TO ALL EXPERIENCE MINISERS OF MUSIC,CHOIR DIRECTORS,AND MUSICIANS

[rut]

not to waist your time over anything,
but what makes a "GREAT" minister of music, chior director, and musician?
what did you do to make service a success?
how  did you handle pracitce or any situation that is normally in ever music department?


THANKS-IN-ADVANCE

"VISION TO VICTORY"

[KurzLand]

You have to feel the rhythm and beat when your playing,
and also play for God with all of your heart
and He will do the rest.

[sjonathan02]

not to waist your time over anything,
but what makes a "GREAT" minister of music, chior director, and musician?
what did you do to make service a success?
how  did you handle pracitce or any situation that is normally in ever music department?


THANKS-IN-ADVANCE

"VISION TO VICTORY"

First off, the word is waste Dude, I AM the Grammar Wizard, what did you expect 

More importantly, everyone's definition of "great" will be different based on their needs or experiences. So, trying to answer THAT question is subjective, at best.

I WILL say that in order to have a "successful" service (and again, that's a matter of subjection), you have to be in tune to what is going on during the service. You can prepare for that by making sure the songs you know, you know well. You aren't stumbling over lyrics or chord changes, the choir or praise team are watching you or 'feeling' you when you feel the Spirit moving in the sanctuary, etc.


A lot of people are going to try and come in here and give you the 'super spiritual' answer of prayer, and I don't disagree. In addition, though, the Bible does say that faith (the act of prayer) without works (the act of putting your prayer into action) is dead. So, after you've prayed, get to work. Make sure that you are completely prepared; work with the Praise Team and the choir; rehearse with the musicians; work on your hand signals and head nods with everyone in the music ministry, so that folks will know what you want based on what the Spirit has told you.


I'm praying for you. Don't worry about getting it "right", per se. Save the perfecting of a thing to God. 

Be Blessed! 


And, remember that between "vision" and "victory" there's "vocation" 

[vtguy84]

Here is something I wrote a while back that will answer your question:

Let me start off by saying this: I think a lot of people are missing the fact that it takes way more than just prayer and anointing for something to work out.

If prayer and anointing did it, we would all not need to work 40-50 hours a week because we would have way more than enough to supply our needs.  Same with the choir.  It takes more than just the anointing.  Let me do a quick lesson.

From the spiritual side, I think most choirs are hitting it very well: prayer and anointing.  Let's look at the natural side of where we are missing the mark: musicianship and showmanship.  Let's start off with a few definitions

musicianship n : artistry in performing music

showmanship n : the ability to present something  in an attractive manner

Let's start with musicianship:  It takes time away from a 1-2 hour rehearsal to get things prepared on both ends.  From musicians, it means having music ready BEFORE rehearsal time so that time isn't wasted figuring out notes.  From the singers view, it means grabbing a copy of the song and learning lyrics and trying to figure out your notes.  It also means enunciation, proper breathing, etc.

Now showmanship:  Christians act like this is a bad word to use in the church, however it is well needed to perform (or minister) effectively.  Musicianship is very important, but if I'm in the audience and you are singing well but you don't have the look on your face or the vivacious behavior over in the music corner, I'm going to have a hard time getting with you.  There have been many choirs that I've seen where they sing awesome according to musicianship but did not look like they wanted to be there.....other times, choirs who may have not mastered musicianship definitely had the showmanship, and people in the congregation are looking more for showmanship.

From a showman himself (choir director), I tell people plenty of times that I could direct that song a different way and the choir will probably sound the same, but it's something about my live character that causes excitement in the choir members, which ultimately makes the congregation get with the choir.  No I'm not being fake and trying to conjure up something, however if you know me, you know music is my passion....so I just put my all in directing. 

Hope this helps somebody and answers your question.

[LyricTenor]

I receive that Prince.  Good gouge! 

[princessofpraise]

I can tell you what really helped us....

I have separate rehearsals for the band and vocals the first half of our rehearsal time. The band starts at 6:30 and the vocals start at 7. The vocals rehearse in our old sanctuary and then come together with the band at 8. We then rehearse together until 9. This keeps us from having to  stop and start and make people wait while we work on the other's parts.

But in order to do this you must raise someone up that will be able to help you. I have a band director and several assistant worship leaders that can cover for me. Sometimes I work with the vocals, sometimes the band - it depends on who is struggling at the time. Even when I had only a few in my department, I started training those people that I saw leadership abilities in. Now, I have a solid base of leaders that at any given moment could do my job for me if needed.

Hope this helps!

[gaman]

Bro.. There is no such thing as being a GREAT MOM, CHOIR DIRECTOR or etc...

THE ONLY THING WE CAN ALL DO IS FOLLOW THE SPIRIT DURING PRACTICE, CHURCH TIMES AND ETC....

FOR MOM TO FOLLOW THE SPIRIT WHEN EVER OR WHATEVER HE IS LEADING TO DO IS JSUT AS IMPORTANT FOR THE PASTOR TO FOLLOW THE SPIRIT..

YOU MUST REMEMBER.. WE HAVE DIFFRENT ROLES.. BUT ONES ROLE IS NOT GREATER THAN THE OTHER.. WE MUST FOLLOW THE SPIRIT IN EVERY SITUATION, POSITION, AND ETC...

USHER, MOM, PASTOR CHURCH CLERK, ETC.. MUST FOLLOW THE LEADING OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!

