[musictlk] (no subject)

[Elizabeth Slaughter]

Dear anne,

Sheri is right: if you let a minister or someone in charge of music at a
given church know you play and sing, you will be, in all likelihood,
invited to play or sing. Finding employment depends greatly upon where
you live, the denomination you are visiting, and the general attitude of
the clergy, music department and congregation. You may have to visit a
number of times, at least twice, in order to "size up" the group to
determine in your spirit, how receptive they are. Music, as with
employment in every category, visually impaired people are not judged as
valuable as a sighted employee, and often, expected to receive thanks in
lieu of payment.

I have played in almost every size and type of community, and more than
five denominations, and found the atmosphere and expectations different
in all. As sheri said, you must be sweet, but firm and persistent in
your goals, and you will certainly find yourself up front rendering a
solo, or seated at the piano.

Unfortunately, I have found myself rendering many, many, many, many
hours of professional performances with only a handshake and thanks for
my efforts, and most recently, outright insults from ungrateful
congregants, who, like most people, take one's generosity and dedication
for granted, and value a freebee lightly.

In his service,
Elizabeth
 

-----Original Message-----
From: musictlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:musictlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Anne Martin
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 10:34 PM
To: NFBnet Music Talk Mailing List
Subject: [musictlk] (no subject)


Does anyone have ideas as to how to find employment as a church
musician, as 
soloist, pianist, organist, etc.  I'm never asked to sing at the church 
where I'm a member.  They know I sing, but never ask me.  I would like
to 
find a church that needs a soloist and/or pianist.
Anne - Atlanta
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Linda Mentink" <mentink at frontiernet.net>
                        To: "NFBnet Music Talk Mailing List" 
<musictlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 10:26 PM
Subject: Re: [musictlk] NEW TO LIST


> Hi Anita,
>
> Welcome.  You have done well, and I wish you the best with these sites

> and
> with finding employment as a church musician.
>
> I am mainly a vocalist, but play a lot of piano for my classes, etc.  
> I am
> currently in a church where I'm not needed on the piano or the organ,
and 
> I sing solos and sing in the choir, as well as play the violin now and

> hen.  I work mostly by ear now, but write out melody lines or whatever
I 
> need when I need to do so.  I have not used any sites to help me
learn, 
> except the cyberhymnal when I don't know a hymn and need to.
>
> I hope you get all the help you need here.
>
> Blessings,
>
> Linda
>
>
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