This is why the original concept of master class --- a master giving class to musicians/artists --- are only opened to the brightest high-level students. It's sort of pointless to hire the top talent in the field and let them coach complete newbies.

I think whether the prerequisite is specifically to read books depends on the field. In fact, the first thing to do, in my opinion, is to ask someone already in the field what's the best way to get a taste of this activity. But the general message, "chop the mesquite before you can smoke the ribs", I agree very much on.