Topic: Drumming Careers (Read 2987 times)

4hisglory · « **on:** September 28, 2005, 05:03:07 PM »

If I or my kids want to go to college, get a music degree, do all I have forward to doing is working at the little brown church on the side of the road?? Since every type of music outside of gospel/christian is sucular, what am I suppose to do with my degree???

JFunky · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2005, 05:46:59 PM »

Use it for the Lord. Gospel Drumming isn't just for Black people or the little church down the road you know? There are a lot of Gospel artist that are Latin, Brazilian, Italian or whatever that can use you. If you are a versatile drummer and can play anything fluently, it wouldn't be a problem. On my side of the world, (Latin) I get tired of the church drummers that try to play a samba groove or a rock groove but can't. They are only good at Latin or Afro Cuban. That get's old to me. It's like Teddy Campbell said on Modern Drummer, "He wants to be a Church Drummer that can play anything. Not a Church Drummer trying to play rock, samba, jazz, etc." If God is in control, he'll lead you to where they need you.

Use your degree to bless God. We forget that if we are doing what God wants us to do, the blessings will come. We as musicians are stuck thinking that if we are not getting that High Paying gig, we are no good. Man, the important thing is that you are doing God's will. If you have a degree but God called you to serve in the little brown church, then so be it. That's your calling and God will bless you. Trust me, I know. :wink:

Da_Drumma · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2005, 05:48:23 PM »

Man I really dont appreciate that. You locked my topic to only bring up the subject in different form. Man if you locked my topic because the secular thing got out of hand I feel that you are leaving yourself open for the same thing in this topic. If your going to be real, then be real. But I dont even care

God Bless you man and Ministry still needs to go forth!!!
Much Love!!!!

Da_Drumma · « **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2005, 05:57:03 PM »

Disregard that us chritian folks make mistakes too!!!lol!!
Much Love!!!

BEATBOXERZ · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2005, 05:59:15 PM »

Thanks for locking down that other topic. I went to college on a music scholarship to Nevada and was 1st chair jazz drummer, center snare in the marching band and participated in the orchestra. If it was'nt for the Lord Jesus Christ I would'nt have been able to do that. Life is about personal experiences not was people pawn off on others. You Know what the Lord has for you is only for you. I say send you kids to college and let the Lord do what he must. Don't worry about what other say about you when you know that you have heard from the Lord personally. I think some of the brothers that spoke on the other topic are secular music cross up when they say instrumental music is evil = secular. Now, if they talking about certain rap music, hard rock, R&B, country, or punk lyrically than I can't be apart of that if the lyrics are not pleasing to God. But I don't believe that instrumental music is evil in NO WAY. God Bless

4hisglory · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2005, 06:42:36 PM »

Jfunk, I am just trying to understand.

If I get a degree in music, I use it for the Lord, but if I get a degree in like computer science (which I have), its ok for me to get a secular job??

My philosphy is (and I am not trying to put this on anyone) that is better NOT to burden the churches with having to pay the musicians. I know alot of churches that pay a huge part of there income in order to pay the musicians whcih can really burden down the church.

JFunky · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2005, 07:05:48 PM »

Alright look, I hate to put my churches business out like this but oh well. Someone is going to get edified by this I'm sure. You have to better your life and your family so if you go to school for computers than so be it. Remember, we live in this world but we are not from this world. I don't understand why cats are comparing secular music to jobs anyway. Two different things. We have to work. We have to provide for our families. I know a lot of cats that have a career and blaze. My church has about 400 - 450 members and growing. We have a fairly new temple that we built in '98. I live 35 - 40 min. away from my church. Like I said before, I am the Lead Drummer. (God put me there) You know how much I get paid? $0. I get about a $50 bonus every January. Do I complain about gas? No. Do I complain about how far it is? No. Do I get blessed? OH YEAH. God has given me a new promotion, a new house, a wonderful Wife and soon to be 2 year old daughter, health, life and my talent is being multiplied to the fullest. Am I satisfied? No. I want to reach and play all over the world showing off the gift that God has given me. I also want to be a better Preacher. Everything I do is for Him. I want to please Him and want Him to be pleased with me and the talents he has given me. *This is MY OPINION and NO ONE ELSE'S. I only play the Lord's music and I do want to go to school to get a degree in percussion for HIS GLORY.* That's my calling. If I get paid or NOT. It doesn't matter. I've never been paid. I just get some sort of offering once a year from my church. But you know what? I'm HAPPY and I am a minister of God's music. NO ONE can take that from me.

playhear · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2005, 07:10:05 PM »

Quote from: 4hisglory

Jfunk, I am just trying to understand.

If I get a degree in music, I use it for the Lord, but if I get a degree in like computer science (which I have), its ok for me to get a secular job??

My philosphy is (and I am not trying to put this on anyone) that is better NOT to burden the churches with having to pay the musicians. I know alot of churches that pay a huge part of there income in order to pay the musicians whcih can really burden down the church.

