Brand New Song From Phillip Carter (Dedicated To The World In Crisis)

Good Day Everyone, 

I was inspired to redo and release a song I had written 20 years ago entitled "I Shall Survive" featuring Ana Gibson. It's dedicated to the victims, families and people around the globe who are experiencing this hardship during the pandemic. This song is also available as a FREE download on www.buygospel.com. All of us are affected one way or another by this pandemic. I hope this song blesses you. May the Lord continue to grant you His protection as we survive together. 

To commemorate the release we also have "I Shall Survive" T-Shirts for sale on the website.

Honoring DMV's Greatest Gospel Musicians (Past and Present) Part 2

The DMV area is so blessed wiith innovators and trendsetters in the area of Gospel Music. In the last blog, I explored the "creme de la creme" of Gospel Musicians in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. I'm back with part 2 because there are some others that I would like to recognize as well. As always I am sure this list is not complete but it's thorough. Let's get started!

1. William Hubbard

    

William Hubbard is the writer of one of the most popular Gospel /Praise and Worship songs of all time, "I Love You Lord Today", which was originally recorded by The Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir and has been and continues to be one of greatest Gospel Musicians the DMV has ever seen and heard. William came from a musical family as his mother was a musician in her own right. He is not only a great Gospel Musician and songwriter, but his expertise also reaches into the realm of musical theater. William Hubbard has never allowed the trendiness of Gospel Music to narrow his eclectic musical genius as he continues to write music that will stand the test of time. Hear his version of the 23rd Psalm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WO8_8fuUSg

2. Warren Jones (Far left in picture)

                                           

  

Musician, singer, songwriter Warren Jones is a a quiet storm in the DMV area. He is nationally known for his producing both Gospel and R&B artists. Warren also penned a very popular worship song recorded by The Potter's House Mass Choir entitled, "Majesty" some years ago. Warren has all of the "intangibles" as they say in sports.  He can do anything as it pertains to music. Despite his demanding career as a producer, he is still a church musician. One of the humbling facts about Warren is that he is not a mega church guy. He works with and ministers in places that most big named musicians wouldn't even consider, and he is to be commended for that.  Warren is also one of the founding members of a very popular Gospel band in the 90's called Gideon Band and a gifted drummer as well..  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5A4d9rMjIU

3. Mike Smith

I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with this monster musician for many years now. Mike Smith is a musical tactician and a Stellar nominated producer. Mike Smith knows how to play and produce music. He was my co-producer and a writer on my last project, and has worked with many DMV artists in helping to make their dreams come true.  A native of State College, Pennsylvania, Mike moved to the DC area not really knowing a lot about the inner workings of how to play Gospel Music, but he had a ear that developed him into the phenomenal musician he is today. He is now the Minister of Music of the Jones Tabernacle Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD, and well respected and noted by many as a great musician and songwriter.  

4. Nate Fields  

You cannot be a musician in the DMV area, and not know who Bassist Nate Fields is with his high pitched voice. Nate plays the bass with reckless precision as he has graced so many recordings in the DMV area with an unmistakable foundation. Nate is somewhat of a pioneer with his uncanny ability to ad lib while still holding down the foundation in a song. Nate is also the Minister of Music of Redeeming Love Christian Center in DC where his father is the Pastor. Here's a clip of Nate playing the bass along with Warren Jones(Piano) and Mike Smith (Organ). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hfQlMXaQpw

5. Jay Williams (J.J.)

J.J is a pioneer and mentor to so many in the DC metropolitan area and abroad. He is one of the greatest drummers in America, and we have been blessed to hear him in the DC area for over 20 years now. Jay Williams is the lead drummer at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Lanham, MD, but his resume far exceeds the limitations of Gospel Music. He's helped so many artists in many other genres of music as well and continues to tour as needed. J.J. is not only a great musician, he is a great person. He is one of the best session drummers I have ever seen.  He's also a family man, and comes from a musical family. His father, the late Judge Williams Sr., was also well known in our area as the Minister of Music at the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church in DC.. See J.J. with Marcus Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEsN4lAVCs0

