INSTRUCTORS
PAST & PRESENT
LEARN FROM THE PROS THIS SUMMER AT CAMP ELECTRIC!
Please Note: We strive to allow all students to play instruments and jam with their friends and even instructors; however, being a summer camp, our goal at CE is to ultimately inspire and show students how to use their talents for the glory of God. All artists and Instructors are subject to change.
Sign up for the vocal class and learn everything from tips and tricks to increasing your range to the best ways to care for your voice. Various instructors teach vocal tracks, including top touring musicians and vocal coaches. For a full list of instructors past and present, scroll below.
Tauren Wells is the former frontman for the band Royal Tailor. The group formed in college, but eventually, life pointed in other directions. The guys began to marry and start families. In 2015, the group parted ways to pursue individual interests.
Tauren debuted his solo music in 2017 with "Love Is Action" and "Undefeated" featuring KB. Those songs were followed by "Hills and Valleys and "When We Pray."
He has a deep desire to draw people closer to their identity in the Lord and it's apparent in his music. Including with the just-released, "God's Not Done With You."
Terrian was born and raised in Memphis, TN where she has rooted herself in community and mentorship being part of AngelStreet Memphis. AngelStreet mentors girls through musical training in areas with limited artistic opportunities while empowering the girls to understand their value, discovering their purpose and becoming creative leaders. In addition to her debut song, Terrian is featured on TobyMac's "Scars (Stereovision Remix)" that released recently and on the praised The Beatitudes Project from Stu G. "She’s a soulful worshipper with a smile that lights up the room and a voice that is huge," shares TobyMac about Terrian. "I am proud and honored to work with her on her art and watch her move forward in her career as an artist."
Joseph O’Brien first gained prominence by appearing on Season 13 of the show “America’s Got Talent.” Currently residing in the Nashville, TN area, his goal is to create music that inspires believers to be counter cultural and authentic about their faith. He was signed to Gotee records by TobyMac and long-time Christian music executive Jess Chambers-Loper.
Joseph’s debut single will be going to radio in January 2023 and will be followed by an extensive national tour. Also, everyone should be aware, he likes dolphins, disc golf, and pickleball. It’s important to him that you know that.
QUOTE:
“Joseph’s music is infectious and gives hope to the listener by being culturally relevant and uncompromising in its message. The way he leads worship; the way he writes; it’s just real; it’s just relevant in a fresh way that draws the audience into the lyrics that he’s singing. I am so excited for audiences to experience this and see the impact it makes on the world.”
- Greg Ham, The MWS Group / Former President of Forefront Records.
Marjorie Searcy is a vocal coach and the creator of the Middle Voice Method. She has been singing professionally and coaching singers for over 25 years. Marjorie has helped thousands of singers learn simple, practical techniques for overcoming vocal difficulties. Her method helps singers increase their range, improve their tone, flexibility and control while eliminating strain.
This statement immediately seems contradictory when you meet singer, songwriter guitar aficionado, and Camp Electric alumni Coby James. The exuberant 19-year-old appears as carefree as they come, his smile as big as the heart on his sleeve. One would think his cheerful personality would naturally lead to happy songs. Yet, his first two decades of life have dealt some difficult blows, instilling in him a maturity and inner strength that lends itself to crafting songs out of hard truths versus happy endings. James, however, has channeled his pain into melody, making him something of a prodigy as he writes, produces and performs all of his own music. Happy or not, James is building something far greater than a feeling. He’s assembling relatable moments, packaged in vibrant sonics and carefully curated from a wide range of artistic influences.
Although he’s still a new artist, James has already notched a No. 1 song on Billboard’s Christian Hot AC/CHR chart as a contributing writer on Courtnie Ramirez’s track, “Who We Are.” Moreover, he’s also scored a Top 5 hit on the same chart with “Born Ready,” a song on which he serves as the lead artist, co-writer and co-producer. James is no doubt a triple threat.
