What are the benefits of learning audio mixing from a mentor?

This is definitely something that requires an interactive process. You can be told what to do and what to listen for, but at the end of the day (or morning, if you work all night!) it takes ears to discern the elements that need to be better balanced. It takes knowledge to know what to do about those balances. It takes experience to know when to take something out completely or put something new in. You will go back and forth with your mentor until you've dialled in what you wanted and you're thrilled with it.

Mozart: "A symphony is a very complex musical form and you are still young. Perhaps you should start with something simpler, like a concerto." Young Composer: "But Herr Mozart, you were writing symphonies when you were 8 years old." Mozart: "Yes, but I never asked anyone how." It is not necessary to have a mentor, but it can certainly help those who want to pursue something they see others partaking in that they also want to pursue. If someone wants to play football well coaching is a no-brainer. With audio it is less important, because the world of audio is so dynamic, but those at the top have skills that those at the bottom will certainly learn from. Their experience and wisdom is also going to be invaluable from an industry perspec.

I once hired a professional producer with years of experience on Fiverr to give me feedback on my projects. I was beginning to produce and had no idea why my productions didn't sound the way I wanted them to. I was lucky enough to find a great producer, that gave me a comprehensive Word document with several ways to improve my music production skills. He went from sample and instrument selection to stereo imaging. It gave me so much insight and pointed to concepts I had no idea existed. Also, and I think this is crucial, it saved me time figuring this out on my own. One of the best investments I have made!

I've been a GRAMMYU mentor and run a program through my studio to work with audio engineers of all backgrounds and not only is personalized feedback and having access to someones network a huge benefit but guidance through the minefield of establishing a creative life and learning how to sustain it is incredibly beneficial. A lot of folks look at the short term solution (tips and tricks, etc) but the long term relationship and experience on how to remain in that life for months and years is where mentorship really shines.

Discovering a mentor in a creative field like this offers numerous advantages. Seek out individuals with substantial experience in your specific area of interest and remain receptive to their guidance. As an Assistant Engineer, I was taken aback when I observed the Chief Mixer "mixing" while I was in the process of aligning the tape machine with an MRL reference tape. Upon inquiry, I learned that mastering the intricacies of mixing allows one to establish a foundation on the mixing desk, incorporating light EQ, compression, reverbs, and more. This advice was not only enlightening but also transformative, leading me to adopt it as a systematic approach in my work.

While learning from YouTube will never replace the unique relationship of a mentor and mentee, it does offer a variety of different approaches to building a mix and applying compression, EQ, and FX chains.

Asking someone who knows how to do something on how to do that specific thing will certainly help you get there. Understanding how, or why, to get there requires a good teacher/mentor. I have been lucky to have had many mentors in the field of music and audio, and I have taught hundreds of students as a Music Tech Teacher for ten years at a 6th Form College. Unfortunately, in the world of Youtube, many audio myths and quick easy fixes are glossed over, misrepresented because of conflicting interests not stated by the video's creator, or are outright misunderstood by that creator. The world of audio is frequently oversimplified, misunderstood, and on many occasion it is treated with contempt by those who make a living representing it.

Este es uno de los principales motivos para tener un mentor. Se vuelve un proveedor de consejos que te ayudarán a invertir mejor tu tiempo; y no solo eso, sino que te explicará por qué y cómo lo hace, con lujo de detalle.

Mentors have hands-on experience and can share practical insights, shortcuts, and techniques that aren’t always found in books or online courses. These tips streamline your workflow and make your process more efficient.

The music industry has changed a lot over the past 100 years. It started out primarily as sheet music, then vinyl records, somewhat cassette, CDs, and now streaming and downloads. It's been a fragile and very dynamic industry with the wealthiest earning billions and the majority not nearly earning quite so much. A well-connected and pro-active mentor can really help a new-comer break into the industry, although success is never guaranteed for that person. Connections really help, and people are the backbone of this industry.

Mentors with real-world experience often have valuable insights into the industry, including current trends, business strategies, and networking opportunities. They can introduce you to their professional circle, which can open doors for collaborations and gigs.

I went into mixing as a heavy metal musician and fan. When I came out of training, I was working with reggae and R&B and Hip Hop groups and developed a huge appreciation for those styles of music and rhythms. By learning what to listen for and what to appreciate in a mixdown, I learned to enjoy a much wider breadth of music than I would have otherwise.

Si tu mentor también es tu fuente de inspiración o de admiración, estás del otro lado. Admirar el trabajo de tu mentor es clave para hacer las preguntas clave que lograrán llevar tus mezclas al siguiente nivel.

While monitoring you, a mentor will push you out of your comfort zone, offering creative challenges that help you grow as an artist. Their perspectives and suggestions can spark new ideas and elevate your creativity.

Cuando aprendemos a disfrutar la música o el trabajo que hay detrás del audio que estamos manejando, todo fluirá de mejor manera. Respetar y entender por qué hacemos diferentes procesos es clave para entregar una mezcla demoledora. No te fíes nunca ni siquiera de tus plantillas, cada canción o trabajo es un tema que debe tratarse por sí mismo

When choosing a mentor, consider their area of expertise, teaching style, and compatibility with your learning preferences. Mentorship is a two-way relationship that thrives on good communication, so finding the right fit will ensure you gain the most from the experience.

The benefit is that of possibilities. Watching and learning from a professional engineer goes beyond anything on YouTube. Being in the room and seeing how problems get solved in the moment is invaluable. The main thing I learned from this experience is that there is more than one way to solve a problem, and sometimes the strangest and illogical path is the right one. Don't be afraid to try something. You will fail, sometimes spectacularly, but what you learn along the way will help you forge your own style and path.