6. Daryl Hunt

One word.... Musical Genius

I have never worked with Daryl Hunt before, but I have seen and experienced his work. There is really no one like him in our area. He writes, arranges, and plays like tomorrow may not get here. Daryl is very educated and knowledgeable in not only Gospel Music, but he is a wizard in orchestration. He has written and/or arranged songs for R&B artists as well. He is a humble man with a vision to educate young people. Hear his rendition of Richard Smallwood's "Lord's Prayer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nkPI4qwDAQ

7. Justin Savage

 

When you mention the name Justin Savage to anyone who plays Gospel music, their eyes begin to light up because the man is simply amazing. He is a trendsetter and a student of music. Justin has graced many national recordings, and is the Assistant Minister of Music at the Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, MD.  The DC area first heard of Justin through his amazing performance and production of Jonathan Nelson's first project that he did in Baltimore, MD.  It was like a Sunday School lesson, Justin had changed the game. His style was refreshing and many in our area have adopted his way of approaching piano playing. Justin has mentored many musicians, and continues to play and produce for many across the USA.  Justin is a great singer as well. Check out his latest single.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCoP21FGGVE

8. Reger Smith (Ross Smith)

Ross Smith is one of the proteges of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church who branched out to do so much more in the Gospel Music scene in the DMV area. Ross is not only a bassist, but he is a musician's musician. Ross is currently on staff at the First Baptist Church Of Glenarden in Maryland and Capitol Hill SDA Church in DC.  I likened his playing to that of Mark Walker. He has a very clear and concise sound. I have never seen Ross unprepared for an event or service. He is now a staple in the Gospel Community as a reliable bassist and a person of integrity. http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIMlA1tR6CUAbBP7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBrc3VyamVwBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQD?p=Ross+Smith%2C+bass&vid=4c272f2f7a813cbae8d778cf89a2024e&l=9%3A41&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DV.4649934432633319%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DN2qqSultBfA&tit=CHC+Church+Praise+and+Worship&c=1&sigr=11a5j8veh&age=0&fr=yfp-t-900&vm=r&tt=b

9. Melvin Bryant

When you talk about virtuoso pianists, Melvin Bryant's name has to be on the top of the list. Melvin Bryant, the Assistant Minister of Music at the Alfred Street Baptist Church, in Alexandria, VA, is a well informed, well educated minstrel who can make anything talk on the black and white keys. He is also a recording artist having released an album of his own in 2003. Melvin is also a great teacher and friend to many in the DMV area. Melvin is an active participant and contributor in the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. He lends a hand when he can and is very humble about the gifts that God has blessed him with.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LQP-tbzyBA

10. Stephen Key

Arranger, songwriter, singer, minister of music, and music transcriber Stephen Key leaves no stone unturned in the field of music. He is a well sought after musician for his accuracy in interpreting music as the artist would prefer it. He has played for many on the biggest stages the DMV area has to offer. He has his own group, Steve Key and Company.  Steve Key & Company has performed in several European music festivals including the1998 North Sea Jazz festival at The Hague in Holland, where the group performed before standing room only audiences.  The group remains committed to spreading the gospel in song whenever called upon. Stephen is also well sought after for his music transcription services. His turn around time is unbelievable in getting music back to his clients. He hails from a musical family, is well rooted in the DMV area, and is well deserved to be on this list. http://www.stepkeymusic.com/gpage1.html



Honorable Mentions- 
Mike McCoy- Great gospel musician and teacher.
Carlton Burgess- Great teacher and mentor to many in the DMV area
Jimmy Russell- Who taught and mentored so many in the DC area.
Terrell Graham- He is one of the longest tenured drummers at one church in the DC area . The 1st drummer I ever saw in the DC area using and MPC back in the early 90's.
Michael White- great singer, musician and songwriter
Paul Avery- musician with unlimited musical ideas
Jamal Moore- Who is now probably the most sought after session drummer in the DC area
Bob Terry- Guitarist
Alvin White- Guitarist
Damon Grey- Just a monster musician and a great musical support to many.