Riley Clemmons is a 23-year-old artist from Nashville, TN who has accumulated over 512 million global streams and 84 million YouTube video views since the beginning of her almost decade long career. After spending years honing her craft in writers’ rooms, Riley sky-rocketed onto the scene with her 2017 Capitol CMG debut single “Broken Prayers,” which has generating over 56 million global streams since its release.
Her 2018 self-titled debut quickly entered the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart, debuting at No. 13. Her latest single, “Keep On Hoping,” has become Riley’s fastest growing single, garnering over 5 million streams across digital platforms in its first 8 weeks and climbing the radio airplay and Billboard charts.
In 2021, she was nominated as Female Artist of the Year at the 9th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, marking a first in her career in addition to becoming the youngest nominee in the show’s history.
An accomplished composer, performer, producer, and recording artist, Riley draws inspiration from life experiences, blending musical influences ranging from pop to classic rock to create music that is as catchy as it is relatable. Her sophomore album, Godsend, is available now.
Dove Award Winner, 3X #1 Billboard Charting Christian Artist
Skye Reedy is a seasoned worship leader and double Grammy certificate winning vocalist. Called to music at an early age, she’s now experienced over 20 years in ministry and the music industry.
She has traveled the world leading worship in 10 different countries and sung with some of the most influential artists in music. She has toured with and sung on albums with artists such as: Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Cody Carnes, Brandon Lake, Mandisa, Matthew West, Brooks & Dunn, The Belonging Co, Brandon Heath, Jordan Smith, Melinda Doolittle, Sandi Patty, Jaci Velasquez, Steve Green, Willow Creek Church, Gateway Church Dallas, Brentwood Baptist Church & more!
Rachael Maureen Lampa is an American contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and record producer. At age 15, she rose to fame and critical acclaim in 2000 with the release of her debut album, Live for You.
With influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to John Mayer to Lauryn Hill, Brian comes from a unique place that combines classic soul and catchy pop with a hint of hip hop. “God gave me an ear to pick up things,” says Brian. “My style is just an accumulation of what I’ve heard throughout my life, channeled through the unique talents that God has given me. As a music fan, I come from a mixed background and I speak many different dialects. One of my callings is to cross cultural barriers and promote authenticity and diversity.”
Branan Murphy is a singer/songwriter/worship leader. By age 18, he devoted himself to a career in music and spent the next several years performing at events all over the U.S.“I write songs about what it’s like to be human,” Murphy shares. “We are all complex people. We have struggles. We have contradictions. We have deep desires. We are all seeking to be loved, understood and satisfied. My songs attempt to capture those deep emotional, even spiritual, yearnings we have as human beings. The bottom line is that I want to make great art, but most of all I want to be honest. I want to sing about what people are really going through.”
"I have been playing music for over 15 years now. I have grown up with music being a part of my life and love being able to pour into the next generation of musicians!"
God began turning the passion of my heart to writing songs for the church...for His Church. Then he led my feet to sing in the Mother Church, leading His people in worship. The very place I DREAMED of headlining my own country concert in, He planned REVIVAL in my heart for that very specific dream I had. “Don’t let the dreams you haven’t seen come true yet, keep you from dreaming again.”
“I grew up believing a lie that I had to have one sound as a singer, but after I put that false belief aside, I realized I can have as many sides as I want,” sums up Martel. “I’m having the best time of my life as a professional musician right now where I’m involved with so many different things it’s impossible to get bored. Between anything Queen-related, my own recordings and these fun little side projects, I’m more diverse and happier as an artist than I’ve ever been!”
With a catchy sound and touching lyrics, the band has a way of connecting with listeners that is refreshingly genuine and heartfelt. The meaning behind their name reiterates how important it is to Citizen Way to find their identity through Christ. As described by Ben Blascoe, “Jesus said, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.' The book of Hebrews speaks of a 'new and living way' that Jesus opened up through His sacrifice on the cross. In the book of Acts, early Christians were called 'followers of the Way.' The name reminds believers that following Jesus grants us citizenship into something bigger - God's kingdom - where true worth is found.”
