Church Musician Survival

Which is preferred first:Music Theory (read/ sight) or Music by ear?

Speaker — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:48:17 +0000

There has been much discussion in music circles about whether it is better to learn to read music or to develop an ear in first. The issue normally comes up in churches with musicians or potential musicans who would like to learn to play better and are interested in taking lessons. The question comes to mind as to whether they should learn to play by ear or to find a teacher that will teach music theory. Which one is better to tackle first and will get them off the ground running a lot sooner. What is your opninion on this. I personally see the benefit in both but believe that inititally ear training provides the quicker more practical and useable results. Are you a teacher or student interested in learning to play. There are tons of resources available today from online classes, to books and manuals to one on one and group class sessions. What ever you do get started today! God Bless – -Soulworshiper

Ministry or Music

Speaker — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:07:06 +0000

Growing up I always wanted to play an instrument for the Lord. I started out singing with my brother and sister around town in local churches as my father played the piano. That was really exciting and it instroduced me to worship and praise. Along with singing I started playing the drums at about five years old, and thought that I would always play them. My father bought my first set from a guy who was getting rid of them. I played that set for a few years and took it with me to church all the time too. After that he ponied up the dough to by me a brand new kit that I still have to this day. At any rate I really learned to love music and had so many opportunites to grow as a musician even as a child. One thing I will never forget is the love for music and the love for God that my parents help to cultivate in me. I remember times when I was singing with my siblings and really feeling God’s presence upon me and not being able to do anything else but just shed tears or lift my hands while I sang. After finishing the song, there were times that my little 8 year old feet got light and I would leap not realizing what was really happening to me, but knowing that it was real special. I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to experience His touch so early, and it has been a constant reminder to me that God, indeed does love, speak to and endow little children too. There were many occasions where I had this experience and I will never forget them. These experiences were extablishing a love and relationship for God in me that I would never be able to let go. I understand that as I sang songs unto the Lord with a sincere heart and worshiped His name with all my soul, that He was pleased with me and would come near me and actually allow His spirit to embrace me. he was in fact responding to what I was telling Him, and acknowledging the fact that He heard me and was happy with what I was saying and doing. On every occasion where he would respond I would feel lighter and would experience great peace and joy. He never came empty handed. I always felt as if I could do anything as long as His presence was near. For this reason I will always yield to the Lord when His presence comes into a place, and as He begins to move within me. I am not held captive to a song or to an instrument when I sing or play. The music I play and the songs I sing are to give glory and honor unto the Lord and to show Him just how much I love Him, therefore should He chose to visit and live in my praise as His word says He does, the singing stops and the playing ends to listen and to hear his response. I know that after I have another experience in His presense I’ll be changed for ever. True sincere worship from any musician, choir member, vocalist, worshiper will always get the attention off the Lord, and the ultimate result is that He will take the time to respond to your worship. Here is the key. When He responds, please take the time to listen to what it is He is saying. Stop playing, stop singing, and just listen. If you are indeed attempting to get the attention of the Almighty, it is a good idea to allow Him the opportunity to show up and show out. There is nothing more frustrating to a service than to witness a group of talented conceeded individuals who will not let go of the microphone or the instrument when the spirit of God is moving in the place. Mission accomplished, he’s here, now let go and let GOD have HIs Way!

Journal Entry 1: “I wish they would mind their own business”

Speaker — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:10:00 +0000

They won’t let me play. That’s what would constantly run through my mind. Here I was a musician who had practiced daily in the night and through my weekends. I stayed after church and jammed a while with the other musicians. I had taken the time to listen to the latest music and learn the chords for the next choir song. It was my aim to improve and to sound better. Despite these facts people would always seem to have something to say about the way I was playing. Don’t get me wrong, I welcome constructive criticism and advice, but I’m careful who I receive it from. One thing I have learned since is that everyone that has something to say, is not saying it because they are concerned and looking out for you. Many people envy the gift and talents and would like nothing more but to see you fall flat on your face. I had to learn that through experience, but believe me I did learn it. It would come from a minister who was used to a certain type of musicians or a particular one for that matter. They compared everything and everyone to the other musician’s style. Then there were the ones who would just front you because they were out amongst other people. They would speak to you as if you were not cutting it but only while others were around. It was amazing that many of these people, were not musicians themselves and most had no real musical abilities what so ever. I had laity and bench members trying to send signals and or make comments aloud to me, trying to get me to go this and that way in my playing. Some would shout out songs they wished to hear while others stuck to the old favorite of moaning and groaning to get me to tune up to a preacher as he began to wind up on his sermon. They were in essence saying, alright now start playing you puppet. That’s obviously what they thought of me because that was the way they acted. Some would even remark negatively if their requests were not honored.

SoulWorshiper is who I AM! The Music, The Message, The Man, Kenny Martin Jr.

Speaker — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:04:02 +0000

Soul worshiper describes me to the bone. I say this because life has been a great teacher; and what it has taught me is to give myself completely in everything that I do. If there is going to be any time put into what my hands mind and heart try, i’ve got to give it my heart and soul. It remains useless and worthless if there is no soul tie connected to the activity. I love music and I love to play it. However, at this juncture & season in my life I’ve notice and realized the difference between performance and real worship ministry. Both may sound good and draw a response from people, but only one gets the attention of the Father. When I’m at my best in music, someone (possibly even myself) might have an emotional experience and feel a warm or chilled feeling come over them, and it might possibly cause them to ponder a decision and make a turn for the good. The soulful sound of the worshiper will however cause a supernatural occurrence from the hand of Jehovah to totally transform that person’s life and bring complete peace and pure love. These are the results that speak for themselves. When the listener can leave the musical experience with a renewed, rejuvenated, relaxed, and revived life, then the longevity that men pay millions for will come.

Are you Pimping your gift?

Speaker — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:03:56 +0000

Today many musicians have the opportunity to play on any given Sunday at at least 2 different churches and gather checks from each week in and week out. Many times they can negotiate for whatever they desire because of such a scarcity of quality musicians available. Churches are now seemingly at the mercy of the organist who decides he may want to go elsewhere for the higher dollar amount. These musicians play the who ‘s going to give me more money game and get away with it too; or do they? One can only think that at some point this jumping around and chasing the buck is going to catch up with you at some point. People talk and Preachers fellowship. After a while your name will be passed around and your character will be scarred. No one likes being taken advantage of, and noone definitely like to be placed in a position of heplesslness. It will come back to bite you so beware and keep it real. If you plan to play several places and not be fully committed to one place let them know this upfront. You’ll keep from burning a bridge that you may need to cross back over. What are your thoughts?

Pick a key please……Learn the music!

Speaker — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:44:48 +0000

You’ve spent week end and week out attending rehearsals and yet you do not know how to play the song right. What do you think they gave you the CD for in the first place. This is one of the most annoying things I can think of. Musicians must take some initiative to prepare themselves to play the songs for the choir, or praise and worship service through actual practice time dedicated to the material. Believe it or not you will find that your skills will develop when you spend time listening and learning. There is nothing worst than a bad chord inthe middle of a song……