When you see a statement like that, you may ask: Is there a difference between brilliant player and great musician? I mean, isn’t a person who plays guitar brilliantly the same as a great musician?
In my experience, the two are not often one in the same. Many people have come to me and said that so and so is a brilliant guitarist, keyboard player, singer, drummer etc – you should use them!! What I’ve discovered is that while they can execute well on their chosen instrument, they are often lacking in their musicianship.
How can that be? Aren’t they one in the same?
The short answer is: No! So what’s the difference? And which is preferable in a worship team? If I define it from a good musician point of view, you may get the picture.
A good musician…
- … Is not necessarily the best player – competent – but not necessarily “amazing”. He or she will recognise other good musicians and try to discern what they can bring to the sound. Good instrumentalists just do their thing no matter what else is happening around them.
- … understands the style of the song and play accordingly. Instrumentalists often bring their favourite style to the band, and make the songs fit their preferences.
- … sticks to a chord chart no matter what. Instrumentalists play chords that would fit if it was just them playing.
- … knows what it means to work under leadership and follows the music directors instructions.
- … knows the purpose of the worship team, and is focused on fulfilling their role in the team.
- … is a team player, always. They are most interested in the whole team winning, rather than them just looking or sounding clever.
By now you probably are aware of what I personally would prefer – that’s right – a good musician over a great player anytime. You can work with a musician. They have nothing to prove. They are teachable and unoffendable.
That’s not to say that you don’t want amazing players. Every person should be taking opportunities to grow and improve their craft… to be the best that they can be on their chosen instrument or voice. A good musician and a brilliant player are not mutually exclusive.
A good musician and a brilliant player are not mutually exclusive.
So, can you turn a brilliant player into a great musician? I believe so, but how? Here’s four things you can do… if they are teachable!
- Remember, musicianship takes time to develop. It is a maturing process that takes time, and requires intentionality.
- Teach them to “Listen”. This may be just the most important thing any good musician can learn. Listen – to others, and to themselves in that context.
- If possible, a studio recording with a good producer will help tremendously. This upped my musicianship enormously. You have to play with the understanding that other musicians have a role to play in the recording. Sometimes you may set the style and sound for a song. Other times, your recording could get erased… and that’s OK for a musician because the end result is what is important.
- Get them to musically direct the team. They will need to know the song, think more holistically about each team members ability, have a plan and execute that plan for the song… and that may give them some insight into what it means to be a team player.
We all want people of great skill when playing and singing, and doing AV work, but you are better served by developing and encouraging better musicianship as then everyone benefits from what they bring to the team.
If you want to improve the musicianship of your team players, become a member of Worship Canvas and get training in areas of all aspects of worship and music ministry. Training is available for all musicians, music directors and instrumentalists (developing).