making a living and lifes work in the music ministry

[diverse379]

this is not an easy article to write because i dont really know where to start
and furthermore i dont really know how I got to where i am so I dont have clear ideas so bear with me.

correction I do know how i got here God Got me here
I am a minister of music who in 2001 decided that I was going to do music for a living

I quit my day job
played for 125.00 per week stayed with my dad and payed for lessons out of my meager salary.

i practiced 10 hours per day
i rode a bike everywhere i had to go,.

this is 6 years later and i make 700 per sunday

it was a hard road and there are still many other obstacles and hurdles out there for me

first thing we must know is the bible says that your gifts will make room for you
that is what i based my career on and all the work I put in

now everyone cannot do what I did (in terms of staying with a relative)
here are some other ways to make extra money while you build your craft

substitute teach (for those who have a college degree )
you can substitute teach the beauty of this job is that the day is over at 3:00 pm
you have ample time to practice and you have now homework to grade

the downside is you have no benefits

drive taxi depending on your area
this could be very lucrative
especially if you do gypsy cab

you can try doing a car service in super markets
you could earn 100 per day

women
braiding hair
you dont need a license to braid hair
and do weaves and if you are good at it you could do  heads per day and probably spend about 3 hours total give or take

there are other ways of supplementing your income
tutoring giving music lessons
part time jobs if you are earning 300 per week at your given church then if you have a part time job that pays 300 per week then you will bring home 600 per week'
not a lot of money but enough to survive while building your craft
the main idea here is to devote as much time to practicing rehearsing and lessons or schooling as you can
so a full time job will not allow you as much flexibility


If you have to work full time then consider travel or commute time

if you have a 1 hour commute that is two hours extra per day you spend working so your work day is now 10 hours not a lot of time left over for practice

if you only have a 10 minute commute then you now have an hour and 40 minutes extra you can practice.
how to learn how to play and be valuable enough to make the real money

Getting a good salary
first off you need to realize that baptist churches pay better then most
methodist churches pay ok
catholic churches pay pretty well also

prespytrian lutheran are usually a little light in the pocket

cogic apostolic pentacostal
they vary but no matter what they will work you and get every bit of their money's wortrh out of you

non denominational
this varies also some churches pay very little some pay more

how to determine your match
well first you need to ask yourself what are your beliefs
and what style do you play and where will it lend itself
to be honest if i played at cogic or pentacostal church they probably would want to pay me 100 per week
because they dont need my reading ability or my classical stylings
or my pipe organ chops
or the fact that i can play great is thy faithfulness

I chose baptist because it is pretty close to methodist which is where i got saved
and they play a wide variey of music and i could get some occasional shouts going from time to time
also you need to know that the more you can do the more valuable you are


learn as much as you can about your craft
if you cant read you are a hinderance to a
 ministry that likes to sing a lot of hymns or do anthems
if you cant play by ear you are hinderance to a church that likes doing a lot of contemporary music or who has a large repotoire and needs you to pick them up.

if you cant train voices and teach parts then you cant develop a music ministry

some other points of distinction
will you be a minister of music or simply a musician there is a big difference
in responsibility expectations and salary.

a musician does not need to teach parts or pick hymns usually a director or a senior music minister does these things
the musican does need to be able to play whatever is needed to be played

and usually his salary is lower and the expectation that he be really good will be in every congregants mind

the minister of music has a lot more freedom and more pay but also more responsibility
he doesent have to be such a virtuoso but he needs to be able to train and develop choirs.

where do you get your training
if you are going to do this for a living you need to be really serious about this
you need to learn as much as you can

you may need to study with teachers
visit other churches on a regular
go to college and study music
go to rehearsals
buy many cd's
subscribe to a music service like yahoo

buy dvd's by wheatworks (shameless plug)

Me myself i did all these things
and now i am pursuing my degree in music


also there is the question of do you only play gospel or do you play jazz or r&B also

i cant answer that for you only you can

I will say that being able to play jazz can open many doors to you and allow you to stay in the business of perfecting your craft

organizing your self
if you are just a musician
then you need to practice like a musician
you should play scales daily at least 30 minutes per day
work your voicings and progressions in every key for another 30 minutes
learn all the latest songs as they come out
every albulm you purchase you should commit to learning most of the songs on the albulm
you should familiarize yourself with all the styles of gospel and be able to play them
clevland
staple singers
the hawkins
donald lawrence
andre crouch
albertina walker
hezekiah walker
kurt carr
the clark sisters

you should study with good teachers and you should take your craft seriously
attend seminars join the musicians union.
shed and jam as often as possible
attend open mics to network and let people know who you are and you can also land a lot of gigs from these venues.

