, and second, the power of perspective. A classical musician she gave me the gift of music, and as a psychologist and theologian she gave me the gift of introspection. My mother taught me guitar when I was six (she was a classical pianist – I still don’t know how she did that), and she also taught me, from her many studies in psychology and theology, that personal inquiry was a great advantage – and includes seeking psychological wisdom outside of yourself. So I never thought twice about becoming a musician or about inquiring into one’s self – kind of deeply. Being quite stubborn myself, I wouldn’t always listen to advice, but still I wanted to know it. That advice gave me a sort of barometer to gauge myself by and a reflection in the mirror to see myself in.

My second mentor was my older sister Marta. Yeah, we argued like sisters do (me being the younger, or course I was the nuisance), but she was my first idol – I wanted to be like her – to play guitar and sing just like her. She was dreamy.

The next few were my teachers. There was Mrs. Lindquist in third grade whose big compassionate heart was just what I needed, and my art teacher Mr. Justad in junior high who recognized my talent for drawing and my English teacher Ms. Tyson who encouraged my passion for writing. They nurtured and fostered my natural talents, and that was huge for my confidence.

My vocal teacher Katherine Agresta – I studied with her for 8 years and taught for her studio for several years before founding my own – was a guiding light in the formation of my voice and teaching career. Katy was a great resource from which I learned everything there was to know about the technical voice and made me the singer and teacher I am today. I sing her praises as a gift from the gods in my life and profession.

My trusted advisor/therapist, Serina Seligman, taught me to see the world with more objectivity, clarity and perspective, which enabled me to be free of the problems and challenges that clouded my vision – priceless.

My spiritual mentors, the amazing don Miguel Ruiz (author of The Four Agreements) & Rita Rivera (who taught Miguel’s philosophy) both showed me the path to healing, the keys to forgiveness, and how to live without fear and in the presence of your own love.

My business coach, the brilliant Christine Kane, has shown me how to build a business completely congruent with my true passion, how to find my tribe of followers, and that there are no limits to what you can do. I have learned so much from her example.

Most recently, my spiritual teacher Brian Emmanuelle Grey has paved new internal ground for me in the area of self-trust and honor, that gives me an even greater knowing and confidence in my life’s path and purpose – again – priceless stuff.

Having mentors is about growing, pushing boundaries, learning, probing, seeking and allowing someone to guide you in the direction that is yours – more than you could do on your own.

So the next time, when you recognize in someone, the ability to improve your world – don’t push it away – it could change your life.

January is National Mentoring Month, and Thursday, January 26, 2012 is Thank Your Mentor Day. Who is your mentor? Take a moment to pay tribute to yours and post your thank you below!

©2012 Cari Cole, Vocal Mag, Inc. All Rights Reserved.