David Santistevan

7 Life Lessons I Wish I Would Have Known As A Teenager

February 8, 2012 in Leadership with 10 Comments

I don’t think it’s healthy to live in the past.

Rather than walking through life burdened by regret, choose to turn your “today” around for good.

But our past mistakes aren’t an accident. Everything can be used to teach and bless others.

Why You Need A Multitude Of Mentors

February 7, 2012 in Worship Leaders with 7 Comments

[This post is part of a brand new blog series, "Your Guide to Practicing the Essential Skills of a Worship Leader". Check out the other posts here.]

“There is no such thing as a ‘self-made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.”
- George Matthew Adams

I always find it fascinating when someone frames a conversation about their musicianship with, “I never took lessons. I’m self taught.”

My first thought is, “What a waste! Why? You could be so much better!”

My second thought is, “You’re lying.”

The Non-Techie’s Guide To Recording Demos

February 6, 2012 in Musicians with 10 Comments

Many of you have asked me the best way to record demos.

To be honest, there are numerous options available. It all depends on what current gear you have and how detailed you want to be.

The Best Worship Leading Mentor You Never Knew You Had

February 3, 2012 in Worship Leaders with 18 Comments

[This post is part of a brand new blog series, "Your Guide to Practicing the Essential Skills of a Worship Leader". Check out the other posts here.]

If you’re alive, you probably want a mentor.

We long for someone to come alongside us, believe in us, and help us achieve our dreams. The problem is, we are waiting for them to come to us and don’t realize what we already have.

11 Tips For More Effective Soundchecks

February 2, 2012 in Musicians with 9 Comments

Soundchecks. In most churches they are either a cause for war or something that is missing entirely.

Nothing shows the maturity of a team more than their sound checks.

The Purpose Of Practice (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

February 1, 2012 in Musicians with 16 Comments

[This is part of a brand new blog series, "Your Guide to Practicing the Essential Skills of a Worship Leader". Check out the other posts here.]

Why is it that some musicians excel while others flounder? How can some take lessons for 15 years and not be half as good as a young boy who’s only been playing for two?

Talent may have something to do with it, but it’s not completely to blame. It’s about a certain kind of practice.

My goal with this post is to cast vision about practice. It matters more than you know.

Are You Too Cynical For Your Own Good?

January 31, 2012 in Musicians with 15 Comments

I don’t want to stereotype, but you may be a little too cynical.

How do I know this? Well, cynicism runs deep within the habits of worship leaders, musicians, and artists. We are constantly comparing ourselves, comparing our art.

I have to ask…are you too cynical for your own good?

New Blog Series: Your Guide to Practicing The Essential Skills Of A Worship Leader

January 29, 2012 in Worship Leaders with 27 Comments

You know you’re supposed to practice. You’ve heard that your whole life. But when it comes to being a better worship leader, the question is not if but what.

How do you practice worship leading?