By the time he was 14 years old, my father, Bob, was already a highly sought-after pianist – or, as he was often described, a piano entertainer. Playing at weddings, civic club events and solo recitals, he had earned a reputation in his hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, as a talented and dependable performer.
What few people knew was that he had endured years of physical and emotional abuse while growing up with a violent, alcoholic father. His children, including me, did not learn about this part of his life until much later. He told us that music had been his escape from a difficult home environment. Yet despite his talent, by age 14 he had reached a plateau in his musical development.
Then he found Mrs. Mary Reeder, a teacher known for both her excellence and high standards. Under her guidance, my father’s playing advanced dramatically. More importantly, she understood his home situation and provided a safe, supportive environment where he could develop as a musician while working through emotional trauma.
The impact of her mentorship was profound. His musical achievements eventually earned him full scholarships to Florida State University and the University of Texas. She also helped cultivate a lifelong love of music that remained with him until his final days. Even after severe dementia had robbed him of many memories, he continued to speak fondly of Mrs. Reeder. Her influence remained with him until his death at age 87.
My wife, Denise, has a similar story.
When she answered a blind advertisement for an administrative assistant position, she had no idea it would lead her toward a career connected to the performing arts – a dream she had nurtured while growing up in a small Indiana town. The job was at a basketball arena that also hosted major touring artists and productions. Over time, Denise rose through the organization and eventually became its marketing director.
Along the way, she found an important mentor. Her supervisor, Sandy, not only guided her professional growth but also supported her personally as a single mother working hard to make ends meet. In the nearly 30 years I have known Denise, she has consistently credited Sandy with helping shape both the professional and the person she became.
Both my father and my wife eventually became trusted mentors themselves.
My father spent decades teaching and encouraging musicians, singers and scholars. Denise has become a valued resource for artists, arts organizations, marketers, and touring musicians seeking advice and innovative ideas. Through teaching, collaboration and shared experience, both built relationships that extended far beyond professional development. Mentoring became a way of giving back – of paying forward the generosity and guidance they had received.
For artists and performers, mentorship is rarely limited to skill development. Great mentors provide encouragement, challenge assumptions, open doors to opportunities and help others navigate obstacles. Their influence often extends across decades and, as the stories of my father and wife demonstrate, inspires future generations to do the same.
As new generations of artists find their voice, I wonder which mentor’s encouragement today will help shape the performances, careers and creative breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Charles Leslie is director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.