being a healthy music director

September 7, 2012

The role of the Music Director can be traced to bible history times with specific reference to the time David became king of Israel.

Even though this particular ‘portfolio’ had been around for a very long time, it wasn’t until David became king that it gained prominence in the everyday life of God's people.

A full study of the reforms that took place under David's leadership (1st Chronicles) can attest to the emphasis that he placed on temple worship music.

These reforms brought to the front music personalities like Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun, who became key leaders and Music Directors with varying responsibilities.

The dynamics involved in the role of Music Director become evident based on the environment of its performance.

In David's time he, the king, was the chief musician while others functioned under him (1st Chronicles 25:1-8).

The Musicians for Worship

1 Chron 25:1-8

Next David and the worship leaders selected some from the family of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for special service in preaching and music.

Here is the roster of names and assignments: From the family of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah; they were supervised by Asaph, who spoke for God backed up by the king's authority.

From the family of Jeduthun there were six sons: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah; they were supervised by their father Jeduthun, who preached and accompanied himself with the zither—he was responsible for leading the thanks and praise to God.

From the family of Heman there was Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shubael, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth.

These were the sons of Heman, who was the king's seer; they supported and assisted him in his divinely appointed work. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

Under their father's supervision they were in charge of leading the singing and providing musical accompaniment in the work of worship in the sanctuary of God. They were well-trained in the sacred music, all of them masters.

They drew names at random to see who would do what. Nobody, whether young or old, teacher or student, was given preference or advantage over another.

This was so because apart from his royal responsibilities and calling, David had been raised and anointed of God for the office of the prophetic through music.

By this we learn that it was not the fact that he was king that gave him right to be chief musician but rather a divine calling of God upon his life.

When you look at the other kings of Israel beginning with Saul, we do not see any of them stepping into that Music Director role as David did.

So . . . .

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME…. (MISCONCEPTIONS)

The music director:

-Is appointed to teach songs like a choir master.

-Must be the most talented musician.

-Must be the longest serving member in the team.

-Must be the most prayerful member in the team.

-Must be the most loyally serving and committed member.

-Must be the one in the team with bible school experience.

-Must be an associate Pastor or on the church Pastoral team

-Must be the most friendly member with good relational skills.

WHAT I LOOK TO THE TEAM FOR…

•Know the songs

•Keep an eye on the MD & WL for direction

•PRACTICE (different to REHEARSAL)

•Bring ideas for ‘fleshing’ out the song – bring the better…

•Come prepared to work!

•PLEASE be on time!

THINGS THAT WILL HELP YOU AS A MUSIC DIRECTOR

•3 second rule – keep an eye out for the next moment…

•anticipate what may be coming next

•know the songs – REALLY KNOW THEM!

•talk through with the Worship Leader ideas and transitions

•have a few tips ready for flavouring up the song

•make your signals clear – for ALL

  1. •keep relaxed! If you’re tense, EVERYBODY gets tense….

Blessings.....

c