5 Resolutions to Make You An Awesome Worship Musician

I love new year’s resolutions. Setting a few goals, writing them down and periodically coming back to the list is a great way to combat the quick passage of time. 

Here are some ideas for resolutions you can make to become a better musician. Who knows, maybe at one point these will just become some of your habits!

Fall in Love with One Album Per Month

The drawback of having so much music at our fingertips is that we often fail to really settle into a single album. Most artists put a lot of thought into their records and the really beautiful gems can take some time to dig up. This year, be intentional about searching out new material and forcing yourself to stick with it. My hunch is you will find a lot to get excited about in the details. Speaking of details…

Focus on the Details

There is a difference between playing a part and mastering it. Listen to yourself critically. Could that note ring a little better? Is the timing on that change perfect? Are you and your drummer really in sync? Resolve to not rush onto the new without having a good handle on the old.

Expand Your Toolbox

It’s easy to avoid challenges. You go to the same lead riff because you haven’t stepped outside your ability for awhile. Pick a technique and really work on it. Is your tremolo picking inconsistent? Do you struggle with 16th note high hats? Are you running out of bass transitions? It takes more work to avoid something than to become proficient at it. Confront some giants this year.

Be Consistent

Nothing makes you a better musician like consistent practice. Pick a time every day or week that is dedicated to practicing. It doesn’t have to be a 3 hour session, 10-15 minutes a day can make a huge difference. You can’t not get better when you practice consistently.

Become a Mentor

You don’t need to be assigned a position to be a mentor. You only need take an interest in one person on your team. Strike up conversation, talk about gear, share your experiences and ask them to share their's. Offer tips while asking for some of your own. Build relationship around music. You don’t have to be the best player on the worship team to do it, you just have to be willing.

Time flies, folks. If you are not intentional it flies even faster. Don’t be afraid to stretch yourself. I might not complete every resolution I make this year, but I definitely won’t if I don’t make them in the first place.