2 Most Difficult Things for Music Directors

2 Most Difficult Things for Music Directors.

Its been 4 weeks of having a virtual bootcamp for MDs and several interactions in music classes with over 50 music teams and MDs since the lockdown. I have learnt a lot but let me outline 2 discoveries

1. Many don’t know how to separate the church politics and issues in their church with learning how to be a real music director. Often times when MDs ask me questions, they tell me about what is happening in their church or choir. I’m more concerned about them being a great MD but many MDs are lost in choir brouhaha. They don’t even know if the reason for the issues is their inadequacy as MDs or just the toxicity of the environment.
2. There are many questions MDs ask me that I can’t answer. The issues are usually beyond music Directing. We are dealing with cabals and denomination practices. There’s no advise I will give that can work in that setting. Its either the denomination changes their beliefs or the MD leaves.

This is why I tell MDs, before you enter a system, do your checks. Don’t think you can change a choir. If the leadership of that system is not as forward thinking musically and don’t share your sentiments I can say with 98% assurance that nothing will change. You’re going to have to fight a deep seated culture. Find out why the previous MD left. Don’t think you’re better. If its a denomination with many branches observe what happens across the branches. You may not be able to change it in your base.

God bless your work..