Considering A Gospel Music Career?  Start here.

By Monica Coates

Published: February 22, 2009

I love Gospel music.  I’m not just talking about the sound and the songs. Certainly I love the art and craft of Gospel music, but I also love the industry of Gospel. 

For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with the wealth of information housed within label copy and album credits. As a child I would often sit on the floor in front of my parents’ old stereo, LP covers flipped open so I could read every bit of information in the album packaging.  In the hours of reading while listening to the classic performances on those projects, I began to get a feel for the world that would eventually become both my livelihood and my calling.


It has been nearly 16 years since I was hired for my first job in the Gospel music industry.   Of all of the experiences I have been blessed to have——as an administrative assistant, production coordinator, publicist, radio promoter, A&R director and artist manager——perhaps the greatest blessing has been the opportunity to learn from some of the most talented creative and business people in the world.  Their openness in sharing their knowledge and experiences with me helped me to transform a mere series of jobs into a treasure of wisdom.  

Now it’s my turn to give back.  So, if you’re considering a career in Gospel music as a creative person or industry executive, this column is for you.  Here you’ll find what you need to know to avoid mistakes and make the most of your opportunities.  From basic industry concepts to the ministry skills so necessary in Gospel music, we’ll discuss it all honestly and with an eye toward practical application. 

I hope you will visit often, and by all means feel free to share your questions and feedback on our blog page.

 

LAJ
August 21, 2008

I, too, have always loved reading liner notes!  Probably one of the primary reasons I’m not interested in downloading MP3s.

kgalalelo kgonyane
October 20, 2009

please i beg you i want a career of a gospel singer

Derrick Vaughns
November 11, 2009

Hello,

I am a male vocalist and have been on both sides of the music scene. I enjoy singing songs that a spouse would share with their significant other. I also LOVE singing the Word of God.  My frustration comes from the lack of real music (God Inspired).  Music of course was given to us by God, what we do with it is another thing, just like any other gift.  I’m not going to bash musicians for the lack of being “ANOINTED” by God to sing his Word.  I will say that I miss the Holy Spirit’s move in much of our music today, instead I feel like I am in a club.  Please, don’t mistake me, I know there is much of God’s hand in our music today.  Songs are so easy to make and write in today’s society that we just put anything out there.  presenting the Word of God through song is important.  It’s just as important as a pastor taking time in preparation for a sermon.  While many are seeking a singing career in Gospel music, I would like to encourage you to be “LED BY GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT” in everything you do and every song you are a part of.

Aloha from Hawaii (kinini)
November 20, 2009

Just a quick Aloha and from @#!%’s biggest fan he has led me to the Lord on so many occasions and although so far from me you stay @#!% when I need you to uplift me God always answers my prayers I wish I could hear you sing today. And to all I have been truely blessed to have this man in my life.

Blessings
Jen

Daniel Grant
January 14, 2010

I do want to have a career in Gospel music. I’ve been listening and playing this music for a long time. I do miss the move of God through this music. Some people do not have the anointing at all. It makes me come to the conclusion that some people are just in it for the cash. Some may be in it for the fame, or some people just want to show off their gifts and talents. I thank God for what I have and for what I’m able to do. I do want to be blessed financially but more importantly, I want to minister to somebody who is going through some issues. I want to lead someone to Christ. Thats my ultimate goal. If I do that, then I know that I am doing what God wants me to do. Its not about me but its about JESUS!

Grace and Peace

Daniel G

e.boyd
April 19, 2010

amen to that i just love gospel music and so far I already wrote numerous songs. but it was inspired by the holy spirit and I am hoping that god would open some doors for me to do his will. I encourage all of our future gospel artists to go forth in Jesus’ name.

