"Always two there are, a master and an apprentice." - Yoda, Jedi Master

I sometimes think the most important thing I do as a producer, or
consultant, or arranger, or whatever it is I may be doing for folks,
is being a teacher.

There's a reason why I often work one on one with artists rather than
teach large classes or write books, etc. It's because I can have a
real impact by giving individual instruction to someone. Sharing my
experience and all that I have learned in a lifetime of creative
pursuits, while we are creating something and walking through the
experience together.

It's a tradition passed down from the Middle Ages (and apparently in
galaxies far, far away). A master craftsman worked with younger, less
experienced folks who wanted to one day learn to be a master themselves.

Now, I'm not saying I am a master. I am still learning from my mentors
too. But in working with hundreds if not thousands of creative people,
both professional and amateur in my career, there is a certain stored
amount of knowledge that I really need to get rid of (so I have room
for basketball stats and Star Wars quotes!)

There's really no better example of master and apprentice than Jesus
and the disciples. They soaked up every word and deed and then went
out after Him and started the faith we all share now!

And we all hold God as the ultimate craftsman that we seek to emulate
as mini-creators here on Earth.

To be honest, that's why I prefer working with new and upcoming
artists. There's just something exciting about training up a new
minister who is excited and full of creative ideas for the kingdom.

When we finish creating a song, CD, video, or web site we have birthed
a new ministry tool that can actually start to work on it's own.

And now they can use some of that experience to be even stronger on
their next creative projects.

There's an amazing synergy of lives, ideas, visions, and talents that
creates something new with each artist I work with. Each one is
completely unique and as different as individual snowflakes.

Many times these partnerships go on for years, because there is much
to learn. Much to do. Much room to grow.

Here in Nashville, aspiring engineers leap at opportunities to sit at
the feet (or at least somewhere close!) of an award-winning engineer,
just as that engineer once sat soaking up HIS mentor 10 or 20 years ago.

That's why it's so important to find a producer, a fellow artist, or a
consultant who you can work with, bounce ideas off, get some real
constructive criticism from, and learn from.

And yes Virginia, many times you might have to pay for it. I've paid a
professional business coach before, as well as engineers, players,
etc. to get the results that I needed to get better. So shall you if
you want to get to that next phase of what you can do.

So this week examine where you are and if you have someone you can
really learn from and work with.

"A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained
will be like his teacher." - Luke 6:40

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17

Have a great week!

EC
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Eric Copeland is a producer, artist, teacher, student, master,
padawan, and owner of Creative Soul, a production and development
company just outside Nashville, TN. His company works solely with
professional Christian music ministries across the US and the world.

Check out what Eric has to say in new videos as well as new web pages,
check out http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com.

Introducing "CREATIVE HEAVEN"
A New Service from Creative Soul and Indieheaven.

IndieHeaven, the leading portal for independent Christian artists and
Creative Soul, a Nashville-based Christian artist development,
production, and label services company are joining forces to bring
high end production and promotional services to discerning indie
artists ready to move to a whole new level. For a press release to
learn more go to http://www.indieheaven.com/creativeheaven.php

The CIA Summit
THE Independent Christian Artist Conference

If you only go to one conference this year, make it the CIA Summit
here in Nashville, TN.

WHAT IS THE CIA SUMMIT?
The CIA Summit is a conference focused on providing accurate and
truthful information to independent Christian artists who are pursuing
their God given calling in music ministry. Other independent based
conferences focus on how to break into the Christian Music Industry.
The CIA Summit focuses on breaking artists out of the mindset that the
only way to succeed is by being signed to a record label. Times have
changed, the music industry is struggling to survive. At the CIA
Summit, we will share info on the changes taking place, and how an
artist can fulfill their calling without being dependent on others for
their success. For more information, click over to
http://www.ciasummit.com