
I planted a pecan tree in my backyard last month. It was hard work - I even broke a pick-axe doing it. Now I water it everyday in hopes than it might produce pecans. So far it has been more work than reward but one day it will be more reward than work. One of a worship arts director's most important roles is to invest time and energy in younger and less experienced musicians. It will start out as more work that reward, but in time it will be more reward than work. Here are a couple great ways to do this.
1. Make young musicians an integral part of the worship community. Give them important roles in get-togethers and every other aspect of your team besides up front leading. Invite them to rehearsals and to learn the songs alongside other team members. You will find some of the more experienced musicians will be drawn to be mentors, which makes this a blessing for everyone.
1. Make young musicians an integral part of the worship community. Give them important roles in get-togethers and every other aspect of your team besides up front leading. Invite them to rehearsals and to learn the songs alongside other team members. You will find some of the more experienced musicians will be drawn to be mentors, which makes this a blessing for everyone.
One of a worship arts director's most important roles is to invest time and energy in younger and less experienced musicians.
2. Find out, and then chart out their favorite worship song for their instrument (violin, trumpet, tuba, guitar, whatever). Arrange something that is fun to play and serves the song. If you don't have the experience to write music find someone who does. Then give them time to practice that one song at home until they think it is ready. Take the time to meet with them and practice the song with them. If they are ready next time that song is scheduled, invite them in for that song with the band and arrange for a new song for them. There's no need to for them to play the entire set, just the one song they've learned. This will set them up for success. If, however, when you meet they aren't ready to play the song, then continue to work with them. Don't give up. Share the positive things about their performance, and encourage them in the things they can work on. Meet with them again when they are ready and repeat the process! This kind of mentorship will start out as more work that reward, but in time it will be more reward than work.