Tianna
May 31, 2010

Hello! I 15 years old and I will be 16 in a month and 24 days. I love singing gospel music. I have been singing in my church choir ever since I was 6 years and each time they wil ask me to sing a solo and I love it. I really like to know how to get in the Gospel Singing Career because I reallt like to this.

faith
June 04, 2010

Hey i really want to become a part of the gospel music scene

i want to just sing for God and express my feelings for what he has done in my life

as i am 15 i want to send a positive message to the youth out there and help them come to christ

Linda Graham
November 04, 2010

Hello everyone singing Gospel Music, has also been something I love too. I have sang in church and performed special music for other churches, weddings and funerals. I am trying to find out what I need to do to get started singer as a career. I have no clue how to begin.
Thanks
Linda

Derrick Vaughns
November 05, 2010

Aloha,

I hear what many of you are saying here and I understand the burning desire to want to sing.  Many times we want some things so bad but we have to be real and ask the question if we are ready for what we are asking the Lord for.  Also, I found out as I sought the Lord for guidance He posed this question to me:  Why do you want to sing gospel?  I want to encourage you to purse serving the Lord in your gift that He has provided for you and as long as you are using that gift to lift up the name of Jesus doors will open.  Some of us were called to minister to the local mass and some to the country and some to the world.  Remember that to much is given, MUCH is required.  There is a cost for the anointing of God on your ministry.  What are you willing to do, to sacrifice to lay aside to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind and body.  Musicians come a dime a dozen.  You want God’s anointing on you and your ministry.  Remember that only what you do for Christ will last.

Blessings,

@#!%

Angeline
December 20, 2010

@#!%

I agree with you 100%. I will only sing to give glory to God, And yes one can`t just sing coz they can sing, what are you singing? does it minister to someone,? is God glorified,? or u just thinking of yor face on the album, the money and recognition. Ok if you get the money what do you want to do with it? Expand the kingdom by being a blessing to others? Is it coz you love God?. Loving God is not being emotional in song and telling Him, its loving your neighour.. ok in a nutshell i am saying, check your motives for doing what you do or wanna do. So many pple are just saying they are singing their testimonies but really a lot of self involved… Worship God give glory to God. If you are called to sing i am sure He wil give you what to sing just as a preacher is given what to preach. At the end of the day its all about Him,He does the work through you. You died He lives.

Nice day fellas

Christa Faison-Hall
May 03, 2011

Thank you Jesus! I finally get the chance to express how I sincerely feel about ministry in music!
   
I’m a quintessential local gospel artist in North Carolina. I’ve been singing gospel music since I was 5. I am a happily married, proud mother of 6 children. I’m the 9th child of 10 annointed sisters and brothers and I’ve always had the passion with annointing for singing gospel music. My parents brought us up singing at church services, ball games, talent shows,  anniversary dinners, school plays, and much, much more. I love to minister to God’s people through song because it touches the soul, heals, sets free, delivers speak life and makes room; that’s my mission for Christ! My first CD written by me and produced by my brother David Faison, was released in 2006 titled, “Walking By Faith”. I genuinely love gospel music; whether it be country, hip hop, jazz, raggae, contemporary, traditional, acapella, or Spanish, I can sing it all. God has truly given me a gift to spread his gospel through song. I both write and sing and would love the opprtunity to share it with the world!!! I will visit often and I pray for much success. God bless!

yeside Akins
July 21, 2011

Hello Everyone, i have been soo mightily Blessed by ur comments. and i must say they are soul lifting. Now i can say the Vision is more clearer. And this is my Little Addition.
As a Christian the first reason we have to do anything must be God want us to do it, Remember his word that says, NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BEDONE. i pray his will for us be done i Jesus name. God bless u all.

Hoszia Hinds
September 09, 2011

I am a Leading Gospel Artiste. you can find me on http://www.myspace.com/hoszia for bookings or purchasing my CD’s bless

terence deleayne wiggins
October 06, 2011

hello my name is terrencewiggins i am a gospel singer,also in a new gospel group called.the anionted ones,we are trying get our music careers started.i have been singing nearly all of my life me and my wife started singing together before we desided two take our music careers two the next level we have created a new group called .the anionted ones first of all we do love god with all of our hearts please help us achive our goals and careers.this would means the world two us.if anyone that surf the internet and thats in the music industrie and know about music-producers-records labels-audition-managers-and everything two help our new group two start our professional music careers please respond two our ads 713-987-3040 or email us @terrencewiggins@twitter.com thank you

j.j.amrutha rao
October 25, 2011

praise the lord,
Im christian devotional singer n music director n i composed morethan 100 volumes n looking forward as gospel singer n music director for christ so please give oppurtunity to serve godthank u

