I learned to play the piano sitting at the piano of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Please note that this was during service. Hunting and praying that my, as of this point, unskilled hands would find more correct keys than wrong. My faith level was not high enough to receive these miracles. The patience necessary to allow me to develop as a musician is mind-blowing. Bishop T.L, and the late Mother Lois Westbrook had a vision to grow and develop skilled musicians. For years my instrumental deficits were tolerated in hope of that my proficiency would catch up with my faithfulness.
It was my post to play for the end of Sunday school. I have played father Abraham in every imaginable style. I doubt this version of me would have enjoyed my graduate composition recital, but he would have politely listened and counted ceiling tiles to stay awake. Without my blunderings through Psalty songs, my rendering of Psalm 82 would not have been possible. At this point, my stroll down memory lane must seem silly. There is a very compelling reason.
Men like Dr. James Brown, Marc Logan and David Hart made time to teach me a chord here and there. Their informal, yet powerful, grooming helped get me propel me forward. As the grandchild of two very hard couples, I hate debt. I owe a huge debt to the church for letting me learn to sing, play. write, arrange, and love music. To pay this off, I need your help. Since many sowed into my musical development, I am seeking musicians looking for music ministry mentoring.
I Chronicles 25:4 speaks to being skilled and trained in music. I believe in one generation we can equip enough artist to reduce or eliminate the use of hirelings on church platforms. Paying those that labor for the sake of propelling the vision of the local church forward is very scriptural. Hiring those unwilling to help train the next generation is a poor use of funds and a crippling mistake.
If you are called, you must study. Realize music ministry is more than playing or singing well. I must pass on what I have learned over the last 25 years. I encourage you to look into attending the Abundant Life School of Ministry
http://www.alcc.org/alsomsym/
and studying music with me. Learn the Bible, ministry,, and mentor with someone determined to see you equipped to lead the church into its next renaissance. God has placed great gifts in You, a teacher's heart in me. I look forward to seeing you become what God predestined. A culture changing, God-empowered artist.
I am here to help. Empower me to enhance your musical and ministerial pursuits.
It was my post to play for the end of Sunday school. I have played father Abraham in every imaginable style. I doubt this version of me would have enjoyed my graduate composition recital, but he would have politely listened and counted ceiling tiles to stay awake. Without my blunderings through Psalty songs, my rendering of Psalm 82 would not have been possible. At this point, my stroll down memory lane must seem silly. There is a very compelling reason.
Men like Dr. James Brown, Marc Logan and David Hart made time to teach me a chord here and there. Their informal, yet powerful, grooming helped get me propel me forward. As the grandchild of two very hard couples, I hate debt. I owe a huge debt to the church for letting me learn to sing, play. write, arrange, and love music. To pay this off, I need your help. Since many sowed into my musical development, I am seeking musicians looking for music ministry mentoring.
I Chronicles 25:4 speaks to being skilled and trained in music. I believe in one generation we can equip enough artist to reduce or eliminate the use of hirelings on church platforms. Paying those that labor for the sake of propelling the vision of the local church forward is very scriptural. Hiring those unwilling to help train the next generation is a poor use of funds and a crippling mistake.
If you are called, you must study. Realize music ministry is more than playing or singing well. I must pass on what I have learned over the last 25 years. I encourage you to look into attending the Abundant Life School of Ministry
http://www.alcc.org/alsomsym/
and studying music with me. Learn the Bible, ministry,, and mentor with someone determined to see you equipped to lead the church into its next renaissance. God has placed great gifts in You, a teacher's heart in me. I look forward to seeing you become what God predestined. A culture changing, God-empowered artist.
I am here to help. Empower me to enhance your musical and ministerial pursuits.
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