Suddenly Musicianless. HELP ME PLEASE!!

[Maestro87]

     I was elected to be the President of the Gospel Choir at my university this year and on Friday our sole musician told us he would not be with us this year due to problems that occurred last year under previous leadership.  The problem is that now we have no musician and now I am put out front to be the Director, President, and probably forced into being the musician as well.

     I am not prepared for this.  I am not a keyboard player (in a gospel sense).  I can do the simple praise and worship songs but it is not where I feel comfortable especially since we will be rebuilding the ministry as well.  I had picked out music for the choir but I can't play pretty much any of it.

Any tips, or suggestions on what to do until we can find a musician?

[blyempowered]

     I was elected to be the President of the Gospel Choir at my university this year and on Friday our sole musician told us he would not be with us this year due to problems that occurred last year under previous leadership.  The problem is that now we have no musician and now I am put out front to be the Director, President, and probably forced into being the musician as well.

     I am not prepared for this.  I am not a keyboard player (in a gospel sense).  I can do the simple praise and worship songs but it is not where I feel comfortable especially since we will be rebuilding the ministry as well.  I had picked out music for the choir but I can't play pretty much any of it.

Any tips, or suggestions on what to do until we can find a musician?

I suggest doing some delegating. Have someone else direct songs and help you out until a musician is hired.

[LaylaMonroe]

There are some pretty fly a cappella songs out there.

Tracks are always an option. I hate tracks, but it is an option.

Post a notice in Craigslist and put flyers all over campus (you never know what hidden talent there is on campus).

Try to convince the departing musician to stay, and if he insists on leaving, ask if he can give you 3 months to develop a Plan B.

[blyempowered]

There are some pretty fly a cappella songs out there.

Tracks are always an option. I hate tracks, but it is an option.

Post a notice in Craigslist and put flyers all over campus (you never know what hidden talent there is on campus).

Try to convince the departing musician to stay, and if he insists on leaving, ask if he can give you 3 months to develop a Plan B.

All of This

[keysrme2010]

where are you located?

[sjonathan02]

     I was elected to be the President of the Gospel Choir at my university this year and on Friday our sole musician told us he would not be with us this year due to problems that occurred last year under previous leadership.  The problem is that now we have no musician and now I am put out front to be the Director, President, and probably forced into being the musician as well.

     I am not prepared for this.  I am not a keyboard player (in a gospel sense).  I can do the simple praise and worship songs but it is not where I feel comfortable especially since we will be rebuilding the ministry as well.  I had picked out music for the choir but I can't play pretty much any of it.

Any tips, or suggestions on what to do until we can find a musician?

There are some pretty fly a cappella songs out there.

Tracks are always an option. I hate tracks, but it is an option.

Post a notice in Craigslist and put flyers all over campus (you never know what hidden talent there is on campus).

Try to convince the departing musician to stay, and if he insists on leaving, ask if he can give you 3 months to develop a Plan B.

I concur.

I would start with trying to repair the relationship with the musician.  Find out his/her concerns and see if you can allay any qualms.

If not, going from performance trax to a cappella works. well.

[Maestro87]

where are you located?

Dallas at SMU University

[Maestro87]

Thanks everybody.  I know some great acapella songs and I make arrangements as well.  I still want a musician.  I did try to talk to the musician but he is a definite no.  He has no problems with me but he is not doing it this year at all.

[Poet_fo_life]

You have been put in a privileged position, any song just about that you have been lead to pick out for them, you can learn on youtube.... I know it sounds hard, but it is possible.  I just took over a position with a church and didn't know any of the songs they traditionally sing, Youtube has taught me all of them except a few, which I have found on here.  Don't just take the easy way out, God has bless you with talent, use all of it.  He will cause you to get out of your comfort zone, grow, and excel past that which you used to be. You will be in my prayers... If there is a song you cant find, post it, ask questions, move forward.  Your faith will carry you a whole lot further than you can imagine.

[BEEJAXX]

Had the same problem. I am the Praise and Worship Leader at my church. This encompasses picking the material, directing, and leading the Praise and Worship. Our musician left and went to another church. Which was a better fit for him. We have a new musician that is unable to play for Praise and Worship at my church. It forced me to be a better musician. I helped the drummer to learn the songs and now the Praise and Worship team has grown musically, numerically, and best of all spiritually.  Take this situation on by the horns. Buckle down and learn to play better.  I am doing it one song at a time. One concept at a time.  Make sure you balance songs with theory. It will get easier and easier to pick things up.  God Bless. By the way while I was learning I would play the keyboard at church in between services to get a feel for the Church's keyboard and sound system. While doing that a kid at my church asked me to teach him. I didn't want to because, I didn't know that much but he was so persistent. I started teaching him this made me even better. He went away to college and his mother Facebooked me and told me he is playing for his university choir a very popular HBCU with a great reputation for thier Gospel Chorir. Wow.  Try God he will help you through this. The musician leaving is being used by GOD to make you into a better skillful musician and worshiper don't let this opportunity pass you by. Develop your gift and help someone else develop theirs. You in the perfect situation because you pick the songs.

[melodic_keyz]

Had the same problem. I am the Praise and Worship Leader at my church. This encompasses picking the material, directing, and leading the Praise and Worship. Our musician left and went to another church. Which was a better fit for him. We have a new musician that is unable to play for Praise and Worship at my church. It forced me to be a better musician. I helped the drummer to learn the songs and now the Praise and Worship team has grown musically, numerically, and best of all spiritually.  Take this situation on by the horns. Buckle down and learn to play better.  I am doing it one song at a time. One concept at a time.  Make sure you balance songs with theory. It will get easier and easier to pick things up.  God Bless. By the way while I was learning I would play the keyboard at church in between services to get a feel for the Church's keyboard and sound system. While doing that a kid at my church asked me to teach him. I didn't want to because, I didn't know that much but he was so persistent. I started teaching him this made me even better. He went away to college and his mother Facebooked me and told me he is playing for his university choir a very popular HBCU with a great reputation for thier Gospel Chorir. Wow.  Try God he will help you through this. The musician leaving is being used by GOD to make you into a better skillful musician and worshiper don't let this opportunity pass you by. Develop your gift and help someone else develop theirs. You in the perfect situation because you pick the songs.

Great advice