Being a musician period takes the discipline and accountability of the priesthood that so many Christian musicians lay claim to yet hold no real reverence for. Being a great musician. Being a steward of the great gift of music and art requires self-discipline, self-sacrifice (putting in the time in the woodsheed, buying pro gear instead of clothes etc, going to clinics instead of the movies and amusement parks, buying instructional DVDs instead of video games), submission to a teacher (master), a servants heart (serving the music not serving self, serving the Giver and alowing His glory to shine through), creating works of purpose (music instead of beats and originality instead of cheap unlearned cliche... because priest are learned).
When reading the definition of a musican it points back to minister/ministry so, be you operating within the church or secular arenas your purpose is still that of ministry. The question is how responsible are you to your message. Have you taken your talen (not talent) and multiplied it to the glory of the Master that givith? This is the "x" factor in why some secular songs touch people so. The truth in the song/music is the ministry... the ode to music and the giver of music... the desire to help one through a difficult time, overcome an issue of life, to give a testimony of victory... That's what music is about. That's what being a musician is. Most music on the radio etc has become perverted by man ego getting him/her into the wrong situations and subject matter and lack of responsibilty or accountability as a musician/minister.
For most of us the answer is no, myself included. This shows in whether or not we practice, how much we practice, the quality of our practice and the level of our understanding. Even though I have great understanding I find it a constant challenge to remain steadfast to the calling of being a true musician in the mist of circumstance.
If only it was as easy as answering the question of "How much practice?"