"Leading A Music Ministry"

What Does It Involve?

Leading a Music Ministry or Music and Arts ministry can be a daunting task. It involves administration, psychology, the skill to lead and most importantly a comprehensive musical understanding of the needs of the particular congregation you are serving. Great leaders are also great followers. When you learn how to follow you learn how to lead. In leading a Music Ministry, you have to take into consideration the different parts of the ministry you are attempting to lead. You also have to have a clear understanding of the vision of the Pastor and church that you are serving. If they do not have a clear vision then you will need to assist them in creating one based on their wants and needs as a church and Music Ministry. You would be surprised how many churches do not have mission and/or vision statements concerning their Music Ministry.

Whether you are currently a Minister of Music, getting ready to be one, or aspiring to be one its important that you understand your job in a particular ministry. In general a Minister of Music is in charge of the overall operation and musical health of the church. In my opinion, you should possess the skills play, teach, direct, sing and administrate especially if you are working at an African American church. You should not be dependent on anybody in order for you to be successful in your job. NOW, even though you possess those skills having a staff is surely helpful in being successful.

HIRING AND BUDGET

 If your church has the budget for you to hire help then you should always hire the kind of staff that will aid and enhance you and the church in the worship experience. In other words, do not hire inferior musicians. You should always seek to hire people who can make a significant change in your worship experience musically and spiritually.  I always seek to hire people who can do what I can't.  

Sometimes as the Minister of Music, churches try to short change you financially by forcing you to settle for less qualified musicians but they want the best quality of music and worship. ISN'T THAT IRONIC. Its like they don't get it. They do not understand that quality comes with a price. Quality musicians are NOT hard to find they are just hard to keep. They are hard to keep because if they feel hampered by the restraints that are sometimes put on them by Ministers of Music's, Churches and Pastors then its time to leave and seek other opportunities. Restraints can be spiritual, music and/or financial. Churches are quick to honor Pastors but ignore the musical leaders in the house. A "Thank You" sometimes can go a lonnnnngggg wayyyyy.

SONG SELECTION

Ministers of Music who are great build comprehensive programs for their choirs, praise teams, musicians and congregations that they serve. They not only teach music but they teach the Ministry of Music which is more than just reading and/or learning music and notes. They are sensitive to the musical and spiritual needs of the church they serve and often pick music that is relevant to those needs. You should pick music that is also relevant to the vocal ability of the choirs you teach. Always be mindful that unless your choir is vocally super natural they can't sing everything. You should carefully select music that will bring the best out of a particular choir. For some of you that may mean doing a lot of unison singing until your choir can handle some part singing. You should research musical selections and not just the Top 40 songs you hear on the radio. Most of the time you, and the people you serve, will receive the greatest blessing from songs that are less popular. You should always teach music that has some scriptural basis to it. Songs that have scriptural background to it are more effective and more likely to stick in the hearts and minds of your choirs and congregation.

NON-  MUSICAL RELATED ACTIVITIES


It's important to coordinate a few activities throughout the year with your music ministry that are non music related. Fellow shipping out of the choir stand is very helpful in attaining unity. Sometimes the people just need to know that you as the leader are a human being and that you like to do other things. People trust who they know and like. If they can see another side of you, every now and then, it helps in the choir stand.


TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS


Leaders who do not attend training sessions and workshops are stag net and boring. You should always be in a posture of learning. Its VERY important to get out of your church as much as you can and attend workshops so that you can hear and see what others are doing. Workshops are often great sources of opportunity to get new music. The bible commands us to sing unto the Lord some new songs. It's hard to get new songs if you can't get out.