Christa Faison-Hall
October 25, 2011

Ok, I wasn’t quite ready at first! I’ve had a set of twins and they’re walking now so I’m ready to get started talking business! You have my email address, Let’s go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amen!

kenny
November 07, 2011

I am a 37 year old male.I have loved music all my life different styles etc.I have been actually singing in front of crowds,venues,churches since age 21 due to shyness,I began late…have been over the past decade and a half drawn heavily to Christian music and seeking Gods will and giving Him the glory…I have been in a band in the past.Christian rock.I have been singing contemporary for quite some time but appreciate all styles of Christian music.I am anointed of God and want to share my gift with all Gods people.also would really like to pursue a career in music Christian music and earn a modest living while ministering…blessings to all in Jesus mighty name….holla…let’s go…

shirley walker
November 09, 2011

HELLO,MY NAME IS SHIRLEY WALKER AND I LOVE TO SING GOSPEL.WHEN I SING I FEEL THE SONG FROM WITHIN MY SELF.I CAN WRITE MY OWN SONGS.I SIT DOWN AND SONGS COME TO ME AND I SING.IM TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT I NEED TO DO.TO GET ME STARTED.I REALLY LOVE TO SING,AND I LOVE ALL GOSPEL MUSIC.GOD HAS BLESS ME WITH A VOICE I NO HE WANTS ME TO SING.

terrencewiggins
November 17, 2011

first of all i would like two take time out and say thank you jesus,my name is terrencewiggins from houston,texas.i am a minister that preaches the word of god and who loves jesus with a passion.i am also in a gospel group,called cause of my anionted.3 members who loves singing for the lord we are looking forward of singing around the world,touring,and two be sign two a record label.if by any chance that you should surf the internet please feel free two post your comment if anyone who are in the music business please help us achieve our goals and be succeeful in becoming an gospel artists.when we go two different churches and sing for the lord we sing two give god the glory for all he has done and what he,s gonna do. please respone two this ad thank you,cause of my anionted choir.

terrencewiggins
November 29, 2011

greeting everyone this is terrencewiggins i am a singer also in a gospel group,called cause of my anonited choir,we just won,t two first thank our lord and savior for allowing and blessing us with such gift for singing for the lord and blessing our voices.to our wonderful spirtual mother-manager evanglist tanyna norman for working with us and taking us two different churches so that we can share our gifts singing unto the lord.thanks two everybody surpport.we pray that god will continue two use us in his on special way two sing praises unto his name.when man said no,but god still said yes.we are so greatful that we can worship the lord in spirit and in truth once again from the cause of my anionted chior we just won,t to say thank you. cause of my anionted chior singer terrence wiggins

Zimbinie Giqwa
December 04, 2011

Hi i m 4rm SA and i would like to be a gospel singer because singing is my passion nd i love gospel worship music.So what do i need to do.

singer, terrence wiggins
December 15, 2011

first of all let me say first giving thanks unto god for making this all possiable for me,singer terrencewiggins when people doubt it me and said it was impossible that i wasn,t gonna amount two nothing all i was gonna be was a alcohol it.and run the street i knew it was something in life that i wonted two do but i really didn,t know what it was so god clean me up and saved me god blessed me a such gift singing his priases and opening so many doors allow me two traveler go to place two places singing for hin i couldn.t picture my self doing the things that i,m doing now if it wasn.t for the lord.sometime i feel like given up,i even tell myself there no used but the more i continue two go two different churches pastors ask me two come and surrounder a song two the congregation.so it was meant for for two sing.two travel.two sing at different churches-events-groups.thanks a million from singer terrencewiggins please visit me @terrencewiggins@twitter.com and posted your thoughts and comments ps i am available two sing anytime. for more information please contact evanglist tanya norman at 1-832-396-5331 for booking information. singer,terrencewiggins feat/cause of my anionted choir we look forward two singing praises unto the lord through our songs we are available please respond two this ad thank you. cause of my anionted choir.

