Finding the Right Mentor: A Game-Changer for Your Music Career

Listen up: when you’re grinding in the music industry—hustling to get your sound out there, juggling gigs, and trying to keep your business in order—a mentor can be that hidden advantage you never knew you needed. A great mentor isn’t just going to hand you tips; they’ll open doors, connect you with the right people, and keep you in check when the hype starts rolling in.

1. Figure Out Your Needs

Start with some real talk about what you want. Is it somebody to help you refine your flow on stage? Someone to break down the business side so your finances don’t get messy? Or maybe a fresh perspective on branding and social media? Narrowing down exactly what you need will help you find the right person, instead of just any person.

2. Plug Into Your Network

Your future mentor might be the producer hanging in your local scene, a label rep at a conference, or even that friend of a friend who’s killing it in the game. Don’t sleep on your local open mics, music meetups, and events. The best connections often come from genuine conversations in places you already vibe.

3. Make It a Two-Way Street

Mentors want to know you’re bringing something to the table, too—like fresh ideas, a good work ethic, and a hunger to learn. Show genuine interest in their journey, ask real questions, and be upfront about your goals. When they see how committed you are, they’ll be more excited to invest in your success.

4. Keep It 100

Respect is everything. If you say you’re going to show up, be there early. If you get feedback, listen up and follow through. Keep communication clear and honest—mentorship thrives on trust. Remember: real respect goes both ways.

5. Stay Open to Feedback

Growth isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it feels awkward or even hurts your pride a little. But if you’re serious about leveling up, you’ve got to be cool with getting called out on things you could do better. That’s where real progress happens.

6. Tie It Back to the 6 Pillars at 6 Square Academy

We’ve got six pillars that’ll guide you to a solid, well-rounded music career. A mentor can help you work through each one:

1. Artistic Development is your craft, push boundaries, and stay original.

2. Industry Knowledge, Get that inside scoop on contracts, publishing, and how to move in this business.

3. Marketing and Branding: Build a brand that’s authentic to who you are so fans can’t help but notice you.

4. Performance Skills: Rock the stage, own your presence, and connect with your audience on a personal level.

5. Business Management: Learn to handle your money, sign deals smartly, and stay on top of your career plan.

6. Networking and Relationships: Forge genuine connections that lead to real collaborations and opportunities.

   
   

Ready to Make That Move?

A solid mentor can save you from unnecessary headaches and keep you focused on what matters most—your art and your growth. Be proactive, be honest, and you’ll be surprised at how people in this industry are more than willing to pass on the wisdom they’ve gained.

Looking for more guidance? We’ve got your back at 6 Square Academy. Contact me, Jay Lawrence at jay@6squareacademy.org , and let’s see how we can help you elevate your game. Remember, your talent is the spark, but the right mentorship can fan it into a full-blown flame.