Instruments of Worship

Send Casey a text!! It's been a great ride!  Thank you so much for listening!  Praise God for a great year!  Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Do you need some encouragement as you head into this busy Christmas season? How do we navigate it well as Christian classical musicians? In today’s episode, we talk about how to worship the Lord by embracing all the extra musical opportunities this time of year brings. We’ll explore how to use our influence and our gifts for His glory, and reflect on the sweet truth that Jesus is God with us—His presence is near no matter how many directions we’re pulled. My hope is that you leave encouraged and equipped to step into every Christmas gig this month with purpose, joy, and a heart of worship. If you haven't heard, the Instruments of Worship Podcast is now offering two brand-new music tote bags!! These bags are practical, beautiful, and designed to be a daily reminder of worship.  Check them out at this link and hear more about the heart behind them in episode 33 here! Also, would you kindly take a few minutes to fill out this anonymous survey about the Instruments of Worship Podcast?  Your feedback would help me so much as I continue shaping the show. Thank you! Discussion Questions - Try discussing on your own or with a friend in our Facebook Discussion Group  What were you most encouraged by from today’s episode? What are other ways you can think of that we can intentionally worship Jesus even in the midst of such a busy time of year? Do you see gigs, rehearsals, or concerts as an opportunity to share the light of Jesus with lost people?  Or more of an obligation?   Are there practical tips you have to create relationships in the classical music world? How does knowing God is with you cause you to worship God and celebrate the arrival of baby Jesus more fully this Christmas?  For the full Charles Spurgeon writing, click here! For the link to the Advent Study I am doing, click here! Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! As Christians in the classical music world, being a light for Jesus in a secular profession can feel challenging and confusing at times. That’s why I think you’ll love my conversation with Courtney Huffman Frye! You’ll come away encouraged by Scripture and equipped by her story to step boldly into the places God has called you.   Courtney is not only an accomplished soprano, but also a biblical counselor at her church. You won’t want to miss hearing from my sister in Christ, Courtney Huffman Frye! If you haven't heard, the Instruments of Worship Podcast is now offering two brand-new music tote bags!! These bags are practical, beautiful, and designed to be a daily reminder of worship.  Check them out at this link and hear more about the heart behind them in episode 33 here!   Also, would you kindly take a few minutes to fill out this anonymous survey about the Instruments of Worship Podcast?  Your feedback would help me so much as I continue shaping the show. Thank you! Discussion Questions - Try discussing on your own or with a friend in our Facebook Discussion Group  What encouraged you most from my conversation with Courtney? Could the Lord be asking you to be more open handed with your musical identity? How can John 3:30 help us to teach and perform differently?  Where could the Paul Tripp quote, “Need people less, love people more,” be lived out in our lives as Christian classical musicians? Are there ways you may be seeking commendation from the world when the reality is that the world rejected Jesus and it will also reject us to some extent? Are you making it your goal to please the Lord as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:9? Or is your goal to please the world? How might that quickly become dangerous? How does remembering that God’s perspective is eternal encourage you today? If you look at the things you prioritize in your schedule, does it honor God?  Are you abiding in Christ and pouring into time with Him before anything else? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! SURPRISE!! The Instruments of Worship Podcast is now offering two brand-new music tote bags! These bags are practical, beautiful, and designed to be a daily reminder of worship. The verse on the front is Psalm 33:3: “Sing a new song to Him; play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout."  My hope is that these bags encourage your heart with Truth when you need it most—and that they shine as a light to those around you in your music circles. I’m so excited to finally share them with you! Check them out here!! Also, would you kindly take a few minutes to fill out this anonymous survey about the Instruments of Worship Podcast? Your feedback would help me so much as I continue shaping the show. Thank you. Discussion Questions - Try discussing on your own or with a friend in our Facebook Discussion Group  Why is joy an important part of our worship?  Have you ever experienced the difference between joy and happiness? If so, what did you learn from that experience?  Why is it important to play skillfully on our instruments?  What are things that seek to steal your joy when you are rehearsing, performing, or practicing?  What are they? What attribute of God from Psalm 33:4-9 encourages you the most today and why? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Handel’s Messiah is one of the most iconic and impactful works of music ever written. With lyrics drawn straight from Scripture and set to breathtakingly beautiful music, it’s no wonder this masterpiece continues to inspire generations. Today, I’m joined by Phil Witzig, who conducts and leads the Morton Community Chorus & Orchestra in their annual performance of Messiah. We talk about pursuing excellence within a community ensemble, Handel’s faith and backstory, the lasting impact of Messiah today, and so much more. