Reading: Musical Skills

Section 2 - Musical Skills

Remember from our scripture lesson in the last section; 8 To determine the assignment of duties they all drew lots, whether they were young or old, experts or beginners.  If you don’t think your musical skills are good enough keep this passage in mind.  Don’t be afraid because this was and is God’s way; He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies those He calls.  Experts and beginners alike were both called (by drawing lots) to worship duties.

Beginners and experts should remember and adhere to two basic Biblical principles for the sake of improving worship music.  Beginners should seek wise council.  The wise councilors are the experts.  And I’ll tell you that if you ask someone, “How did you do that,” they will usually be thrilled with the opportunity to assist you.  And you experts please remember the principle of providing correction with love and kindness.  There was a time when you struggled too, so be patient with the beginner.  Additionally, experts should consider a philosophy of my former martial arts instructor; “We learn by teaching.”  Going over the basics with a beginner is an opportunity to refresh your own basic skills.

Directing Music

Regardless of a musician’s level of expertise, being able to take direction from the leader (if there is one) is vital to the overall success of presenting the music.  Leaders and conductors are essential for keeping the group together in the correct tempo, and getting the whole band back into the right part of the song if things start falling apart.  Janis Joplin would spin her hand around to signal to her band that she wanted to extend a part in the song, like repeating a chorus an extra time.  This kind of direction is often referred to as a “cue.”  Praise bands do extra choruses frequently so it is important for the band to learn how the leaders style of signals and cues, and pay close attention to them.

Below are examples of how a leader directs the group.  The first example is the most basic form of conductor motions for setting, keeping, or changing the tempo of a song.  Whether leading or following all of us musicians need to be familiar with these signals.