minister of music
if you do this job then you need to be very organized
you should do all the things the musician does but in addition
you need to learn all the songs that you will be teaching your choirs 4 to six weks in advance because you need to give out tapes to your musicians
and conduct rehearsals
and of course you should know the music very well before your band comes to the rehearsal

you should be able to read and have some idea of harmony and arranging and range of voices
you should know basic rules of counterpoint
you should have a good ear
you should take vocal lessons or join a community choir so you can stay in the thick of what it means to sing in a choir
dont be one of those leaders that is clueless about what it takes to be singer but wants to tell you how to be a singer

I recently learned the value of joining a choir while directing my choir i was able to bring back all sorts of ideas and techniques

organization is a big part of the job you need to be able to coordinate and communicate
and treat everyone well

remembe every person who pays tithes at that church contributes to your salary
so dont be a meanie be freinedly and appreciative


where should you go
the big cities in the north
and the south are where the biggest money is

the need for pipe organists  are plentiful but you need to have classical training for these positions this skill is not so proliferous as piano players are and therefore there is a lot of work for good pipe organists

pianists these positions are more plentiful in the south
i dont know why but if you play piano you will get more work in the south
by pianists i mean grand piano not roland or yamaha motif

if you are a keyboardist and want to use your piano string
or bass rhodes slplits then you are looking for ministries that do a lot of contemporary
not really a traditional church
believe it or not these positions on the big end dont pay as much unless you are at the top level
because everyone and their brother plays keyboards and keyboards make eveyone sound good but you have to be good to play piano the piano will not do anything to cover up your lack of technique.



organists in the north and big cites the demands on an organists are more
because since the churches are so plentiful
and space is limited
churches rather have one good musican then a band
 because churches usually only want to pay for one good musician instead  of a band

things you should know how to do
you may not be able to do everything on this list but you should be able to do most of them reasonably well

work well with people   big big part of the job
lead well    a bigger part of the job
motivate people
play a variety of gospel styles (you probably play one style better then others but you need to play traditional as well as contemporary
classical style as well as jazz straight hymns as well as gospelized.

sensitivity to the spiirit

you should be able to perform on piano as well as organ
you should be able to play in every key
or at least half them

you should know the difference between worship and praise devotional hymns gospels anthems

sing this is really big in what you can contribute to a ministry
play solo piano
run bass lines with your left hand

direct from the organ or pian this is important for helping congregations to sing along with you in time

oh i almost forgot
join the musicians union
you can get a better deal on health and dental benefits
there are other factors such as health care dental
and retirement

a retirement plan is very important
if your spouse has a good benefits plan that will take a lot off your plate

a good thing to do for retirement is to do a little real estate
a lot of musicians live in the basement while renting out the rest of the house.

this way you live basically rent free
if you do it right you can have a nice nest egg at the end of your later years

i hope this has been helpful

[bishopcole]

D379, AS USUAL DOC, "RIGHT ON TIME" EVERBODY REALLY NEEDS TO READ THIS BECAUSE THIS WILL CLEAN UP ALOT OF QUESTION THAT I GET FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT HOW TO BE FULL TIME. Bishop Cole 

[Wash]

Well said brother Diverse.  Very good information.  I must say you are really a blessing giving out such info and tips.   I'm sure that you will be blessed for you are not selfish whatsoever.  Maybe one day I'll get a chance to see you in action.  I'm so busy myself on Long Island but you never know. 

[demikoo]

This is exremely good information.  I'm a new minister of music and want to do the best job I can for my ministry.  Man, if I can even do a handful of what you suggested I'll be leaps and bounds from where I am now!!  Excellent Work.

[MrSparrow]

Forgive me but I don't think there are that many fulltime Pentacostal Ministers/Pastors of Worship...

If Fulltime means every Sunday then yes, but Monday through Friday office hours folk? Not hardly...

Diverse you hit the nail right on the head about Pentacostal churches squeezing every penny out...

They have the most services (8 am, 11 am, 7 pm, on Sunday, Wed. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, Friday Night Service, Revivals every month and note, I didn't include choir rehearsals) they have the longest services,  and they pay the WORST ($100 a week is GOOD)

I'm not talking about what I heard, I'm talking about what I KNOW!

I didn't call out any denominiation but a HIT dog will hollar...

MrSparrow

[diverse379]

Forgive me but I don't think there are that many fulltime Pentacostal Ministers/Pastors of Worship...

If Fulltime means every Sunday then yes, but Monday through Friday office hours folk? Not hardly...

Diverse you hit the nail right on the head about Pentacostal churches squeezing every penny out...

They have the most services (8 am, 11 am, 7 pm, on Sunday, Wed. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, Friday Night Service, Revivals every month and note, I didn't include choir rehearsals) they have the longest services,  and they pay the WORST ($100 a week is GOOD)

I'm not talking about what I heard, I'm talking about what I KNOW!

