I’m always keen when I’m made aware when a new instrumentalist or singer comes on the scene. Those who know the person(s) usually make comments like: “You should here Jason play guitar – he’s amazing!” Or “Kylie sings like an angel – you have to hear her !”
You’ve no idea how often I’ve heard such statements, yet over the years I’ve learned to reserve my excitement and see for myself how they go. Sometimes the statements are true, but mostly, different people have various yardsticks by which they measure “amazing”, nor have actually heard an “angel” sing.
Having said that, what I’m way more interested in, is not how well they play their instrument (although people need a reasonable level of proficiency) but how good a musician they prove to be. Some people feel that if they play their instrument well, they are automatically a great musician … I wish!!
Often people mistake instrument proficiency for musicianship – and they are not the same.
I have discovered that people who are really good on their instruments can focus on their own playing to the detriment of others; they tend to be the fiddlers on their instrument during band breaks; they play what they like and not what the rest of the team play, and generally overplay, and often have not looked at the songs because they believe their playing ability will get them through.
That might all sound a bit harsh, but we’ve all experienced the great players who are not great team players. Every team player should aim, not only to practice to improve their skills, but learn how to be a musician … and you can learn.
So what does a musician do? Here’s a few thoughts…
- They are not necessarily the best player – and if they are, you would probably not know it.
- He or she listen’s intently to what everyone else is playing to see what they can add – if anything. They are happy not to play if that muddies the sound, or distracts from worship.
- They know how a song works – how it builds and releases tension – and do their best to add their part.
- They understand the purpose of the team, and know the role of their instrument.
- They are intimate with the song.
- They listen to instructions, and are easy to work with.
- They are humble with nothing to prove.
- They understand and see the band as “one” instrument, and not multiple instruments trying to get it together.
… simply put… they understand music.
As for me, I would rather play with a sensitive musician who understands how music works than an amazing soloist who plays … well, like a soloist and not a team player. That’s not to say we shouldn’t work hard at our craft, but that we should be more thoughtful in how we play and lead others in worship.
I have been blessed to play with a few people who are not only great musicians but expert instrumentalists. They are the “few” not the many, and I would vote for great musicians any day.
Musicianship comes with maturity and understanding. It involves a cost. So why not encourage your team members around the dot points above and watch them be moulded into a great worship team.
What are some of your thoughts? Let me know so we all can grow !
Don’t forget – Song Writers Retreat starts very soon. Make sure you register now (here) so you’re not disappointed and miss out or send this message to someone you know might be interested.
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