COMMIT YOUR WAYS TO GOD .
Self-discipline came very late to me . I was a lousy student and later a very poor employee . I was late to everything . I didn ’ t spend the time to learn my instrument . I didn ’ t know how to practice . I coasted on my natural ability . Starvation became a reality . I learned a lot of humility by being thrown into musical situations where I “ couldn ’ t cut it ”.
Today the educational resources are out there to help the musician become the player , singer and songwriter , they want to be . We need to take advantage of those materials .
Mastery of my craft as a musician parallels my discipline as a Christian . They both demand my full attention . This must happen every day . Priority one is developing your own study of the Bible and cultivating a prayer life . Start doing this and you will get to know God and deepen your love for Him . There are no secrets , the greats of the faith all followed this path .
As a worshiping musician , you need a daily routine of practice . If you are a songwriter
Walking On The Water , Billy Batstone
you need to write all the time . As a player , you need to spend time learning your instrument , building strength and confidence through repetition , developing good time by practicing with the metronome and stealing hot licks from the greats . As a vocalist you need to learn technique advice from someone with the knowledge to help you .
Above all seek out opportunities to ply your trade in all kinds of situations . You don ’ t get to be good by waiting for the “ right gig ” to come along .
I ’ m trying to get better as a worship leader . I find that learning communication skills and learning to work with people are more important than being a “ monster ” player . My goal is to lead by example both spiritually and musically . Learn the song book , the Psalms , learn hymns , learn the great music of the past . Keep an open mind to modern music ( tough for an old geezer ). Above all recognize that your ultimate audience is God Almighty . If you learn that , the people will follow you into His courts .
[ WM ] Thanks so much for this time , mi hermano !
[ Billy ] Thank you , Al !
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