the Friday pickle - how do you deal with a muso* who's chained to the sheet music and won't take their eyes off their fingers?

Posted by Craig Borlase on 10 June 2014

There’s a power in music that can make people weep. It can make them dance and it can freeze them to the spot in an instant. Music can bring down the walls, people!  

But not when you’re playing with the musical equivalent of Stressed Eric. All that musical potential you heard in your head seems like it belongs on another galaxy when you find yourself playing with someone who just wants to get to the end of the song as quickly as possible. 

So, what do you do? 

Do you remind yourself that it’s about the heart. As long as somewhere down beneath that fearful expression and those fearful fingers they’re worshipping, then that absolves all musical glitches.

Or is there a minimum entry requirement to leading others in worship?

When does it stop being about the heart and start being about the fingers? 

Have you seen someone break free of the sheet music? If so, how did you do it? 

Share your pain and your possible solutions, people.


*And yes, they probably do play keys.

More like this

Worship Setlist Ideas: November 28th, 2017


the Friday Pickle - should worship leaders be wary of twitter?


3 Reasons You Should Stop Designing for Your Church

Think of designing like preaching. They don’t let just anyone get up there and start talking about the things of God. It takes time, diligence and preparation, to name a few. There is a sense of calling and passion - it’s not just a hobby.

Free Songs