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to experience a live performance of Messiah near you this Christmas season!   For details regarding the Morton Community Chorus & Orchestra's performance of Messiah, on November 23rd, click here. Discussion Questions - Try discussing on your own or with a friend in our Facebook Discussion Group  Has there ever been a time in your life where you found yourself overwhelmed by a situation you were in?  Or found yourself in a situation where you bit off more than you could chew?  Have you ever imagined yourself “crashing and burning” in a performance?  Why is it important to trust the Lord in those circumstances?   Do you ever find yourself playing your instrument just to get a check?  Why is it important to still love what you do and have fun doing it?  How could we be more prayerful about our performances and why is that important?  Did you learn anything new about Handel?  How were you encouraged by today’s episode?  Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! A musician’s life can look different from day to day, week to week, and even season to season. As Christian musicians, we may deeply desire to follow the Lord’s will, yet it’s not always clear what that looks like. What’s the next step, Lord? Where are You leading? That’s what we’re talking about today. Life is full of uncertainties — sometimes God clearly reveals His will, and other times, it feels hidden. But one thing we can always know for sure is that His ways are best. My hope is that today’s episode encourages you and offers Truth to hold onto as you navigate questions about your future and God’s plan for your life. Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a friend of in our Facebook Discussion Group  What are other uncertainties in the music career that we need to bring before the Lord, seek Him in, and Trust Him along the way? Have there been times in your life where you have learned or witnessed that God’s ways are better than our ways? Or that what God wants is better than what we want?  Do you have set apart time in your day where you can learn from God’s Word?  How has God revealed His will to you through knowing the Scriptures?  Are you seeking to honor God in the small day to day decisions guided by His revealed will as much as you are in the big decisions of life?  Why would God never call us to something contrary to His Word?  Why do you think God sometimes doesn’t give us a clear answer?  What are promises of God you can cling to in the uncertainties of life? For more resources on this topic, check out these articles: "God's Will for Your Life Is More Obvious Than You Think" "Costi Hinn's 7 P's For No-Regret Decisions" "The Secret Will of God" "How Can I Know God's Will For My Life?" Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Have you heard that Johann Sebastian Bach was a devoted Christian but never really learned why people say that?  In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Rebekah Franklin to explore who Bach was—not just as a composer, but as a person of faith. Together, we uncover how Bach’s belief in God shaped his music and inspired him to create with excellence, even when his work wasn’t fully recognized or celebrated in his time.  We also discuss following God's plan for your life when it's different than what you expect, the impact of Bach's music throughout time, the musician's struggle to interpret Bach's music, and how Bach's music can even start spiritual conversations with nonbelievers.  I know you’ll be encouraged by this conversation and inspired to hear how Bach gave God the glory in his music career. You won’t want to miss my interview with Dr. Rebekah Franklin! Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a friend or in our Facebook Discussion Group  How were you encouraged by Rebekah’s story? How have you been able to see the Lord leading even if it’s not how you expected?  Has the Lord ever led you into something that was very different than what you had planned?  What was it like giving up your plans?  Why is it important to say “no” to some musical opportunities?  How do you determine what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to?  What are some of your favorite time management tips?  Did you learn anything new about the life and Christian faith of J.S. Bach?  If so, what was it? Bach strived for excellence in his music whether or not it was recognized by the audience.  What does this say about him and how might that encourage you to play skillfully as unto the Lord?  How can you include “Soli Deo Gloria” more into your life and make it your heart’s desire? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Have you heard what Forrest Frank said that has everyone talking? In today’s episode, we take a closer look at the truths we can learn from his recent decision not to attend the Dove Awards. No matter what kind of musician you are, Forrest’s words invite us to examine our own hearts — the parts drawn toward self-exalting, recognition, and praise. As Christian musicians, our deepest desire should be to glorify God above ourselves, but that’s often easier said than done. My hope is that Forrest’s faith encourages you and stirs your heart toward humble, authentic worship to the Lord, not self. To see Forrest's post, click here! Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a friend or in our Facebook Discussion Group  What stuck out to you most from today’s episode? How did you react to seeing Forrest Frank’s post? Do you think, as musicians, we tend to love and desire recognition, praise, attention, prestige?  