Music can be said to be a sport because of the vigorous training and sacrifices one has to go through to make a record. It requires dedication, willpower, motivation, strength, talent and starting early. Music is a craft that one has to build over time just like a football player has to learn how to kick or throw a football as a child. Unlike the sports we all know today, music lacks the platform through which children can grow or even discover their talents. The world of sport on the other hand have scouting systems, academies, local teams and well defined structure to pick players from their homes. In music, it was not the same because, musicians have always had to go after the record labels than wait to be heard. Only the lucky ones were picked by scouts or even given a platform to showcase their talent. This situation when viewed from a particular perspective should be a hindrance to young upcoming talents. However in an era when pop music was still in its development stage; a particular record label gave kids the opportunity to learn, train and perfect singing and performing.
The church just as any other religion group is one that have a unique method of worship and that included singing. Although these songs may differ in genres from denomination to denomination, it can be said that this added flavor and variety to the music made these artist. The church did not just make musicians but made good producers for the industry because of the huge investments of in music instruments. You might wonder why the discussion of churches as a record labels and a music academy is been discussed. The truth is that one cannot talk of some music heavy weights without talking of their church. Usher, Simislola, Jessica Simpson, Waje, Diana Ross, J. Martins, R. Kelly, Omawumi, Katy Perry, Chidinma, John Legend, Wade Coal, Wizkid, Aretha Franklin, Timaya, Aril Lavigne, Iyanya, Faith Evans, Banky W, Anthony Hamilton, Dare Art Alade, Brandy, Carrie Underwood, Dagrin, Kelly Price, and many more grew up in the church and had the church platform to grow and nurture their music. Churches have also made children discover their talent in music, developing them into stars they are now by investing in the following ways.
INVESTING IN EXPENSIVE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
The church just as any other religion group is one that have a unique method of worship and that included singing. Although these songs may differ in genres from denomination to denomination, it can be said that this added flavor and variety to the music made these artist. The church did not just make musicians but made good producers for the industry because of the huge investments of in music instruments. You might wonder why this opinion is been shared but one cannot over emphasis the fact that musicians and producers like Rodney Jerkins, Master Craft and a whole chunk of producers are products of the church. This has given birth to multiple Grammy award winners around the world.
In orthodox churches such as Catholic and Anglican churches, one cannot but notice the expensive investments that these two churches invest in pianos and organs because of the hymns they sing. Baptist churches and other second age churches can be credited with bringing some elements of percussion into the songs made in their churches. They invested in the use of good drums and electronic guitars which afforded their musicians with tools to make good music. For the new generation churches, investment in good music instrument is of high priority. Every church is like a concert with the arsenal of musical instruments they have. Music and musicians are well cared for in the budget of any church giving a very good platform to up and coming musicians.
MENTORSHIP AND TRAINING OF MUSICIANS
Providing the needed production instruments would be totally defeated if there has not been a platform to learn. Churches created a structure that had students become teachers of music overtime. Churches are seen as families and hence the idea of teaching instruments and vocal skills to their younger once was naturally done. Most musicians who went through the church system, learnt most of what they know about music and musical instrument in church by their various mentors.
PROVISION OF OPEN MIC GIGS
Church is a spiritual place but looking at it critically, one will agree that these church service served as shows. These young and upcoming artist learnt the act of stage performers from the free podium the church provided whenever the praise, worship or ministration was on. The made their selves become crowd commanders by climbing the altar and leading people in worship.