Sheri is a graduate of the University of Ill. She has taught voice privately for over 35 years. She has been a worship leader and music director in various local churches since 1986. She was the director of Good News Productions, an evangelistic outreach involving singing, drama, dance and original musicals for 13 years. She writes for Worship Musician! Magazine and tours the country with her husband teaching and equipping the Body of Christ for music ministry at such conferences as, National Worship Leader Conference, Christian Musician Summit, Seminars4Worship, Camp Electric, Experience Conference, Worship Institute Northeast, WorshipGod and many more. A home-schooling mom since 1985, she her husband Doug reside in New Jersey where she is now home-schooling the last of their eight children.
Since hitting the scene in 1997, Thousand Foot Krutch has been an engine of forward motion through the music industry. In that time the prolific band has released 6 studio albums, 1 live album, and 2 remix albums. Bending genres and styles, their songs have been featured prominently in numerous commercials, sports promos, and film trailers. Lead single “Let The Sparks Fly,” from their last record The End Is Where WeBegin, could even be heard playing on ESPN, WWE, and during NASCAR races. Their music has consistently been a soundtrack for some of the most adrenaline fueled sports events, video games, and movies over the last ten years.
Urban Rescue is a revival band from Los Angeles. Fronted by Jordan Frye, Urban Rescue is on mission to inspire the next generation of believers to see their churches, communities, and cities awakened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With an untamed passion for worship emerging from pain and trials, the band has a heart to see broken cities and lives restored.
It’s never been a question of talent with The Katinas. The Dove-award winning five-man band of Sam, Joe, James, John and Jesse have threaded a long, unbroken line of musical excellence and artistry through the years despite the pressures and uncertainties of the entertainment industry. But like the quote above describes, here is a group of men who truly understand the responsibility that comes with their God-given talents, platform and opportunities. They have fully grasped how to carefully handle them over two transformative decades.
Each extraordinary artists in their own right, Nirva Ready—a Chicago native and daughter of Haitian immigrants—is familiar to fans around the world as a singer and dancer in TobyMac’s Diverse City Band. Joining the group shortly after her graduation from Nashville’s historic Fisk University, where she was a member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, Nirva has traveled with the iconic GRAMMY®-winning artist for more than a decade, and it’s an honor she doesn’t take lightly.
Pillar is an American Christian rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, consisting of members Rob Beckley, Noah Henson, Michael "Kalel" Wittig, and Lester Estelle II. The band has released 9 studio albums, 3 EPs, and 24 singles since its formation in 1998.
After more than a decade of rocking out in the band Decyfer Down, frontman TJ Harris announces his return to country music with, appropriately, "My Kinda Country".
Holly Marie Wilson, known by her stage name Hollyn, is an American Christian music singer and songwriter. Hollyn sings a mixture of pop, R&B, and Christian music. She was a contestant on American Idol during season 12, where she made it to the Hollywood rounds.
She was raised in the church, and American Idol alum at sixteen and was inspired as a young girl by Southern Gospel Music greats, The Isaacs...
Morgan Harper Nichols is an artist and poet whose work is inspired by real life interactions and stories. Morgan spent the first couple of years of her professional life as a college admission counselor, and then, as a full-time touring singer-songwriter and musician. It was on the road that she cultivated her curiosity and passion for writing, art, and design and slowly began to share her work online.
Jamie Grace is a singer, songwriter and actress. Originally from Atlanta, the 2x GRAMMY nominee, Dove Award-winning artist got her start on YouTube when she was only 14-years-old, creating characters for original improv sketches and sharing acoustic covers of popular pop, country, and CCM/Gospel songs.
With nearly 1.5 million followers across social media, Jamie Grace actively advocates for joy, wellness and mental health through the lens of music, film and Faith.
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Learn from the top touring guitar players and studio musicians and take your playing to the next level. From electric to acoustic, guitar players will learn directly from the Pros! Each day students will experience a different teacher that will dive into everything from scales and gear to tones and touring.
