How to deal with a difficult music director?

[steve p]

Shoot em....( I am one of em....LOL)

[RevBuddy]

Originally Posted by Renee29

What do you think is the best way to deal with a difficult music director? besides involving the Pastor?

What do you think is a realistic amount of practice time?

Pull the electrical plug on the keyboard and instruments...

[jaxfam6]

Originally Posted by RevBuddy

Pull the electrical plug on the keyboard and instruments...

now there is a solution. We all know todays musicians can not play if they do not have electricity to back them up.


=)

[steve p]

Originally Posted by jaxfam6

now there is a solution. We all know todays musicians can not play if they do not have electricity to back them up.


=)

I beg to differ....Gimme my Acoustic Martin D 18 and Scott Hutcherson on upright bass and I bet we could play even if the electricity was off!!
LOL

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Renee29

What do you think is the best way to deal with a difficult music director? besides involving the Pastor?

Directly, but in a problem solving sort of manner, rather than confrontational. Sometimes leaders can be brusque in the process of getting the job done, without meaning to be. (Ask me how I know. )

Along the lines of, "I'm feeling really frustrated right now, and this is why. [Explain]" "Is there some way to work this out so I feel more excited about being involved in the Music Department?"

If that conversation doesn't work out, THEN I would approach the pastor and ask for a mediated conversation between you and the Music Director.

What do you think is a realistic amount of practice time?

It depends on the type of music you have. We have a Thursday night practice, and we practice (about half an hour) before each service. For special services, we may tack on a Saturday afternoon or two prior. Sometimes we have separate musicians practices, and separate practices for special music like trios or solos.

Generally, if the pastor and music director have agreed on a certain schedule, the music department member is aware of said schedule upon joining the department, and agrees to it, reasonable or not. If you agree to a schedule, then you have no leeway to object to it later.

If you joined with a certain understanding, and the musical ante is upped, then you are a volunteer, and thus have the right to withdraw from the department if the schedule is too demanding.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Renee29

My Pastor very RARELY let's someone "step down".

Um, Renee, what do you mean by "let's"?

You say, "I will no longer be able to participate in the music department." Firmly and with a pleasant smile.

[Renee29]

That would be followed with an hour or two of why and how can we work this out, you need to be involved etc.

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Um, Renee, what do you mean by "let's"?

You say, "I will no longer be able to participate in the music department." Firmly and with a pleasant smile.

[jaxfam6]

Originally Posted by steve p

I beg to differ....Gimme my Acoustic Martin D 18 and Scott Hutcherson on upright bass and I bet we could play even if the electricity was off!!
LOL

Then you my brother I truly want to hear. To many these days depend to heavily on the electricity to get them through.
I have not heard a good upright bass played in church in many years.

[jaxfam6]

Originally Posted by Renee29

That would be followed with an hour or two of why and how can we work this out, you need to be involved etc.

And you say at this point in time I just need to have more time for my family. I have looked everything over and this is the area I am able to let go of right now.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Renee29

That would be followed with an hour or two of why and how can we work this out, you need to be involved etc.

Purposely call the meeting when you have an important doctor's appointment or something like that 30 minutes later!