I didn't call out any denominiation but a HIT dog will hollar...

MrSparrow

wow I hope you feel better getting that off your chest.

well to give you a ray of hope,

there are some nice apostolic churches and cogic churches that pay well
but they are on the large side

for example pastor boyds church pays their musician 1,000 per week
but he plays about 6 days a week plus rehearsals

melvin crispel plays for an apostolic church he gets payed in the high double digits

and he has farmed work out to some other church musicians


my teacher gets 800 per sunday and that is a pentacostal church

it depends on the size and the type of membership that they have,'

but for the most part as a general rule what I said before stands.

and by the way those musicians are the best of the best,

that is why they make what they make./

[MrSparrow]

Diverse,

You know as well as I do, that those are the exceptions and not the rule...

MrSparrow

[diverse379]

Diverse,

You know as well as I do, that those are the exceptions and not the rule...

MrSparrow

no doubt

[jonesl78]

man, woderful post. I'd like to add that no matter how bad being a musician gets, it is better than any    part time job.

[MrSparrow]

I remember one time a church I was playing at tried to justify not giving me a raise talking about how I make $35 an hour  for 7 hours a week ( about 4 hours on Sunday and a hour and a half each for bible study and choir rehearsal) and I should be happy getting $250 a week (a missionary baptist church)...

When they put it like that, it looks MUCH better than bagging groceries for 7 hours and getting a check for $60... but I had to school them that my hours don't begin and end at church. I have to practice, I have to purchase material, I have to make payments on my equipment that I use at the church, they didn't include musician rehearsals in that time...

MrSparrow

[bishopcole]

Yes yes!! Lets keep this going so people will understand what is really happening. Baptist churches are your best best for a great salary for less work as far as programs. I am at Greater Salem Baptist Church in Louisville Ky. where I am the M.O.M and Performing Arts and I make 1000 per week., but I have stated before 'STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED'.  I will help anyone in anyway that I can. Just Ask!  God bless,  Bishop Cole

[lorenz_j]

diverse, this is an excellent post!

One important point that I would like to add is that full time musicians/m.o.m's, should study their Bible and pray regularly.  This sounds elementary, but many people dont.  In addition I've seen too many people associated with music who dont consistently or  never attend Bible Study and prayer meetings.

It amazes me how folk can sing and play about God but dont know anything about who they are singing about.

A music ministry will never flourish like it should until the people are students and practicers of the Word.  Studying the Word opens up soooooooooo many doors, provides correction, reproof, instruction, hope, joy, healing ...heck, yall know what I'm talking about 

[DAVIDABSHIRE]

diverse, this is an excellent post!

One important point that I would like to add is that full time musicians/m.o.m's, should study their Bible and pray regularly.  This sounds elementary, but many people dont.  In addition I've seen too many people associated with music who dont consistently or  never attend Bible Study and prayer meetings.

It amazes me how folk can sing and play about God but dont know anything about who they are singing about.

A music ministry will never flourish like it should until the people are students and practicers of the Word.  Studying the Word opens up soooooooooo many doors, provides correction, reproof, instruction, hope, joy, healing ...heck, yall know what I'm talking about 

This is such an important point to make.  I have been in churches where the musicians have walked out after song service, and they rested in the back, and did not come back to the sanctuary to hear the word.  This is a bad practice to get started doing.  The music department as a whole needs the word as much, or more than the saints in the pews.  How can we give God our highest praise if we don't know who we are singing about.  God's word draws us into His presence, and teaches us of His purposes, and His heart.

I am the MOM, and my husband is the pastor, and we have a non denominational church that pays us both a good salary that allows us both to be fulltime.  When my husband first went into fulltime ministry I had to work my secular job while I also was the MOM.  It was hard for a long time to work, and do all the requirements of a fulltime MOM.  But I truly believe the word to be true; where Jesus said He sends us out 2 by 2, and to not worry about bringing anything with us for it shall be provided.

I believe if we seek the heart of God, and we have studied to show ourselves approved before the Lord that God will cause you to go to that place you need to minister.  But I do believe that we have to press through some places as my brother stated in the beginning.  He pressed through riding a bike; living with his father, and many things to find himself in the place he is today.  Remember that when Moses took the children of Israel out of Egypt, and then Joshua brought them accross to the promised land it was not a joy ride.

But it was an obediance to the voice of God.  The bottom line to me is that we have to be lead by God's voice.  Are we seeking out the financial blessings, or are we seeking the heart of God to draw His people into a place of worship where they may love the Lord through song to bless His heart.  I think the body of Christ doesn't understand that worship is not for us, or is it about us, but it is all about Him, and if we make it about the goosebumps, and the feelings of our flesh then we have stolen from our God.