Tim Rosenau is the lead guitar player for six-time Grammy Award Winning artist, TOBYMAC. He enjoys anything to do with music in all styles, as well as writing and producing.
Grant Mickelson is a Nashville-based country, rock and jazz musician who specializes in electric and acoustic guitar. He also sings back-up vocals for Taylor and plays mandolin.
Grant was born on April 30, 1984 and he was raised in Sioux City, Iowa. His passion for the guitar took him to Texas, where he majored in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas. In 2004, he moved to Nashville, where he studied music at Belmont University and began making contacts in the music industry.
Bandon Bagby is an award-nominated guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer based in the greater Nashville area with over ten years of professional experience working with Grammy® Award winning and GMA Dove Award winning artists / groups. Some of his touring and live performance credits include All Sons & Daughters, Audio Adrenaline (member), Blanca, Dante Bowe, Dara Maclean, Finding Favour, Jasmine Murray, Jimmie Allen, Mandisa, Meredith Andrews, Natalie Grant, Plumb, Riley Clemmons, Rita Springer, Selah, Seventh Day Slumber, SHeDaisy, and many more. These days, Brandon works primarily in the studio, either recording musical instrumentation or producing songs. Brandon is credited on many studio recordings covering roles such as producer, co-producer, engineer, acoustic guitar, banjo, bass guitar, dobro, electric guitar, lap steel, mandolin, resonator guitar, and ukulele. Some of the music he has worked on has film and television placements with CMT Network, NBC Network, NFL Network, MLB Network, PGA Tour Network, WWE Network, ESPN Network, etc. Brandon has a strong passion for speaking, mentoring, and teaching the next generation of musicians. He has been teaching with Camp Electric since 2011.
Daniel Waterbury is the lead guitarist for FOR KING + COUNTRY - the quadruple GRAMMY®-winning progressive pop artist-songwriters.
One of the most enduring and highly decorated bands in the CCM community, Casting Crowns formed in 1999 as a student worship band in Daytona Beach, Florida. Led by singer, songwriter, and youth pastor Mark Hall, the group's initial lineup also included violinist Melodee DeVevo and a pair of guitarists, Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes. Casting Crowns has been one of the most influencial bands in Christian music. Some members of the band also currently work as ministers for Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, Georgia. Career sales have exceeded 5 million records.
Coming from a musical family, Toby Friesen, began playing instruments as early as 6 years old, but found a love for the electric guitar at the age of 12. After Toby helped form the band, “Jackson Waters” (Word/Warner Records), he relocated to Nashville and continued recording 2 albums, 2 EPs and toured 7 years until the band decided to retire. Toby has lent his many musical gifts such as guitar, banjitar, lap steel, and dobro for many Nashville-based artists, and toured with NEEDTOBREATHE (Atlantic Records). Currently, Toby plays lead guitar for CCM artist and Grammy nominee Jeremy Camp.
Noah was the lead guitarist for the Christian rock band Pillar before hitting the road as the guitarist for country sensation Brantley Gilbert. Noah also has taken the lead role of producer and writer as of late, with projects now coming out of his studio, DredRock Music. Noah Henson's dymanic stage presence truly sets him apart in the world of guitar.
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1996. The band currently consists of husband John (lead vocals, bass) and wife Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) along with Jen Ledger (drums, vocals) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar). The band has released ten albums, with two, Collide and Comatose, receiving Grammy nominations. Two of their albums, Comatose and Awake, are certified Platinum and Double Platinum respectively by the RIAA, while Rise and Unleashed are certified Gold as of June 29, 2020. Five of their songs, "Whispers in the Dark", "Hero", "Monster" , "Awake and Alive", and "Feel Invincible", are certified Platinum, while other four, "Rebirthing", "Comatose", "Not Gonna Die", and "The Resistance" are certified Gold.
