Musicians | David Santistevan

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The Worship Musician’s Guide To Preparing For Rehearsal

David Santistevan — May 6, 2013 — 11 Comments

There’s something that every worship leader loves.

Without an ounce of disagreement, we all crave of a well prepared band. Worship leaders lead better when the band is awesome.

But what does awesome look like? Well, it’s when musicians:

Know the songs
Know their parts
Balance creativity & simplicity
Carry a passion
Have a great attitude

Wouldn’t it be beautiful if our team members were like this? There’s a couple routes we can take.

First, we could moan and complain that our worship team isn’t like Elevation Church – that we don’t have a lot of people, resources, or talent. Or, we could take baby steps towards creating the culture we want to see.

In Musicians

You Are Not The Best (And Why That’s OK)

David Santistevan — March 7, 2013 — 23 Comments

I have a scenario for you. What happens when you gather a bunch of musicians in a room?

I like to call it an insecurity-fest.

We take our music very personally. Criticism can kill us. Our hearts sink to the floor when we see someone who’s better than us.

We like to take every chance we can get to impress someone…(in humility, of course).

It’s seems hilarious to write, but it’s so true: our art and our worth are inextricably linked.

But I’m about to drop a bomb on you.

You can turn back from this blog post now, if you’d like. I won’t be offended (actually, yes I will. I take this blogging thing very personally and if you don’t read it, I kick and scream and cry like a baby).

But here’s the truth: you’re not the best.

In Musicians

What It Means To Be A Prophetic Musician (And How You Can Be One)

David Santistevan — October 8, 2012 — 5 Comments

When words aren’t enough, music speaks.

When you’re in a dry, difficult season, lyrics can fail you. But music can fill your soul.

If you’re a musician, you can play music like this. Don’t worry, it’s not as weird as you think.

In Musicians

The Worship Musician’s Guide to Flowing In the Spirit On Your Instrument

David Santistevan — September 7, 2012 — 16 Comments

The idea of flowing in the Spirit can be a turn-off to many.

We’ve seen enough crazies to know we don’t want to be “that guy.” The problem is that worship isn’t simply a performance of worship songs. It’s participation in the living, ever-present, life-changing presence of God.

Yea, that changes things.

In Musicians

5 Tips For Setting Yourself Apart As A “Must-Have” Background Vocalist

David Santistevan — August 23, 2012 — 17 Comments

dphclub.com_1203635871microphone We’ve all been in situations where background vocalists were out of place.

They distracted rather than enhanced.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Your role as a background vocalist is to lead worship.

You inspire people.

You model what it means to approach the throne of grace.

And this post is to help you get there – to give you confidence as you lead others in worship.

In Musicians

What Every Professional Musician Knows About Passion, Practice, And Being Awesome

David Santistevan — August 8, 2012 — 9 Comments

You know a professional musician when you see one.

Typically, they are booked solid. They can turn down the bad gigs because they have landed the best. But how can you get there? Well, it’s less about natural talent and more about how you think.

In Musicians

10 Habits Of Highly Effective Drummers

David Santistevan — June 6, 2012 — 26 Comments

“Your band is only as good as your drummer.” – Awesome Person

I don’t know whose lips first dawned that quote, but it couldn’t be more true.

Drummers are captains. They steer the ship wherever their skill and personality will take it. If your drummer sucks, good luck trying to find any traction in worship.

In Musicians