LEAVING A LEGACY


Everybody should aspire to leave something positive behind for the next person to use providing that you had a positive impact on the people you were serving.Creating a musical library of your works, whether physical and digital, is important to the next person who will have your job after  you. A great Minister of Music does not operate out of spite but out of love for the Ministry of Music and the people you serve.


Peace,
Phillip Carter

"What is Church/Gospel Music Supposed To Sound Like"

This is a great debate in a lot of churches and among Christians around the world especially in the US. This debate is not a new one. The great Thomas Dorsey,  whom we revere in all of music, was ridiculed for emulating a blues sound in church with his piano playing and singing. Edwin Hawkins was slammed for his hit song "Oh Happy Day" which was initially rejected by church audiences for sounding to secular or what about The Saint's in Praise Vol 1 which was spearheaded by the West Angeles COGIC in 1992 and was initially rejected by its own church members and mainstream black gospel radio for sounding too white.  I remember when "Stomp" by Kirk Franklin was released to radio and many Christians and Clergy went completely bananas over theology of the song. Now we have Holy Hip Hop which is being completely ignored on mainstream Gospel Radio due to the fear of rejection by mainstream church audiences. We also have Christian Rock, Neo Soul Gospel and and many other sub- genres of Gospel music that is out there right now being embraced by some and rejected by others.

We all have our ideas about what Gospel Music/Church music is supposed to sound like. All of us need to consider the fact that our ideas have been shaped by someone or something else. If you grew up in church then most of your thinking and opinion is rooted in what you heard in church as a child or what you were taught. Because many of us have our own ideas,  its important to define what church music is then to verbally assault or reject a modern day sound that you or I may or may not understand. Church music is defined as "music intended for performance as part of services of worship"(The Free Dictionary). Its a broad definition with little specifics. I would define it as "music rooted in scripture or personal experience to be performed in worship or other venues for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ".

Church music has evolved from the Gregorian Chant to Holy Hip-Hop. If society and its music were not allowed to evolve then we all would still be chanting in service with cloaks on. Its important that we do not judge the sound of the new wave of music but rather the content. I can name many songs from Negro Spirituals to some of Gospel Musics current hits that were not rooted in scripture but it had the so called "Church Sound". One example is the song 'Down By The Riverside" which has no biblical meaning but rather a cultural meaning instead. When slaves needed to converse with one another or arrange meetings they would say words and catch phrases that the slave master could not understand in order to meet up such as "I'm gonna lay down my burdens down by the riverside" which  means meet me at the river, I got something to tell you. Now that song is considered a church son by many and some of us shout over it but it has no spiritual significance. It's important to remember, appreciate and pass down our heritage as African Americans but it shouldn't be mistaken for a church song.  Just recently there were major questions over the hit song "Back To Eden" by Donald Lawrence and its biblical meaning. Does God really want us to go "Back To Eden"? That's for you to decide. I never sung it in church because I could never understand why I needed to go back. I prefer to go forward to Heaven.

We are more opinionated about the sound of something then its content. We tend to shun what we do not understand. Some of the deepest, scriptural based lyrical content I have ever heard has come from the Holy Hip-Hop generation and its music. On the other hand, I have also been blessed by the poetic scriptural lessons that have been placed in Hymns. Any song that blesses God and edifies the believer can be a "Church Song" or can be sung or spoken in church. It's fine to have your preferences about the kind of song or style you like but it's not ok to ridicule others for theirs. In many of our churches today our youth and young adults are shut out from expressing themselves in their modern day vernacular with music. Many of us who are older were treated the same way when we were young yet we do not extend the grace, that we wish we had, to our younger generation. Let's get over our narrow mindedness about what Church or Gospel music is supposed to sound like and lets embrace what, I believe, God is doing through the new sounds that are out their today. All music comes from God. It's what man does to it that makes the difference.