Skillet went through several line-up changes early in their career, leaving founder John Cooper as the only original member remaining in the band. They are known for a relentless touring schedule, which garnered them a top five ranking in the Hardest Working Bands of 2010 by Songkick.com
As both an artist who performs the songs of others as well as writes his own, Marvin prefers to write songs with lyrics that speak to the Lord, rather than just about Him: “A lot of folks have stopped writing TO the Lord… now everyone writes about God, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but there has to be some kind of communication that you are talking TO him as you worship Him, not just about Him.”
For the past seven years, Marvin and Marvin have served as The Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ “go to” worship band nationally. Marvin Sr. is also an instructor and artist for Camp Electric, a music camp for teenagers ages 13-19 hosted by Toby Mac, and he has been a part of the K-Love Cruise artist roster 2013- 2017 and worship leader for the Salvation Army Youth Leaders Conference 2016 & 2017
When you ask Marvin who is God to him, his simple, yet profound, response is: “Everything.” He credits his passion on stage to God’s grace in his life: “God has given me so much -- I know what I was and what I can be still at times, and I pour all of that into my worship on stage and my son gets to see that, too – and it is just who he is, too” – and his gratitude and humility bring a realness and an honesty to his ministry style.
Tommy Gerlach is a Nashville based guitarist who writes, records, teaches, and tours full time. You might recognize him from his many viral videos that have accumulated millions of views across social media. Inspired by guitarists such as Mateus Asato, Isaiah Sharkey, Julian Lage, John Mayer, and Cory Wong, Tommy uses this versatile pallet to work with artists such as Thompson Square, Coby James, Stars Go Dim, Savannah Rae, Madeline Consoer, Joel Vaughan, Grace Graber, Rachael Nemiroff, Joe Hanson, and Brooke Robertson to name a few ranging from CCM Pop to Rock n Roll Country. Tommy is known for his melodic playing, extensive music theory background, in-depth chord knowledge, arrangements, and blistering solos.
I got my very first acoustic guitar for Christmas when I was 7 years old, and I had been playing the air guitar in the backseat of the car long before that!
Being homeschooled allowed me to finish my school on my own schedule, and left me with enough time to focus heavily on my guitar every day. When I turned 16, I started working in the family business and took a job with an industrial supply company called “Sourced Materials” that my parents founded in 2002. Working that job taught me so much about the ins and outs of how to properly and successfully manage a business, and looking back on it now, allowed me to learn how to properly diversify my time between schoolwork, work hours, and playing guitar.
As I got older, my interest in the guitar and the music industry grew exponentially. I started to entertain the thought that I might be able to make a living out of playing my guitar. The pressure of graduating high school and establishing a plan for college was a scary reality, but I kept coming back to the same dream of playing guitar full-time someday. Around this time, I had the opportunity to attend a music camp in Nashville with my best friend, and it ended up changing my life and everything I had planned up until that point.
The camp was hosted by Toby Mac and was designed specifically for aspiring musicians and creatives who wanted to pursue the music industry professionally. I loved my time at camp and it became an annual tradition for me throughout high school. Each year, I expanded on my knowledge from the year before, and had opportunities to network and build relationships with people already in the industry.
After so many years at camp, the relationships I had created with established industry professionals started to lead to professional opportunities that allowed me to kickstart my own career. In the Spring of 2018, I put my name in the running for a guitar position on a CCM tour. This was my first true audition process with an established Nashville-based artist and led me down a path that can only be explained by the Lord opening up door after door for me.
After so many years at camp, the relationships I had created with established industry professionals started to lead to professional opportunities that allowed me to kickstart my own career. In the Spring of 2018, I put my name in the running for a guitar position on a CCM tour. This was my first true audition process with an established Nashville-based artist and led me down a path that can only be explained by the Lord opening up door after door for me. Through a series of events following that initial audition, I was offered my first crew position with Sanctus Real. Eager to learn, I jumped at the opportunity to work as a backline tech for them, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my whole life. One tour turned into a few tours, and because of them, a door was opened for me to learn so much about the touring industry and how much is involved in putting on live music events. This position led to an offer to run lighting for a Canada-based band, which was yet another position I had no experience in. With the same attitude as before, I said I was willing to learn and work hard at it! My run with them ended on a WinterJam Tour, one of the largest tours in the Christian music industry, and was a full-circle experience coming from my music camp days to working on a tour with some of my closest friends and mentors from that chapter in my life.