Have you experienced this in your life?  Have you heard of the Book of Life before?  How do those two verses in Revelation help remind you that Salvation is a priceless gift?  Compare earthly treasures and heavenly treasures?  Why is it useless to put our hope in earthly treasures?  What helps remind you that the gift of music has not come from your own doing, but is a gift from God that you have only received?  What is your reaction to the reality that your name will fade away? Is that comforting to you?  Or disheartening?  Will you let Jesus be the Lord of your life?  Or will you resist and be the master of your life?   How were you encouraged by the story from Daniel 5?   Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! In today’s episode, I had the joy of sitting down with my dear friend, Elsah Luan! Elsah is a violinist who is currently finishing up school, all while staying busy with a variety of creative projects. She runs thriving YouTube and Instagram pages that point people toward Jesus and encourage them to stay true to who God uniquely created them to be. Elsah inspires her audience through her violin playing, her healthy lifestyle, and her honest reflections on navigating college life. After facing years of health challenges, she even wrote a gluten-free and grain-free cookbook! As you can probably tell, Elsah is incredibly creative and full of wisdom—especially when it comes to engaging with social media in a healthy way and creating content that is both wholesome and Christ-centered. We dive into all of these topics and more in today’s episode. There’s so much we can learn from Elsah’s story and how the Lord is using her many gifts and passions for His glory! Check out Elsah's Youtube Page, Instagram, and her cookbook!   Discussion Questions -- Try discussing with a friend of in our Facebook Discussion Group  What was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Elsah today? How did Elsah’s testimony encourage or challenge you?   Are there areas in your life that you need to be courageous and stand up for Jesus in the midst of a world who is antagonistic towards Him? Is it possible that the amount of time you spend on social media or the type of content you intake there is getting in the way or what the Lord may have for you? How might you use social media this week to point people towards Jesus? What does the next step of obedience to the Lord look like in your life right now?   How might you address any fear in your heart that may be holding you back from taking that next step? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! In today’s culture, we are told that we decide who we are, we choose what things define us, we decide what gives us worth and significance.  We live our lives consumed in the quest for identity and worth, especially as classical musicians.  That quest, however, is a never ending slippery slope that will end up sliding you down to ruin.  But God.  God, in His love and grace, created mankind in His image, and for those in Christ, we are adopted into His family as sons and daughters.  You can find freedom from searching for worth in your performances, your chair in orchestra, or people's opinions of you.  Listen to today's episode to find out how!  Discussion Questions – Try discussing with a friend of in our Facebook Discussion Group  What were you most encouraged by in today’s episode? Is there a specific aspect of the classical music world that you struggle to attach your self worth or identity to?  Why is it dangerous for us to attach our worth to such futile things? Do you think the comparison to the book “Are You My Mother?” is accurate? Why does a right view of God’s infinite worth give us a better understanding of our worth? Is it easy to be content in knowing you are made in the image of God and through Christ are a son or daughter of the King of Kings? Or do you forget and look for other things to fill the void? How does what we talked about today change how you perform?  Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! As musicians, we can be so quick to forget our identity is found in being made in the image of God and being a child of the King.  We opt to substitute something so magnificent for something so fleeting... finding worth in our music.  Mia Kelso is an incredible violinist who has ventured from playing in the Dallas Symphony to fiddling at the Grand Ole Opry and beyond.  I had the opportunity to hear from Mia about how the Lord captured her heart, lead her through uncertain times, and  freed her from the fear of man and performing for praise.  My conversation with Mia is honest, fun, encouraging, God glorifying and will surely build you up in your faith.  You won't want to miss it! Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a friend or in our Facebook Discussion Group Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?  Do you relate at all to Mia’s story of loving the approval, praise, and acceptance being a violinist got her? Do you relate to her story of putting her self worth in the quality of her musical performances? What is your relationship with music like?  Is it what God wanted you to have? Are there other genres of music or kinds of instruments that you are interested in learning that might be a good release from what you’re used to?  Have you ever had a playing related injury that derailed your plans?  How did you deal with that and how did God grow you through that?   What does surrender mean to you?  