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| Dr. Samuel Toyin Ajose |
By Boluwatife Oparinde
The Head of Department of Music, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Dr. Samuel Toyin Ajose has challenged music ministers to build spiritual and musical skills to become skilled musicians.
Dr. Ajose emphasized on these two pillars on Thursday, 28th July, 2022 at the ongoing 2022 CAC International Music Ministers' Conference holding at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
While lecturing on the topic, "Building Skillful Church Choristers and Musicians", the Guest Lecturer who appreciated the Directorate of Music, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, revealed that he is a product of Church training as he started his music career in church at age ten.
Dr. Ajose, who is passionate about raising musicians, noted that the, "music ministry stands on two pillars - the spiritual and musical. For our ministry to be effective and efficient, we need to pay attention to the spiritual and musical parts."
Explaining why skills are necessary for musicians, he said that, "considering the enormous task of the music ministry in the Church which includes praising and worshipping God through music, teaching spiritual and scriptural truths, and edifying the body of Christ, it is expedient for music ministers choristers and musicians to continuously seek means of equipping and developing themselves with relevant ministry skills."
"In addition, technological advancement and challenges sweeping across various human endeavors in this century is a phenomenon from which the Church cannot exempt herself. Gone are the days when anything goes in the church. Worshippers now have sophisticated taste for music in worship and they will choose to stay in the Church where taste is satisfied regardless of the distance. The truth of the matter, however, is that no one can give what she does not have. Therefore, it is very important to pay serious attention to skill and capacity building among choristers and musicians for effectiveness and efficiency in the music ministry of our churches," he said.
The Choral Director continued that, "because, excellent music performance by any Church choir is largely dependent on the level of skills obtainable through training and divine empowerment. Nevertheless, the person and the place of the Holy spirit in performing our duties as Christians, particularly, as choristers and musicians cannot be overemphasized. However, the word of God the bible, clearly shows us the need to acquire relevant skills in demonstrate same in the discharge of our roles and responsibilities both in sacred and secular settings."
Eulogizing Pastor Adelakun (Ayewa Music International) who was present at the conference, Dr. Ajose stated that the music Minister is a product of skill and grace, adding that, a lot of skills were put in the production of his renowned music, "Amona Tete Mabo".
The Music Expert, who defined skills as the "ability to do something that comes from training, experience or practice" citing its synonyms as "ability, competence, prowess, mastery, dexterity, capability" harped that it is necessary to not ignore any of the pillars of the music ministry.
Challenging his audience with several relatable instances and examples, he highlighted the need for the musicians to be wielded with musical skills (which includes music literacy, vocal training, choir management, stage charisma, art/act of leading praise and worship, instrumental training), administrative skills (which include team work, discipline etc.) and maximizing networking opportunities for growth and development (which includes organizing and attending concerts regularly, holding spiritual retreats, musical outreaches and fundraising projects).
The ethnomusicologist stated that pride, tradition/status quo, ignorance, fear, disobedience, and lack of resources and opportunities, are factors that impede skills development among church choristers and musicians.
Dr. Ajose concluded that, "if the music ministry for our churches must witness growth spiritually and musically, skill and capacity development programmes must be ongoing. At personal levels, choristers/musicians must strive to move to the next level: from being a chorister to a soloist, composer, instrument player, conductor; from a backup singer to a worship leader, from membership to leadership. At leadership/church levels, activities that aim to build more capable and competent workforce for the Church music ministry must be strategically developed and pursued. If and when required, adequate funding should be provided to build skills in people."
The seminar ended with prophetic prayers for the Speaker and congregation by Pastor J. A. Adelakun (Ayewa International).