Growing up in Texarkana, Texas, Daniel Carson began his musical career playing in his home church. His dad was a youth pastor and a worship leader, so Carson began playing and leading worship at church and traveling a good bit with his father on the road. Carson met Chris Tomlin and his band members at a youth camp when Dan was about 14. Together they lead worship at the camp, with Carson attending every summer for the next four years. Having developed friendships with Chris and his band's members, Chris asked Carson's parents the summer before his senior year in high school if he could tour with them. In the fall of 2000, Carson began touring with the band full time.
According to Carson, "It's a joy and honor to do what we get to do. As Chris always says, "giving them a voice to worship God is the great privilege of all of our lives in the band. I am so grateful."
Raised in Nashville, I started playing guitar at 5. I attended Belmont University and graduated with a degree in Theory and Composition. Since 2003 I've been privileged enough to work with artists in a variety of different styles on stage and in the studio. To name a few: Marc Broussard, Matthew West, Rachael Lampa, Tonic, Griffin House, and currently Jonny Lang. I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful daughters that keep me the best kind of busy outside my music career. I thank God that I get to continue to make music and look forward to seeing what's in store next.
Louisiana-born Andy Davis broke onto the scene in 2004 with a charming, acoustic debut called “Thinks of Her,” that quickly spread among college campuses nationwide. Based in Nashville, TN then, Davis quickly hit the road opening for artists such as Jakob Dylan, Colbie Caillat, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, needtobreathe, and more, collecting fans one city at a time.
Since then, Davis has released six studio albums, including two produced by Mitchell Froom (Randy Newman, Crowded House, Tom Waits, Sheryl Crow), one of which was made possible by a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $41,000 in 30 days. Davis was also a founding member of the “Ten Out of Tenn,” a critically-acclaimed collective of Nashville singer/songwriters (Griffin House, Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones, Andrew Belle, etc) who joined forces in super-band fashion for a collaborative tour, documented in the award-winning film, “Any Day Now.”
Urban Rescue is a revival band from Los Angeles. Fronted by Jordan Frye, Urban Rescue is on mission to inspire the next generation of believers to see their churches, communities, and cities awakened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With an untamed passion for worship emerging from pain and trials, the band has a heart to see broken cities and lives restored.
Mike's parents realized at an early age that he loved music and supported him in his pursuits. Mike started playing guitar when he was in 7th grade then quit 2 weeks later. He picked it up again when he was 15 and has been playing ever since. He started MercyMe when he was only 19, so he didn’t have a whole lot of years under his belt, but no better place to learn how to play than in front of a crowd! These days Mike plays to more than just a crowd, although when you meet him you'd never know he was part of one the biggest bands in Christian Music! Mike has a deep desire to see people connect through music, but more importantly become changed through the message.
Born in southern Kentucky, Van Zant grew up engulfed in faith, family, and southern rock. Learning to play and sing in the church, then quickly discovering the music of artist like Lynyrd Skynryd, Marshall Tucker, The Allman Brothers, and blues rock heroes such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. From Countless hours spent learning the techniques of his musical mentors Van Zant formed his own take and style of playing and singing. Blues, southern rock, country, and passionate, faith filled lyric, all tossed in together to present a fresh yet familiar sound to listeners everywhere.
MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian music band founded in Edmond, Oklahoma. The band consists of lead vocalist Bart Millard, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul.
Former guitarist for Britt Nicole, an American vocalist, songwriter and recording artist. She has mainly charted as a Christian pop artist, but in 2012 found her debut mainstream single, "Gold", and, in 2013, "Ready or Not", in the Mainstream Top 40.