Peace,
Phillip Carter

"My Top 10 Gospel Music Pioneers"

There are many great artists  past and present in Gospel Music and not just the top 30 that you hear on the radio. However their are only a few who have really shaped our worship experiences and musical styles since the inception of Gospel Music and those are the true pioneers(some of which are living today). Pioneers are people who create new avenues of thought, research and development whereby we all can eventually benefit from. I need to say that there is a difference between great artists/singers and pioneers. I have listed MY Top 10 Gospel Music pioneers of all time along with a brief description. This list is fully debatable and I am sure that many of you could add or take away names based on your preference. This list is not in order of importance.

1. Thomas A Dorsey-  Most of us in Gospel have heard of Thomas A Dorsey, his story, his music and one of the greatest songs ever written "Precious Lord". He pioneered bringing Gospel Music into the church. During the Dorsey era, Gospel Music was considered to Jazzy an inappropriate for worship but Thomas pressed on and now musicians today have the freedoms to express themselves freely in worship through their playing and singing thanks to Thomas Dorsey. He caused the acceptance of the use of  Blues and Jazz chords on Sunday morning. 

His other pioneering contribution is the National Convention Of Gospel Choirs and Choruses which is held every year in August. This is the oldest Gospel Music convention in the world. Its a forum where people can come and learn how to sing, play, teach and learn new music to take back to their respective choirs and congregations.

2. Mahalia Jackson- One of the greatest singers of all time in any genre of music. Mahalia is a pioneer for bringing Gospel Music to the mainstream music community and to the World. She was well respected and cherished like Rock Bands in Europe. Mahalia Jackson is one of  the reasons why Gospel Music and American Gospel Artists are so loved in Europe. She is considered an American Music Icon not just a Gospel Music icon. 

3. James Cleveland- The King of Gospel Music and the founder of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), which is still the largest of its kind. The GMWA has been the starting block for too many artists to name. Without the GMWA, Gospel Music would be far less popular and advanced then it is now. Rev. Cleveland also helped so many artists and choirs across America by giving them a national platform through recordings that he spearheaded. With just his voice on an album, one was ready to go and purchase it.

4.Brother Joe May- Before there was a Bobby Jones there was a Brother Joe May. He hosted a show called TV Gospel Time(look it up on youtube). Joe May was a pioneer for bringing Gospel Music to Television. During his era, anybody who was doing anything in Gospel Music was on the TV Gospel Time. Joe May was also a great singer and artist in his own right.

5. Kenneth Morris-Many people, in this day and time,  haven't heard of Kenneth Morris but Kenneth was the Gospel Music publisher and transcriber for so many artists. His company (Martin and Morris Music Company) co-founded by Sallie Martin is the oldest Gospel Music Publishing Company. He played such a key role in preserving the music that is now golden to us and will live on through sheet music.

6. Richard Smallwood.- Richard Smallwood is and will forever be known as the one who gelled classical music with Gospel. His style of playing, writing and production is unique to him only. He has influenced generations of musicians, choir directors and singers all over the globe with his style of Gospel writing and singing.

7. Thomas Whitfield(The Maestro) - One of the greatest Gospel musicians and producers of our time. Besides his Gospel Music hits that are still being sung in churches today, his style of playing and writing has influenced so many of our mainstream artists such as Donald Lawrence, Fred Hammond and Kurt Carr. His musicianship like Richard Smallwood led musicians to a whole new style of playing Gospel Music especially in the Midwest portion of the United States and He was one of the first artists to display a different style of  worship after the song is over on his albums. A lot of our style of worship can be attributed to Thomas Whitfield approach to Gospel Music and worship.

8. Patrick Henderson- During his tenure as the Minister of Music at the West Angeles COGIC, Patrick Henderson, under the leadership of Bishop Charles Blake, is the one who introduced Praise and Worship music to the black church. It was not readily accepted but eventually it was through the recordings of West Angeles under his leadership that Praise and Worship, in the African American Church, is what it is today.

9. Kirk Franklin- Kirk Franklin is the most successful Gospel Artist of our time and his songs have raised up generations of young people into soldiers for Christ. His ability to draw Gospel and Secular audiences with his music has aided the church in reaching souls for Christ.

