MMP Summary

The Music Mentorship Program (MMP) run by Eric Owyoung is a private mentoring program offering individual music instruction online.  Emphasizing the creation of songs, recording, and mixing, the one on one instruction with Eric offers higher learning beyond other internet resources such as instructional videos.  The course is customized to your area of desire to learn, and the instruction is basically discussion and practice with Eric over the internet.  Using a combination of live video sessions and CD quality live streaming technology, Eric is able to work with your songs while discussing the progress in person.  Live screensharing the Pro Tools sessions enables students to view the process while discussing concepts and ideas.  Each session is also video captured and given to the students for their own review.  For serious musicians only who are wanting and willing to be challenged and expand their musical abilities and ideas.

Why was MMP was created?

I learned and studied music as a kid before the world wide web existed.  This meant that anyone truly wanting to be educated had to find a way to attend a college.  I’m amazed now to see that with YouTube and other internet resources, someone can learn just about anything without having to walk into a single classrooms.  However, something extremely vital that is missing in much of the internet education available on the internet is the one-on-one mentorship and direct contact with a real, live, mentor.  The live apprenticeship experience is a valuable but missing component in most musician’s education.

I want to help in guiding musicians who are serious about learning.  As you consider applying for this program, think of this mentorship as a short season in which you will have continuous access to a mentor to guide, develop, and help you become more of the musician you want to be.

What can I expect from MMP?

We will have many email exchanges in which your questions will be answered in a regular and timely fashion.  Musical concepts will be presented and discussed in relation to the project(s) you choose to work on.  Initially we will have a Skype or phone conversation to discuss your specific goals.  During each following week, we will have regular online sessions to work interactively on musical assignments.  In a nutshell, private instruction time.

Unlike an online music course, this program is designed to focus on what YOU are currently working on and creating.  This will push you to the next level and your current project will be the medium to work with in order for you to move forward in what you are creatively striving for.  If you are not currently working on a project, I can offer structure and guidance in finding material to work with that will help you the most.

What subjects could be covered in MMP?

What you learn is really up to you!  That is what makes this a tailored mentorship/apprenticeship rather than a class.  Here are a few ideas that may be on your list:

- Songwriting

- Song Arrangement

- Music Recording and Production

- Orchestration (strings, brass, woodwinds, etc.)

- Music Theory and Practice

- Mixing

- Music Business

- Band Rehearsing

- Touring

- Personal guidance as an artist

How Does it Work?

This is what a typical 5 week mentorship might look like:

Upon signing up - As soon as you sign up for the mentorship and your application has been accepted, we set up a time to meet over Skype or phone.  We will discuss in detail where you are musically, where you want to be, and what goals and projects you have in mind to develop.  Based on this first meeting, we will draw up a Project Plan and I will send it to you via email.  Once you approve of the Project Plan, we begin the mentorship.

Each following week - From there, each week we will have a 1-hour skype session to work on your project (totalling 5 sessions).  The key factor for those who are working on song arrangement and production, will be the Skype screen sharing sessions in which the tracks from your project will be put into a ProTools session.  You will then be able to see and hear (in stereo) as I make suggested changes, tweaks, and additions to your tracks.  A huge benefit to the program is being delivered a video (mp4) of each of your hour long sessions.  These sessions are yours to review, keep on file, and reference for as long as you’d like to keep them.

While the initial Skype/phone conversation is part of the 5 week program, the 5week period itself does not officially begin until you receive the Project Plan.  The last weeks meeting will consist of an overall evaluation as well as any discussions on whether or not the mentorship should continue for another 5 week period.

What Equipment Do I Need?

If your goals are less hands on and you are looking more for discussion and guidance, then you don’t need anything except a computer or phone for Skype.  However, this mentorship is really best suited for those who are working on songs, arranging them, and recording them.  In this case, you will need the following:

- A recording platform or DAW (digital audio workstation) to record music.  It could be as simple as GarageBand or in depth as Pro Tools.

- A mic or microphones (or virtual instruments) to record with

- For Skype sessions:  A computer or iPad with headphones and mic.  Higher quality headphones are a plus, but not required.  If you have studio monitors and a microphone input into skype, this would be ideal.

After working on your song, you will be given a link to upload your individual tracks.  Once I have those, I will create a Pro Tools session with your tracks.  Via Skype meeting and a special high fidelity music casting software, we will be able to do hands-on work together on with your project as we discuss it.  You will be able to simultaneously see (through Skype screen-sharing) and hear (in high quality stereo) as we work on the session together.

Your internet connection is key to a successful session.  A download speed of at least 4Mbps is necessary, however speeds above 10Mbps are best.  To test your speed on a computer, simply go to http://www.speedtest.net.  For iOS devices, download https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speed-test-speedsmart-wifi/id366593092?mt=8.  If you plan on being at a coffee shop with several people on wifi, be sure to do a speed test before arranging a session there.  Sessions can be done on computer, iPad, iPhone, Android, etc, however screen size will affect the ability to clearly see what is being done in the session.

How much does the tuition cost?

The five week program tuition is $500 with a satisfaction guarantee.  Students already enrolled in an accredited educational program can get a 20% discount.  A satisfaction guarantee assures that your individually designed Project Plan will be completed to a satisfactory level.

How do I apply for MMP?

Applicants will be accepted into enrollment based on a variety of factors such musical experience, availability, and scheduling.  It is not necessarily limited to any age or particular skill level.  For the most part, I want to work with people whom I know will really grow from the experience.  The gratifying part of this program for me is watching musicians unlock new places of creativity.  To apply, please copy and paste these questions and email them to eric@futureofforestry.com:

Name:

Name of Artist or Band:

Age:

Address:

Email Address:

Cell Phone:

Skype Address:

Student of an Accredited Education Program?  (If yes, please name institution. If your application is accepted, you will be required to show school I.D)
 

What aspirations do you have in music?  What do you most want to learn?

What do you already feel are your musical strengths?

What musical skills do you feel you are most lacking in?

Describe what motivates you in music?  What motivates you to apply to this program?

What musical instrument(s) do you play?  On the songs links (see below) what instruments did you play?

What is your musical training (theory, private lessons, college)?

What DAW do you use (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, Garage Band, FL Studio, etc)?

How would you rate your knowledge in your DAW?  (1-being you’ve just figured out how to turn it on and 10 being that you could teach a college class on it)

Do you have access to internet speeds as required for the MMP sessions (see section on “What equipment do I need?”)  If so, please indicate your download from your speed test results.

Do you have a flexible schedule for one hour skype calls/sessions per week?  If not, please list your weekly un-availability here.  PLEASE CONVERT YOUR TIMES TO MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME:

Please copy and paste YouTube links of 2 songs (not yours) that inspire you and represent the genre of music you are wanting to create in.  In other words, you want to your music to sound this good:

Please copy and paste links of 2 of your OWN songs.  They can be studio recordings or just home demos, however, please send whatever you have done that you are most proud of!

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About Eric Owyoung:
Eric Owyoung studied classical music and music education at Boston University. His career in classical music began to overlap and transition into rock/pop music as well as the recording industry.  As an artist on the EMI record label, he recorded with various prolific, talented producers.  Eventually, his experience led him to produce and mix his own music, which has been featured on various television shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Oprah, Sixteen and Pregnant, various MTV shows, and commercials for companies such as Hyundai.  His classical music background provides a unique approach to making and teaching modern music.