So as the leaders of worship we have to make sure that our motives are totally about Him.  Not any agenda's of finances, feelings, position, but totally about bringing God's people together in one mind, and in one accord to worship Him in spirit, and truth.  The only thing that can allow us to have our motives checked, and our minds focused is by the only thing that can renew, and restore our minds.  His word!  It is the only way that we can truly be free of the battlefield of our minds agenda's.  His word washes our spirit, soul, and body to make sure that we know who we are, and most importantly who God is.  God bless you all as you find God's perfect will for your lives.     Sorry for the book.

[musik4life]

This was a blessing, I havent gotten to the point that I am considering full time music ministry, but this has helped me find the right direction to move in. There was a lot of good info and I can use it all, thank you.

[PianoWizard]

Welcome to the LGM family "musik4life"....Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...

[diverse379]

I was so very remiss in speaking about the spiritual aspects of the ministry.

above all a reverence for God needs to be there.

I am not a bible thumper But I know my word

at least you should understand the jesus died for our sins
and that it is through him that we are clean and not through anything we can do

salvation is a gift we did nothing to earn and the only thing we need do is believe
God will and does take care of the rest,.


this understanding will put you diametrically opposed to the legalists and the fire and brimstone messengers

but again you must know your word.


did you jknow there is a time in the service where even the pulpit must yield to the psalmists?

read 2nd chronicles chapter 18

read and know your word
and develop a relationship with GOd
and respect his house and his people

[lorenz_j]

I was so very remiss in speaking about the spiritual aspects of the ministry.

above all a reverence for God needs to be there.

I am not a bible thumper But I know my word

at least you should understand the jesus died for our sins
and that it is through him that we are clean and not through anything we can do

salvation is a gift we did nothing to earn and the only thing we need do is believe
God will and does take care of the rest,.


this understanding will put you diametrically opposed to the legalists and the fire and brimstone messengers

but again you must know your word.


did you jknow there is a time in the service where even the pulpit must yield to the psalmists?

read 2nd chronicles chapter 18

read and know your word
and develop a relationship with GOd
and respect his house and his people

I hear you bro!

Also, in terms of musicians and choir members that we play and work with, as leaders, we should be somewhat aware of their 'spiritual health'. 

We should establish relationships with them and deliberately think and meditate more on tactfully and lovingly asking them spiritual questions like "Are you saved?"  or "How is your spiritual life?" or "How is life treating you?" or "How about we get together do a Bible study every now and then" or  "Need me to pray with you about anything?" to help them and guage where they are spiritually.  In being in a leadership position, we might be able to help them spiritually and and vice versa they may be able to help us.

Surprisingly, so many grown musicians who have been playing for churches for years and are in music leadership positions arent saved...and thats DANGEROUS.  So as leaders in music ministry, we need to at least attempt to be somewhat familiar with where folk are spiritually.  In a sense, as leaders, we are somewhat 'accountable' for them.

I'm aware of a musician who's played in the church for years doesnt even believe in the Trinity, but folk would never know unless they tactfully asked.

We shouldnt lose sight of the fact that our goal as Christians is to seek and save those who are lost -- music is simply a piece in moving toward that goal.

Again, this is a good post.

[kennygee30]

Hello.

My name is Kenneth Graves, I am a musician in the greensboro area.  I read your post and I am striving to make a living doing what i love to do....
My question is (and i will try to be brief as to not take up your time) How do i network or do a post on here to find out what churches in the Greensboro North Carolina area is hiring or shed sessions that may be happening here. if you can help me with this i would appreciate it so much...

thank you in advanced and be Blessed in the Lord

[diverse379]

Hello.

My name is Kenneth Graves, I am a musician in the greensboro area.  I read your post and I am striving to make a living doing what i love to do....
My question is (and i will try to be brief as to not take up your time) How do i network or do a post on here to find out what churches in the Greensboro North Carolina area is hiring or shed sessions that may be happening here. if you can help me with this i would appreciate it so much...

thank you in advanced and be Blessed in the Lord

as far as finding out who is hiring you can be proactive and put your own ad a situations wanted ad i believe they are called

pass out your cards meet pastors let them know you are available
go to your local christian bookstore

check out what christian publications are delivered to the churches in your area


as far as shed sessions those are developed within your own network of contacts

but what would be a good start would be to visit the rehearsals of the bigger ministries because ultimately these guys are where you want to be so you need to see what they are bringing to the table they will be the bar you set yourself to

[bishopcole]

Kenny, do everything that my man D379 has stated to you and you will be busier than you might want to be!!   Bishop Cole