What if one concert could save a life? In this powerful episode, Max sits down with world-renowned classical guitarist Jonathan Taylor, who shares not just his musical journey but a lifetime of discipline, heart, and resilience. He opens up about the struggles of youth, the grind behind greatness, and the moment a stranger decided not to end his life after attending Jonathan’s performance. It’s a raw, thoughtful, and uplifting conversation about why real happiness comes from doing what you were made for.
Connect with Jonathan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-taylor-classical-guitar/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jtclassicalguitarmastery
Check his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJvadwu2bYXvzX6cs9MshA
Episode highlights:
(1:07) Meet Jonathan Taylor: Concert guitarist with 32 albums
(2:26) Early life, grandmother’s influence, and first ukulele
(4:34) Inspired by Segovia at 16
(5:53) Mentors and hard lessons
(6:46) “The dream is free, the hustle is sold separately”
(11:03) Why you must keep growing
(13:25) Real music is about heart, not perfection
(20:35) Alcohol, functioning addiction & different paths
(24:41) Discipline from age 10 and the journey to mastery
(30:09) The surprising piano origins of Spanish guitar pieces
(35:27) Guitar and piano: A new look at their sound
(38:38) The concert that saved a man’s life
(43:39) Know what you were made for
(50:26) Jonathan on fearless living and finding happiness
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