How can you surrender to God today? Have you ever thought about God smiling and being delighted watching you use the gifts He’s given you? How might that impact how you perform?  May God be calling you towards something outside of the music world?  Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Today’s episode is going to piggy back off of last week’s episode called, “'Sneaky Jesus' in the Classroom with Dr. Kelly Hollingsworth."  If you haven’t listened to that one, I would highly encourage you to listen to it!  Briefly in my discussion with Dr. Hollingsworth, we talked about how as music teachers who are Christians, our teaching will be and should be different from the world.  Today we take a deeper looking into that topic.  What does that mean?  What is Truth that can inform how we interface and invest in our students? How do you speak truth to them as their teacher, but in a loving way?  We will discuss these questions and so much more in today's episode.  If you do ANY sort of private teaching, you will leave encouraged and more equipped after listening to this episode!  Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a friend or in our Facebook Discussion Group How can our teaching look different from the world? What does “Let your love be sincere” mean to you in your teaching?  How can you show love to your students? How do we see the love of Jesus in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?  How can this impact how you love your students? What are some ways that you have found that help to build relationships with students? Are there ways that you like to make your lessons fun for your students? Do you think you have to sacrifice high expectations for your students for the sake of relationships or vice versa?  How might we value and implement both? What does a student learn in music lessons outside of how to play their instrument? What Truth helps fill your cup so you are ready to pour into your students? What do you want your legacy as a teacher to be? Do you think your students know that you’re a Christian? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Do you ever wonder how you can show off Jesus to your students?  Today, we get to learn to do just that from the wonderful, Dr. Kelly Hollingsworth.  Known for her investment in students, her engaging teaching style, and love for the Lord, Dr. Hollingsworth will describe what she calls, "the art of teaching," in today's episode.  We will also discuss how she has ministered to both elementary students and college music students through her teaching over the years and so much more!  Dr. Hollingsworth is definitely someone we can all learn from as we invest and guide future generations of musicians!   Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a friend or in our Facebook Discussion Group How can you incorporate “Sneaky Jesus” to your life in music right now? How can the way you run your classroom or your private lessons show off Jesus to your students? How do you try to balance accurate but encouraging feedback?  Does how you react to your student’s mistakes reflect Jesus?   Why do we need Christian music teachers?  Why is that an important job?  What were you most challenged or encouraged by from today’s episode? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! To me, the Sight and Sound shows are one of the best examples of excellence in all types of art forms to the glory of God!  If you are not familiar with Sight and Sound Theaters, you need to check them out ASAP!  You will surely be encouraged by their boldness for Christ in the arts.  Today, I have the extreme privilege of talking with Haleigh Swansen, the Sight and Sound Conservatory Coordinator.  She shares many insights on how their Biblical Worldview drives their approach to the arts and how they are training the next generation of artists.  You will not want to miss this episode! Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a group or in our Facebook Discussion Group What impacted you most from my conversation with Haleigh in today’s episode?  Haleigh said there is “importance in understanding who you represent,” and that we were bought with a price so we no longer live for ourselves.  How can we represent Christ well in our classical music circles? What role do prayer and discernment play in your life right now?  What is Truth that can encourage us to not be fearful of being Christ centered artists? How does the story of Daniel compare to aspects of being a Christian classical musician?  What can we learn from His story? Who are the people you rub shoulders with?  How can you interact with them in a way that represents Christ?  What Scripture can you think of that reminds us that no matter where we are or who we’re with, God remains faithful to make a way for His people to walk with Him well and to honor Him in the midst of it? Learn more about Sight and Sound Theater and the Sight and Sound Conservatory! Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! WELCOME BACK to Season 2 of the Instruments of Worship Podcast!!  I hope you have had a great summer.  My break from the podcast was very refreshing, but I'm really looking forward to what awaits this fall!  Today we kick off things by hearing about what the Lord reminded me this summer and then we take a dive into the importance of worship in our lives as musicians.   Discussion Questions - Try discussing with a group or in our Facebook Discussion Group What did the Lord teach you over the summer?  What does it mean to worship God?   How can we worship God as classical musicians with our instruments?  Have you thought about worship being more a heart posture than a genre of music?  