10.Edwin and Walter Hawkins- This dynamic duo is directly responsible for breaking Gospel Music into the mainstream with their 1960's hit "Oh Happy Day" which opened the doors for so many other artists like The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, William Becton and Yolanda Adams to receive the same airplay opportunities. Edwin and Walter Hawkins are one of the main reasons why we have music to sing on Sunday morning. They have written so many Sunday morning compositions which has added to the Spiritual fabric of so many across the world. "Oh Happy Day' penned by Edwin Hawkins is still thee most popular song in Europe and one of the most popular songs in the world Gospel or Secular. Every year Edwin Hawkins hosts the "Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar" which gives many artists and songwriters opportunities to share their gifts to a mass audience. 

HOLD UP- I GOT ONE MORE

11. Andre Crouch- I could not possible leave Andre Crouch off this list. He has given us so many songs for worship past and present. Songs such as "Jesus is The Answer", 'Take Me Back", "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus", "My Tribute", "Oh It Is Jesus" and lately "Let The Church Say Amen" and so many more. Andre Crouch is one of the few Gospel Artsts who appeared in church Hymn Books in the 80's and 90's.  Andre Crouch was one of the first Gospel Artists to appear on a network television show with appearance on the "Jeffersons". He is a consummate song writer with every lyric based on scripture. He along with his sister Sandra are true pioneers. You could literally sing a Crouch song every service for 6 months and not run out of songs to sing.

The Gospel Music Industry vs. The Gospel Music Ministry

There are thousands of artists (Major and Independent) that are not only involved in the Industry of Gospel Music but also the Ministry of Gospel Music. I, like many of you, have one time or another, intertwined the two as one but they are different yet they can come together depending on the vision of the artist. The word "Industry" refers to the production of an economic good or service. (Wikipedia). It's important to understand that the Gospel Music industry can involve ministry but ministry is not the focal point. The focal point is the marketing, distributing and selling of products for money. Without money, an industry would fall and that's why so many artists and some major labels in the past have fallen because of the lack of financial resources due to various reasons. The Gospel Music Industry is comprised of major Corporations, small labels, mom and pop record stores,( which are vastly dying) promoters,media, marketers, publicists, radio personalities and churches.The industry is primarily ruled and influenced by major labels who have the necessary funding to reach the average Gospel Music buyer with their products and services. The labels products are their artists and the products they create(CD's, DVD's etc) and depending on the success of those products other residuals are created such as royalties, merchandise etc.

The Gospel Music Industry does not have to follow any moral or religious code nor do the artists they promote. They concentrate on making music that people want to hear. When major labels sign artists, they look at the talent and marketability of the artist. If lifestyles were a prerequisite to being signed by a label then there would be no labels because most of the artists that we know and love have lifestyles that wouldn't measure up. There would be no industry. Just think, if you only bought products from corporations and artists with whom you knew were operating by biblical principals, how easy would it be for you to get what you wanted although it would be interesting to know how many corporate executes, who promote Gospel Music, actually know Jesus as their personal Savior.  To the Gospel Music Industries credit, many songs, videos, songbooks and award shows have been beneficial to the everyday lives of Christians around the world. Gospel Music would not be where it is today if it weren't for the Gospel Music Industry but let's not spiritualize it folks. It is what it is. I'm in the industry and if I don't make money, I can't continue to make records and travel. Major planning and implementation makes major artists. Artists don't do well just because their anointed. Their are people in our local churches who are anointed and if they had the right business model behind them they would be selling records too.