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1996. The band currently consists of husband John and wife Korey Cooper along with Jen Ledger and Seth Morrison. The band has released ten albums, with two, Collide and Comatose, receiving Grammy nominations.
“People love stories, and that’s my business,” Surviving the Music Industry Podcast creator Brandon Harrington says. The self-proclaimed music industry survivor is taking the lessons he’s learned and creating a unique dialogue with those thriving in the industry.
Brandon grew up in Ignorant Hill, Arkansas – “my grandfather named it, and the population was like 20, and he would mark the x’s as people died,” Brandon laughs. He got into music at 15, when he discovered the guitar. “I locked myself in my bedroom for 8 hours a day and learned “Crazy Train,” Ozzie Osborne, straight through.”
For Brandon, music provided a path. “Farm life wasn’t for me,” he says. “We had 300 acres of cattle … I’m literally from a town where there’s more cows than people, and I just didn’t get it. Somehow the guitar and really just music opened up this landscape of a whole new world.” He was determined to be in a band, and eventually landed a spot in a Christian band. A full time high school student who was also on the football team, Brandon balanced his high school life with the band, which was actively touring.
From there, he got a full scholarship to attend the University of Central Arkansas to play guitar. He studied classical guitar, and began to play for more acts, including Frank Sinatra Jr. and Kris Allen. He formed his own band, Cypress Creek, which was on the TV show America’s Next Greatest Band. “We didn’t get very far, but that made me realize, oh, I can do this,” he says.
Randy Williams has been in the scene for a while and knows what it takes to make a great show! Randy is much more than your average guitarist...his humor is almost as quick as his fingers! He is as friendly as he is talented...and that's saying a lot. Getting the chance to make a big splash with a band is such a big deal, Randy has been able to do it several times over. Hitting the scene with the Memphis based band "Big Tent Revival" Randy's guitar sounds were infectious and down right inspiring. Today Randy can been seen touring around the globe with Jeremy Camp as the lead guitarist. No doubt he is still cranking out those killer vibes!
A music maker, a songwriter, a record producer, this sums up what Justin York is all about. He has some of the greatest friends a man could ask for and he is the first to say “I have a family that I don't deserve to be a part of. I walk with Jesus. He tells me that life is not a popularity contest, but an opportunity to make an impact on people. I don't think I'll ever forget that”. Justin wants to be known as a servant and an indispensable friend, a very rare thing especially in the music industry!
I've always loved how music made me feel from a very young age. Shortly after learning I had that passion I began to have the desire to play what I was hearing. I had no idea it would take me to the places it has. Guitar has become my main instrument among some of the other instruments I play. I love to play for people and share the talents God has blessed me with. I have many influences and among them are guitarists like; Jonny Lang, John Mayer, Steve Lukither, Jimmy Page and many more! I've also had the honor of playing with artists such as Royal Tailor, Toby Mac, Mandisa etc. I believe the only way to achieve your dreams is to take risks, make mistakes, and experiment with the instruments your playing and in that hopefully you'll create something unique.
Seventh Day Slumber is an American Christian rock band from Dallas, Texas formed in 1996. They were an independent band for five years until they signed with BEC Records in 2005.
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Lock in the groove with some of the best in the industry. Camp Electric offers a wide- variety of instructors that will teach you how to lay down a bass line and teach you how to connect with drummers and keep the entire band.
“ I was captivated by his musicianship and stage presence.” “His style of playing is limitless!” “He has something that you just don’t see too often - he’s humble.” These words are more described bassist, Loren “Snoopy” Clark. Currently playing and having played for artist such as TobyMac, Keb Mo', Gone West, Colbie Caillat, Michael W. Smith, LeAnn Rimes, Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers, “Smoking” Joe Robinson, Gungor, and more, Loren has quickly become of of the industry’s top up and coming bassist to watch.
