Musicians Unplugged: Recent Episodes
Michael Fortune
Personal Insights from the musician's perspective. We just want to keep it real and authentic from the professional who are part of the music industry bringing you their thoughts and opinions.
Music can be simple- you have words then a great medley can turn the music into a work of art.
As a musician one should play what one's ability allows, Sometimes you should just play the basic melody as an intro versus a complicated one that you can not accurately play. Make the song your own and play what your ability allows, just do it well.
The black church is a musical Bootcamp. Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Anderson. Paak all found their start singing in the church, in Chicago, the birthplace of gospel music
In Music as a Language Wooten makes the case for learning music in the same way as we learned our first language, calling for a more natural, less academic approach. He makes the point that, as babies, we weren't taught our first language or corrected when we made a mistake. We didn't even know we were beginners and got to 'jam' with people much better than us. Wooten draws on his own musical education as an example of how taking this approach can deliver great results.
If you're currently facing this tough decision or if you've been at this point in your music career - You are valuable... So, recognize your worth... Some will support you and appreciate you, while others may cast you to the side with a replacement - it's time to STAY ...or perhaps it's time to LEAVE!!!
Building and leading teams is probably the most important role you have as a worship leader. Learning to give musicians breaks so they don't burn out and leave and opening doors for others who may want to serve.
Consistency and the ability to accept constructive criticism are paths to improve your musical ability. Learn to play as a team and play the melody. Your not a band if everyone is doing their own thing, The music then sound disjointed
There is an etiquette when playing in a band live, regardless if it is in church, music hall, or outdoor concert. You need good communication so you play tight and as one. This is a great music lesson.
I submit that musicians can be inspired by the spirit of the Holy Ghost during the course of service. You play things that are unrehearsed and perhaps can't be repeated because it happens in the spirit of the moment in question. We don't miss the spirit of the Lord because we are playing the music.
This is a real conversation about being a musician in the church and the challenges one faces while performing musical functions. There is nothing about it that one can consider to be easy. Many dynamics come into play.