Top Three Traits EVERY Music Director NEEDS to Have

Curious how you can improve your capacity as a music director? Here are three absolutely essential qualities that you can incorporate into your leadership that will 1.) help your musicians like you more, 2.) help you be more effective in your position, and 3.) propel you to a rare level of accomplishment!

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Many music directors have a tremendous desire to glorify God with their church's music program, and that is wonderful. However, desire is one thing. Accomplishing that goal is an entirely different world!

Sometimes, a music director will struggle because he feels that he lacks training. However, this is easily overcome with three traits that every music director should have. Relying on these specific qualities (rather than talent or technical skill) will propel you and your music program to success!

What are these traits? The essential qualities of every music director are musicality, punctuality, and people skills.

#1 - Musicality

What is musicality? Musicality is simply a sense of good quality music, a sense of Biblical music, and a craving to listen to good music. Musicality can be either natural or developed. Those with the highest levels of musicality have both a natural ear for it and have developed it.

The inner sense of good quality music is a developed sense that allows you to feel and hear musical aspects such as rhythm, melody, and harmony. This is developed by exposure and practice.

There is also the sense of Biblical music. This must be studied in Scriptures such as Ephesians 5:19, which indicates that Godly music is the result of a Spirit-filled Christian.

Building both of these skills will lead you to study and listen to good music that will cultivate a craving for Godly, quality music.

These three elements are necessary for your musicality and allow your music to be pleasant, Christ-honoring, and tasteful.

#2 - Punctuality

Most folks associate punctuality with simply not being late. However, punctuality comes from the deeper quality of respect for other's time. Not many people will serve under you if you do not respect their time. So, if you want to be an efficient and effective music director, you should consider living by a schedule. Doing so will help you to show up on time and work without wasting time.

Punctuality shows commitment. When your musicians see you make an effort to respect their time and effort, they will return the favor and do more. It may take time for them to respond, though, so be sure not to expect them to suddenly be cooperative!

Punctuality also leads you to prepare properly. When you respect other's time, it will lead you to prepare ahead of time so that you can have an efficient practice. Preparation is key, yet so many folks do not take advantage of this wonderful tool! Set yourself apart by taking a few minutes to prepare for each practice time.

The result of a punctual music director is a happy team of musicians who perform well!

#3 - People Skills

Sadly, this is usually the most overlooked. Some music directors feel that since they are serving God, their musicians are obligated to follow their leadership regardless of how poor it is. However, if you choose to be a good leader by developing your people skills, you will be amazed at how cooperative your music department will become!

The most important aspect of people skills is humility. This allows God to work through you to build your musicians. I cannot overstate how important humility is to the work of the music director!

Another important aspect is sensitivity to the needs and skill level of your musicians. Not all musicians are "cookie-cutter" musicians. They're people! And people are different. They should all be treated as individuals.

Finally, you must be patient. Patience goes a long way in encouraging people to serve with you. Simply state your goals (make sure that your goals are reachable), and encourage and guide your musicians until they reach that goal - but be patient through it all.

Be humble, sensitive, and patient. You won't regret it!

Let's quickly review the three main qualities. Musicality is important so that you present godly and tasteful music to the church. Punctuality is important so that your musicians will want to serve with you. People skills are important so that you can be the leader you need to be for your musicians.

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Kind regards,

Aaron Dempsey