THANKS

[Holy Roller]

not to waist your time over anything,
but what makes a "GREAT" minister of music, chior director, and musician?
what did you do to make service a success?
how  did you handle pracitce or any situation that is normally in ever music department?


THANKS-IN-ADVANCE

"VISION TO VICTORY"

there are many who olny have one of those attributes but if you can obtain all 3, you will probably be in demand. I know some churches that have a great musician but the musician can't train a choir to sing so they have to strive to create a workable team.

A great minister of music is one who has grown in maturity and can flow with a pastor, who can take correction without threatening to leave or wears his/her feelings on their sleeve. let's be honest, we muscian types are tempermantal  and moody and often respond emotionally. being sensitive does work in our favor to a degree but it can hinder us in other aspects.

you have to be a people person and work with all kinds of personalities. you got to be a peace maker. you have to learn to put up with somethings or you will be sitting in the choir stand by yourself. sometimes being a Min. of music feels like a baby sitting job. people can get really childish over stuff that really does not matter to God. like what we are going to wear this sunday, who gets the lead, etc. at some point you have to make decisions and be gentle but firm. I am putting together a "creative team" to help me make decisions. people I flow with, people who I trust their intution and judgement and have worked for a long time that I trust. there is safety in numbers 


As far as PRACTICES, I found the best is to have your choir practice with just a paino!!!! the reason ? The choir cannot hide behind the Band. make them practice singing acapella as much as possible. this helps them develop their pitch.  I do use a little drums during rehearsal for fast songs but for the most part just piano.
Then, the band practices on another night. that way we are not limited on how long we can practice. we can go till we get it right. on sunday, we get ALL get togehter 45 min. before morning service, have some prayer, some vocal warmups and stratches and practice with everyone. works out great !

I have some other tips for having a sucessful rehearsal if you'd like - God bless & hope that helps

[childofgod4u]

not to waist your time over anything,
but what makes a "GREAT" minister of music, chior director, and musician?
what did you do to make service a success?
how  did you handle pracitce or any situation that is normally in ever music department?


THANKS-IN-ADVANCE

"VISION TO VICTORY"

Well I'm a choir director at church and to me what makes a great choir director is one that knows the music they wanna teach and also knows how to lead the group spiritually.I think you have to be spiritually in tune with the members in order for you to be successful.In order to have a successful service the main thing in "PRAYER" if you dont have that then nothing will go right for you and also communitcation with others such as the other directors(if any) musicians,and the members of your group.

[SippinTea]

Good post, Childofgod! I think you hit the core issue right there!

[vtguy84]

Good post, Childofgod! I think you hit the core issue right there!

Welcome to the boards

[bishopcole]

Good post, Childofgod! I think you hit the core issue right there!

Welcome to Lgm!!!!    Bishop Cole

[PianoWizard]

Welcome to the LGM family "SippinTea".....Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...

[Dooley]

Bro.. There is no such thing as being a GREAT MOM, CHOIR DIRECTOR or etc...

I kinda disagree.  The Great MOM's and Great Directors are the ones that have perfected their gift, and can properly display and use them for the edification of the body under the following of the Holy Spirit... So there are Great Ministers of Music.  And they are the ones who are recieving top dollar (6 figures) or highly reverenced throughout your city. 

USHER, MOM, PASTOR CHURCH CLERK, ETC.. MUST FOLLOW THE LEADING OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!

Haha...it would be hard to see how an usher or church clerk would follow the leading of the Holy Ghost...
Usher: UH-UN-- you cant sit in that seat, the holy ghost told me to put you back here...
Church Clerk: I didnt put the announcements in the program this week, the Lord should reveal them to you in your personal bible study this week, AMEN

[sjonathan02]

I kinda disagree.  The Great MOM's and Great Directors are the ones that have perfected their gift, and can properly display and use them for the edification of the body under the following of the Holy Spirit... So there are Great Ministers of Music.  And they are the ones who are recieving top dollar (6 figures) or highly reverenced throughout your city. 

This statement isn't quite true. Being a 'great' MOM has nothing to do with the money one makes or the plaudits one receives.

[Dooley]

God Bless ya...But I mainly said that:
The Great MOM's and Great Directors are the ones that have perfected their gift, and can properly display and use them for the edification of the body under the following of the Holy Spirit...

However, in most cases, you know who the big guys are in the city who can do all of these things properly.  And thats why they are making what they make...and thats why we know them.  Money has nothing to do with Greatness of your ministry, but usually...when someone has mastered their gift (be it piano/organ/praise and worship/choir etc), they will be compensated for it... And usually if they are a master, or great at what they do, they will be compensated highly.  But there are many great ministers of music who you dont know of, or arent compensated at all.  And there are some who are not so great, and compensated high...

But the MAIN thing for GREAT ministers of music are those who have mastered their gift in the music ministry, and are able to properly display them to INCREASE the level of praise and worship to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ..
Amen, lol

[shane254]

Yea its all true but I don't think ppl emphasize enough on personality in ministry & leadership. In order to lead your choir spiritually & musically they have to be open to you and trust you and let's say have a relationship with you. Not just see you during rehearsal and leave after and meet u on the street & say hi and walk. When this happens I don't think ppl effectively minister because minds aren't as receptive to someone that you do not have faith or confidence in. People believed & trusted Christ cause he wuz approachable. Disciples followed him because they genuinely loved and trusted him. So I think taking time out to talk to your choir and showing genuine interest in their growth in and out of ministry will help a lot. This is what I have experienced first hand since as a kid. And it makes my job a lot easier.