I agree mostly. I believe that musicians should be a significant part of a church's budget. However, if a particular musician has the talent to find a fulfilling and honorable secular gig, it would great if that musician could ease the financial burden on the church.

I don’t want to say much more because the secular music topic is actually worse than a political debate. Some people are irrationally attached to their stances on this issue without regard whatsoever for reasonable thinking.

JFunky · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2005, 07:16:35 PM »

Oh yeah, I forgot one more thing. I didn't mean that a G. Drummers' career should be in the church getting paid. What I meant was Session Work. (Studio Work) I even know some cats that put it down in the studio for free. They just want to minister to people and showcase the talent God has given them. I'm telling you. If you ask any drummer on here if they would do a concert or a track in the studio for free, they would decline in a heart beat.(Maybe not all, sorry) I would be that cat picking it up. To me, if you are playing God's music and Lives are coming to Him, that means more than $$$$$$. If you are in tune with God, he will provide and he will satisfy your needs. Too many people are worried about how they are going to feed their family. If you are guided by the Lord, then you wouldn't have any doubts or fears about your income because God has your back. I'm telling you guys, I've seen it and met real true hardcore Ministers of Music that God has called to full time Ministry and they just go and sing or play without asking for a dollar because God ALWAYS PROVIDES. When are we as Christians going to understand this. IN GOD WE TRUST. Do we really? I've seen this in my life. I KNOW. I've lived through it!

4hisglory · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2005, 09:36:38 PM »

JFunk, u are a perfect example of what I am trying to say here. You arent looking to get paid by the church so obviously you are getting paid by some other secular means. I dont look to be paid my my church either (its easy to say that when you are a beginner though

but thats another story.

)

All I am saying is, if I went to chool to study music, i would look to get a job in my field. And just like any other job, I would just do anything, like play for people that be cussing, etc.... That way, it frees one up to play for the church for free.

@playhear, u think a signifcant part of the budget "should" be for the musicians??

JFunky · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2005, 10:13:33 PM »

You know, we do live in a secular world. It is up to us to be different than the secular world. I don't know if you understand me on this. Once again, *MY OPINION* I really don't feel right when I see musicians that lead the church in Praise & Worship and when they're done they go out and play with X artist that is cursing all over the place and degrading everyone and there mama. If you received a degree in music, it's not hard to adapt that in the Gospel or Christian environment. I know that God can give you a job at a specific place where you are blessed and not stressed. I also know that God can take you out of a job and give you another. My boy is about to graduate school and he's doing computer animation. You know what he's going to do? He's going to help churches establish good websites. He's already started his company. You see, God opens doors, but not all doors that are open are from God. Jesus was offered kingdoms here in the world by Satan. Did he accept? We have to remember that Satan is not in Hell as some people say. He is in the atmosphere. (air) He will use the atmosphere to even fool the chosen people. (soundwaves = music) Another thing, not all instrumental music is good. There are cats that play instrumental music that have evil spirits behind them. If you are in tune with the Holy Spirit, he'll let you know. There is such a thing as passive, cool, calm DEMONS. I'm serious. That's it. I'm off this subject and avoiding all the other topics like it.

If you want to hate me, go ahead. I've seen musicians get yanked off of altars by the Power of God for not living right. You want to know why I feel so stongly about it? I was one musician that God took down from His altar and told me through a lady that I didn't even know that if I didn't get straight and respect His place, I would die right there on the spot. Only God and I knew what I was doing. That, my brothers and sisters is the reason that I know for a fact what I'm talking about. Call me crazy, call me old school or whatever, but one day you will know that God is real jealous of His people and specially his musicians. God is Love, but he is also a very Powerful and Mighty God. Don't play with Him or His things or you will get burned.

I'm out......

SabianKnight · « **Reply #11 on:** September 28, 2005, 10:18:26 PM »

Even gys with percussion degrees have to learn theory and melodic instruments. Piano has become near mandatory in a lot of percussion programs today so this would open you up to be a church MD.

Aside from that there are many positive musicians and vocal artists in the music biz looking for the same thing in their musicians so stop trying to define music as a whole into secular and non-secular because it isn't hat simple.

Reading music well will open up your options immensly allowing you to work broadway/off broadway shows, movie scores, jingles , tv spots etc. Fully investigate the facts and don't really soley on opinion from others.

If your calling is being a musician God will provide all the opportunity and reward. Man's opinions and words me nothing when God moves. Wherever He says go whatever He says do. If you have a realtionship with Him that you hear from Him you are truly blessed.

JFunky · « **Reply #12 on:** September 28, 2005, 10:33:02 PM »

I know what you're saying Sabe, but for me and what I've gone through and seen is not an opinion bruh. I know for a fact that there is a seperation in music. I'm a Praise & Worship drummer. My lifestyle is and has to be Praise & Worship. My responsibility is to lead the church into the Throne Room. If you are going to do T.V. jingles and stuff like that than go ahead. Like I said before, if you are in tune with God he'll let you know. I am not saying all music that is not God's is bad or whatever. My point is that we have to watch out what we listen to, who we listen to, what we do and who we are playing for. The enemy is real sneaky and he'll come in through the back door without you even knowing. In other words, we need to be really in tune with God and let the Holy Spirit guide us in everything we do, study and where we work.

playhear · « **Reply #13 on:** September 28, 2005, 10:50:38 PM »

Quote from: 4hisglory

@playhear, u think a signifcant part of the budget "should" be for the musicians??