The Gospel Music Ministry is different. When one is in the ministry of Gospel Music, their primary focus is the salvation and uplifting of souls. Many artists, major or independent, when they step on stage their goal is to minister God's music to the waiting audience or congregation. The ministry is not focused on money, although money is needed to survive, the ministering of music is essential to their mission in life. I would venture to say that most Gospel Artists make an attempt to minister Gods music every time they are offered an opportunity. However sometimes personal ambition and arrogance gets in the way.  The Gospel Music Industry and Ministry can walk together if the artist desires it to be so. When you are sold out for God your integrity means more to you than money. You thrive off of ministry and you let the ministry drive your business and not vice versa. I hear some of you saying now, I would prefer ministry over industry well let me tell you that without an Industry you and I would not be exposed to the ministries of most of our wonderful Gospel Artists.


Peace,
Phillip

"Losing a Generation of Young Church Musicians"

As I reflect back on my early years as a musician. I thank God for my father with whom I had the opportunity to play with on many Sundays and during the week in church. Most of the churches that I played  in were small and the music was somewhat behind the times. However it was at those humble beginnings that I learned how to be a church musician. I learned praise songs, hymns and spirituals. I learned that it was not about the money but it was about my relationship with God and His music. I learned how to teach parts and deal with people. I also learned how to work with and respect the Pastor. For a long time getting paid was not even apart of my vocabulary. In addition to playing in church, I also worked part time cutting grass after school and on weekends. When I finally started receiving some kind of compensation, my compensation started at $35 a service which included rehearsals. Later on, as I matured as a musician, my father and I decided that it was time to explore other church options because we had outgrown our current situation. WOW!! Those humble beginnings really paid off and I thank God for it as I reflect back now. I wonder how many young musicians have a similar testimony today? My guess is not many...

It seems that we are in some what of a crises as it pertains to the younger generation of church musicians. There is minimal integrity,  minimal knowledge of music repertoire, no anointing and not enough mentors to go around. Every Pastor that I talk to, that is looking for a musician to hire, all want the same thing. They want a seasoned musician but their are none to go around. A seasoned musician is one who has been trained with a certain measure of experience to handle a certain job. Seasoning has little to do with age. I was a seasoned musician at the age of 16 because of my father and the exposure that I had playing and directing at a young age. There is NOT a shortage of musicians but there is a serious shortage of seasoned musicians.  I am 36 years old and most of the musicians who are 10 years younger or more have become arrogant because of the early pedestals that some of us have put them on due to their exceptional abilities. They are demanding respect and competitive salaries with little to no training(musical and spiritual) and/or experience. They view music ministry as a way to pay their bills and gain popularity and not as a calling.

You may ask "How did this happen and who's to blame". Let's start with those of us who are seasoned musicians who have become so self-serving and self indulgent that we are no longer taking the time to mentor/teach the younger generation what it is to be a minstrel in the house of God. We no longer have the time to pass on what was freely given to us.  We are so focused on our own careers that we forgot to go back and help somebody else. I don't want to leave out the fact that many of us(musicians) are threatened by their musical abilities so we decline to mentor them so save our own jobs or positions. Next up is the Pastors who, out of desperation and lack of spiritual discernment, have and continue to hire these young musicians out of desperation and the need to keep up with today's church musical environment.  Just because someone knows the latest chords and chord progressions does not qualify them to be the next musical Moses to bring you out of your dark ages. Then after you hire them you do LITTLE TO NOTHING to invest in them as musicians and as people.

Thirdly is the parents who see dollar signs like their children and have allowed them to leave the nest too early without the proper training and spiritual development which has led to all kind of problems such as homosexuality, fornication and drugs just to name a few. Lastly its some of the Gospel Artists, who many look up to, who take these youngins on the road with them, in the name of cheap labor, and create a false sense of  reality by not explaining to them how they arrived themselves.  Everybody has to crawl before learn to walk.

This is an indictment on the church. The sad thing is that it is too late to save some of the musicians. They are LONG GONE and have been exposed to too much of the negative to turn around now. However we can save the ones we can and the new young musicians who are coming up with our mentorship, help and support.  Let's teach our younger generation to work for what they want out of life instead of handing it to them on a silver platter.

Peace,
Phillip Carter