So let’s talk some about multi tasking. This is something that comes in very handy for a musician. They teach you in music performance that your mind should be clear and free of everything except the music. This is true. But leading worship isn’t a performance. It’s not set. It can change drastically. It is important to be able to think ahead as a musician. Sometimes the pre-made set list just doesn’t cut it. Maybe you’ll be asked on the spot to lead some worship and start on a specific song. What will the next song be? You don’t want to spend and awkard minute after the end of the first song (depending on the mood of worship) trying to figure out what to play next. If I’m in this situation, what’s going on through my head while I’m leading the song is,
“What should I sing next? Oh, that’s a good one. What key is it in? Do I know all the words? Is the tempo similar to this one so I can go into it smoothly? What’s the next verse to the song I’m singing now? Oh yeah. How does the melody to the next song go? Could I bring back a verse from this song and make it fit at the end of the next song in some cool way? Is it appropriate to the mood? I wonder what’s for supper. How does that song start?”
Stuff like that. You have to be able to balance though, your attention on the current song while thinking these things. If your thinking is negatively affecting the current song you’re singing, then focus on the current song. This is a skill you develop, and it can take some time. Start with, “What song should I sing next?”
Next time we’ll talk about playing when you aren’t the lead singer. Peace.