Yes, but keep in mind, when I say "significant part" I mean "significant percentage" of the budget. That percentage might be 1%, maybe 8% or maybe 20% of the church budget. The percentage depends on the capabilities of the individual church. Whatever the percentage is, it should be "significant" to that church. Thus, a church with little cash won't be able to pay the musicians much, while a church with a lot of cash will.

Think of it like this. A top musician practices several hours a day and may have even paid a lot of tuition to go to school like you said. Many musicians prepare as hard as or harder than the pastor. Your skills are worth something.

The head of your church is probably not a musician. So, you may have been conditioned into thinking that musicians shouldn't get paid much. That doesn't sit well with me. The musicians define a church and, in my opinion, more so than the pastor. Don't be afraid to get paid. There's no sin there.

By paying musicians, the church can command more from the musicians. The musicians may not have to take the secular gigs. Over time, the musicians will become better. The music will be better. More people will show up. The church will receive more tithes. More tithes for the Lord is a way of praising God. The church can use the extra money to help the community, set up youth programs, build better facilities, raise musician salaries, etc.

playhear · « **Reply #14 on:** September 28, 2005, 11:05:07 PM »

Oh, I need to add that I'm not a full-time musician. I'm one of those guys who can step in if need be. God has called me to a different full-time profession. So, I would not be receiving any of the money that I said I would like for skilled musicians to receive. Thus, my post above is not selfishly motivated.

Eccentric-Rhythm · « **Reply #15 on:** September 29, 2005, 07:36:22 AM »

I do alot in my church. I am a Minister, Head of the Sound Deparment, a Deacon, and the Drummer. I feel so honored to take part and be used for the betterment of God's Kingdom, that the thought of being paid never even crossed my mind. 4hisGlory. I know what you are trying to get at...What other options are out there BESIDES secular for a musician that wants to stay in the realms of gospel based music.

Here is what I am doing, there are some very talented people around me, example my Wife. She has such an amazing beautiful voice. We are going to try and put a CD out...Obviously, I will be drumming...I pray that it will catch on like fire, and then there is my first bit of exposure. There are others amongst my midst that would follow and want a cd as well, so that would open that up for me. I PRAY.... Haha.

That is my thoughts.

God Bless.

freddyfusion · « **Reply #16 on:** September 29, 2005, 08:07:57 AM »

i agree with sabianknight- don't just lump it all together- not everything non-Gospel is evil

bottomline- as with every other questionable asspect of our lives- you HAVE TO BE SENSITIVE TO GOD's voice. and i mean that in support of both sides of the opinion. God could be saying he is allowing you to play for that movie score or instrumental, or wedding love song, etc. and even within doing Gospel music the "good"thing doesn't always = the GOD thing. he could be saying NOT to play for a certain Gospel artist or church, so either way hearing HIM is the only thing that matters.
you have to be neutral- be able to know what he is saying from situation to situation being sensitive enough to hear if he wants to change something.

freddyfusion · « **Reply #17 on:** September 29, 2005, 08:14:07 AM »

and again for the record
1- i am not one to play for secular artists- with immoral lives ( instrumentalists-both christians and not)- and/ or immoral lyrics
2- when i support playing for CERTAIN secular music i am not at all supporting the artists that ACTIVELY and PURPOSEFULLY spread evil. i don't think it is good for anyone to play for them it just stiffles the kingdom of God.

mrwhite · « **Reply #18 on:** September 29, 2005, 08:29:37 AM »

I agree totally with everything JFunky said. If he wasn't telling the truth, then I must not know what the truth is!!!!! I'm looking to take percussion courses as well but I plan to only drum for church and gospel artists only (those with true anointing).

4hisglory · « **Reply #19 on:** September 29, 2005, 09:05:28 AM »

JFunk, I want you to knwo that I dont disagree with what you are saying. When I am thinking secular career, I am not thinking about playing for some artist that is on stage cussing and doing crazy stuff (thanks for see what I am saying E-R

I knew a musician that played in a club and he would come straight from the club, playing all night (without bathing mind you) and come play for a church, which I had a little issue with.

But JFunk, I think we really arent that far apart.

@playhear. I just dont think that the musicians should be a signaficant portion of the budget. Why you ask??

For a few reasonss but the main is, to me, it seems like paid musicians move from church to church often, plus, throughout the bible, God never used the very best people to fullfil his purpose.

If we just allow God to, he can just manifest himself through any level of musician. And everyone remember, this is just my opinion. There is nothing wrong with being paid at a church (IMO again

)

Author Topic: Drumming Careers (Read 2987 times)

JFunky

JFunky

JFunky

JFunky

JFunky

Eccentric-Rhythm