Violinspiration

Professional violinist Karen Bousfield of Northern Ireland gives tips to all of those who play the violin in contemporary worship settings. I began taking violin lessons when I was nine years old. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to gain experience in various situations and settings, ranging from symphonic orchestras to small acoustic sets. But above all, the setting in which I most feel God's pleasure and delight is playing with a group of worshipers seeking after God, longing to express their love for Him. I enjoy the freedom of playing non-notated music, which provides space for God to move. However, discovering this has been a learning process. Growing up as a classically-trained musician has enabled me to reach a certain level of technical ability. This is obviously the primary foundation of musical expression, yet stepping out into improvisation has allowed God to freshly impart His heart through the voice of the violin. Here are a few practical tips for violinists that I've picked up along the way: Listen Listening is the most integral ingredient to any music making, and is even more important in worship. Learn to listen to the worship leader, the rest of the band and, of course, God. The result will be a tight, balanced band that is available to hear what God is saying during the course of a worship set. Tune Intonation can make all the difference to the overall sound of the band. Be careful to tune your violin to the other instruments you're playing with, and be aware that a change in temperature will more than likely cause a change in the pitch of the strings. Be Sensitive Sensitively listening will also enable your playing to compliment the rest of the band. Remember that you don't have to play all the time! Sometimes, less is more! If the guitar is taking the lead riff of the song, leave him to it and adapt your playing to compliment it or… don't play at all! This applies equally to the lead vocal - give it space. Answer The Melody Line It's good to answer the main melody line in the gaps when the vocal is silent. Answering the melody line means that when a musical phrase is sung by the congregation, in the space that follows musically "respond" to the phrase that's been sung. This is a technique that needs to be developed, as it doesn't always come naturally. Spend time singing the melodies in your head, listening to CDs and playing along. Invert The Melody Line Another useful skill to practice is that of inverting the melody line. In other words, play a counter-melody which is the opposite shape to the main melody. If the melody rises, your counter-melody could fall and vice versa. Don't Overplay In general, don't overplay. Never be afraid to not play in a whole song. Strings aren't always suitable and that's okay. It gives us a chance to worship with our voices! Add To The Whole On the other hand, the sweet tones and the natural legato sound of the instrument can add an extra depth to the worship. The violin can certainly be an instrument of lament, allowing people space to pray, intercede or cry. It can also be a vehicle for prophetic ministry. This simply means that God gets to do what He wants to do in the space we provide in free worship. Pray for melodies which will impart God's heart to His Church. Make Full Use Of The Instrument The violin can add calmness to a song or uplift a song. Try to take advantage of the versatility of the instrument, using the full range while being sensitive to the style and mood of the song.

Keep It Simple

Remember during the worship that you don't want to distract your congregation by playing big, flamboyant scale passages up and down the fingerboard (this is only a slight exaggeration!). Keep it simple - it's more effective. On occasions I have simply played one or two long, sustained notes in various parts of a song. This can be enough. The focus must be on who we are worshiping, not on what talents He's given us! Again, sensitivity is key here.

Give Your Best

It's important to play to the best of your ability so regular practice is obviously important. This is not always easy, I realize, especially with worship songs. You can't exactly sit down and practice counter-melodies when there are no melodies to begin with! This is when a CD can be handy. Experiment and remember what works. Equally, enjoy the space of worshiping on your own. The more comfortable you feel with your instrument, the more freedom you will experience in worship. We have confidence in Jesus Who healed the sick, the blind, and the paralyzed. And even raised the dead. He cast out evil powers and Confronted corrupt leaders. He cleansed the temple. He favored the poor. He turned water into wine, Walked on water, calmed storms. He died for the sins of the world, Rose from the dead, and ascended to the Father, Sent the Holy Spirit. We have confidence in Jesus Who taught in word and example, Sign and wonder. He preached parables of the kingdom of God On hillsides, from boats, in the temple, in homes, At banquets and parties, along the road, on beaches, in towns, By day and by night. He taught the way of love for God and neighbor, For stranger and enemy, for outcast and alien. We have confidence in Jesus, Who called disciples, led them, Gave them new names and new purpose And sent them out to preach good news. He washed their feet as a servant. He walked with them, ate with them, Called them friends, Rebuked them, encouraged them, Promised to leave and then return, And promised to be with them always. He taught them to pray. He rose early to pray, stole away to desolate places, Fasted and faced agonizing temptations, Wept in a garden, And prayed, "Not my will but your will be done." He rejoiced, he sang, he feasted, he wept. We have confidence in Jesus, So we follow him, learn his ways, Seek to obey his teaching and live by his example. We walk with him, walk in him, abide in him, As a branch in a vine. We have not seen him, but we love him. His words are to us words of life eternal, And to know him is to know the true and living God. We do not see him now, but we have confidence in Jesus. Amen.