andrew millsaps
January 07, 2012

i have had a passion and dedication to music all my life i have been inspired by the gospel greats such as the hinsons and the crabb family i want to be able to minister to the lost and gods people i want to let them no the love of christ through worship if i could get a start some were i would love to begin my singing career

Goodluck praize
February 01, 2012

Am 17, and will be 18 in october. I write and sing power gospel songs, but don’t have any support. A devoted child of God, and serious in evangelism. NEED HELP

Bongani Mahlobo
February 02, 2012

hello my name is Bongani i am a gospel singer,sumetimes i become voice less when i sing and i don’t know why,can someone help me.

terrence delane wiggins
February 06, 2012

this message is for all records labels and producers.my name is terrence delane wiggins from mobile,alabama i am well known in my home city.i started singing at an early age coming up in church i started singing in the choir.in talent shows i won 2nd place.i even song on kareoke in nightclubs,but praise be unto god.i was deliverd from the nightclubs,drinking.i have been sit free from doing what the world do.i have the made two follow chirst.and continue two served god.thoughout this generation.if by any means that i don,t achive my dreams of becoming a professional recording artist.i will continue two preach and sing for jesus.the author and finisher my life.i am posting this information online for everybody who,s in the music business and in the ministry.preaching the word of god. i am young seeking help on getting my ministry and solo career started if you so cond please responed two my ad by emailing me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  or by phone at 1-251-432-3971or1251-432-7227 thank you sincereley terrence deleayne wiggins i look forward two working with all artists-producer,s excutive producer,s records labels. thank you please respone terrence deleayne wiggins

Crystal c
February 25, 2012

I have the words in me but not the song
like current through my entire being, it cries out to be heard
the spirit speaks within me but I have not the voice
I have the will and the message
Thank God

singer terrencewiggins
February 27, 2012

my thoughts and prayers are with the houston family.on the late icon mrs whitney houston-brown she was a wonderful woman of god and he blessed her with such gift,we shouldn,t be griveing because the lord knew it was time for her two rest.always remember that we will see her again to mrs cissy houston and the family.on the behave of singer,terrencewiggins and my family. the houston family-the brown family we love. ya we must understand we must work while its day because when night cometh no one can work.on the behalf of singer, terrencewiggins and all of whitney,s fan we love ya and truly will missed that wonderful voice that god place in you. r.i.p and two bobbi kristaina may god give you the strength two carry on keep look up god got your back. from singer,tyerrence wiggins from mobile,alabama god love ya-and i do too. p.e.a.c.e

terrence delane wiggins
March 22, 2012

hello everybody.this is known other than terrence delane wiggins-singer from mobile,alabama.i am still interrested in a singing career this is what i really won,t two do for the rest of my life.i must say thanks be unto the lord for this gift.if by any chance that you or anyone you know about the music industrie please pass this information alone,i am searching for all the help that i can get,i am available two traveler,i am looking for employment-and a music career.please i,m asking for your help two make it all possible for terrence delane wiggins,please respone 121-251-432-3971-or 1-251 -432-7227 or logon to;terrence .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and posted your comments-thoughs thank you.music and singing is a part of my life.please make it happen for terrence delane wiggins i won,t two share with the world what the lord has blessed me with.thank you.

Tasha Long
March 25, 2012

I love to sing and write songs singing is my passion.I would like to be part of a gosple group in the Toranto area not for money but to praise god with the talent he has given me and to be a blessing to others God bless

terrence
March 30, 2012

hi this is terrence wiggins wonted two be a gospel.singer but i really don,t know about that now.because it,s seen like a joke and i am wondering if i am wasteing my time posting ads and comment on this page.is it a joke are these people wasteing my time.if this so called a gospel talent agents why aren.t they calling people and audience please don,t promise people something if you are not real don,t waste your time and please don,t waste my time i.m keeping it 100 0\0 real gone.

terrence
March 30, 2012

hey ya,ll don,t be fool me personal i think all of this just a joke and fouls prospecy every people are not what they say they are some just like two play with people emotion if i were you i would perfer trying another talent agent.i found out that this company all about game.you catch my grip. 1 tyme

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