What does offering yourself as a living sacrifice to the Lord look like for you today? What do you think it means in Revelation that the Living Creatures fell down and cast their crowns before the throne?  Can you think of why God (meaning the entirety of the trinity - God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit) – why are they worthy of our worship?  What causes you to worship them?  Parts of their character, attributes, or what they have done? How can we be musicians who live life on mission to worship the Lord? Think for yourself – How can you make much of God, not self today? How can you lift Him up, lift His name high? Check out recordings from Ruth: The Musical if it would be an encouragement to you! Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Check out today's quick episode for an update on the podcast!!  Happy Summer and I'll see you in the fall:) Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Today we have the opportunity to talk to musician, motivational speaker, and Christian, George Dennehy!  You actually may have seen a video that has recently gone viral of him! This is a video of George singing and playing guitar, but he’s playing guitar with his feet because he was born without arms!  The Lord has been faithful to help Goerge overcome many obstacles and has taught Him how to persevere and have joy through it all.  George has an incredible story and an incredible testimony that I’m so excited for you to get to hear in today’s episode!  Learn more about George at his website and his Youtube channel. Enjoy the video that recently went viral of George and his song Not Abandoned.  Discussion Questions - Try reflecting on your own or with a group:) What were you most encouraged or challenged by from today’s episode? Have you ever felt like giving up? What was that like and how are you challenged from what George had to say?  As believers, how can we approach hardships/difficulties differently than the world? How can you have joy in difficult circumstances? How can you be faithful and obedient to the Lord in the season you are currently in? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Today we have the opportunity to talk to Ava Shedd!  Ava recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and has recently started a podcast called Fertilize My Faith.  We both have a heart for sharing the love of Jesus so today we have a conversation on how we can do that as Christian classical musicians. Check out Ava's podcast, Fertilize My Faith, here! Discussion questions - Try reflecting on your own or with a group:) How were you most encouraged by Ava’s wisdom and or musical journey today? Is Jesus the Lord of your life?  Have you relinquished all authority to Him? Do you have friends who are pointing you towards Jesus and pour into you?  Do you have friends who don’t know Jesus and who you can share Him with? How can you practically show off Jesus to the non believing classical musicians around you?   Do the people around you know that you are a Christian?  What are some ways you can make sure they do?     How have you experienced comparison, gossip, and complaining in the classical music world?  How might you approach that in a way that honors God and loves other people? To engage our hearts in greater worship to Him, check out these songs that relate to this episode! The Way I See The World  He Is Lord  Lord I Need You  Your Way's Better  Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Today we have the immense privilege of getting to hear from the kindness and wisdom of Sarah Gentry!  Sarah has had an extensive violin career, but the Lord used her 2019 cancer diagnosis to teach her many things.  She is kind enough to invite us into that and share with us today. Check out these books that Sarah referenced in today's episode!  When People Are Big and God Is Small  The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness  Discussion questions - Try reflecting on your own or with a group:) How were you most encouraged by Sarah's story? Is Jesus Christ your greatest treasure?  If not, what or who is?  How would you react if you suddenly were unable to play your instrument?  How might the Lord be drawing you nearer to Himself through this season? How can you worship the Lord in the season you are currently in?  What’s something about the character of God that stood out to you from today’s episode? Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!

Send Casey a text!! Have you ever wanted to play on your church worship team, but have been intimidated or confused about reading chord charts?  For classical musicians trained to read notated music, the idea of improvising can be very scary and very well hold us back from using our musical gifts to serve our local church and worship the Lord.   After today's episode, I know you will feel more comfortable with the idea and not be so confused on how you, a classical musician on a classical instrument, can be a valuable member of any worship team!   Discussion Questions - Try reflecting on your own or with a group:) What holds you back from serving on your church worship team? May God desire you to serve your church and worship Him through using your musical gifts at your local church? What needs to happen, what do you need to learn in order to be able to do this?  Who is someone who could help you or answer these questions?   To engage our hearts in greater worship to Him, check out these songs that relate to this episode! The Heart of Worship  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty  Let My Life Be Worship King of My Heart  Crown Him With Many Crowns Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode! Follow us on Instagram! Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!