Growing up in the musical city of Memphis, TN into a family of musicians, with a grandfather who shared stages with the likes of Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke, and The Blind Boys of Alabama, Loren was sure to develop a love core music and a skill to play it well. Starting with the exploration of piano, drums, and percussion, Loren moved forward to the lead guitar and found his love in the bass guitar. Through years of playing in Memphis and alongside his brother, drummer Terence Clark (Keith Urban, Robert Cray, Gungor, etc.), Loren has developed the ability to become a musical chameleon, being capable to blend and play all styles of music from Americana, R&B/Hip-Hop, Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Blues, Pop, and more.
Residing in Nashville, TN, Loren has played year-round with various artist, also doubling as a background vocalist on many gigs. When speaking of his future goals he says, “As a professional in my career I would like to fully tap into the highest level of not only musicianship but also music business. Not only am I striving to be one of the greatest players/performers, as well as producers, but also one very well-rounded in every aspect the industry opens for me to enter.”
Bass player Bernard Harris is not “all about that bass.” But you wouldn’t know it from hearing him play. He can mesmerize an audience with his funky and soulful instrumental solos on bass guitar. Most bassists function strictly as background players, using their instrument to keep rhythm and beat. Harris takes the bass guitar to an entirely different level, using it to create melody, and in the process, praising God with his marvelous talents. When left-handed Harris first began to play, he learned upside down on a right-handed bass, and after discovering he was playing incorrectly, rather than starting over, decided to continue with this uniquely different playing style. And so he plays upside down, even to this day. Hearing Bernard Harris play conjures up images of other great bass players such as Abe Laboriel and Stanley Clarke, who often use their instruments in creative jams and extended solos. Though he has influences and stylistic similarities, Harris brings his own individuality and creative juices to his recordings and live performances. Harris has toured internationally through Europe and Australia, and performed with other artists such as Aaron Neville, Amy Grant, Phil Keaggy, and Tommy Emmanuel. In the fall of 2014, he joined forces with popular artists Mandisa and TobyMac for a tour across America. In the last six months, he performed with Mandisa on Good Morning America and was a part of her Grammy award-winning album Overcomer. He also contributed to the movie soundtrack for the 2006 film “Madea’s Family Reunion” with actor/director Tyler Perry.
photo credit: Caleb Cook
Tennessee native Colton Dixon first caught the attention of his fans on season eleven of “American Idol.” Placing seventh on the popular music competition, Colton is now following in the footsteps of fellow Idol alums Mandisa and Jason Castro, by venturing into the world of Christian music.
Colton started singing as a teen, and always wanted to use his gift for ministry. “I started singing when I was 13 years old. I truly believe my voice was a gift from God to share the Message,” he says. “I hope that you enjoy my music, but furthermore, I hope you can connect with it personally and apply it to your everyday lives.”
During his time on Idol, Colton sang a powerful rendition of "Everything," by Lifehouse - a song that has special significance to him. "‘Everything’ by Lifehouse is one of my favorite worship songs of all time,” he said. “I was on YouTube and I saw a skit that someone had done with the song and it was so powerful! I can’t watch it without crying...it’s so impacting! I saw ‘American Idol’ as an opportunity to bring the same impact to the viewers on the show.”
TobyMac released his latest album The Elements in 2018. It features the songs "Scars (Come With Livin')" and "Edge Of My Seat."
It's a different sort of album for Toby, stemming from processing life as a believer, husband, father and creative. A person braving the elements and staying the course amidst the chaos of the world. It's also one of his most personal to date.
"I let go of worrying about the charts and if I'm good enough - things that come along with the business of artistry," Toby says of his new approach. "The most important thing to me now is when I walk into a studio to record a song 'does it make you feel something?' And, is there a reason for it to exist in this world?"
Toby's songs bare up to this scrutiny well...
After making up one third of the band dc Talk for the better part of ten years, Toby forged ahead with a solo career that’s been equally successful and innovative, thanks to hit singles like “Gone,” “Made to Love,” “Lose My Soul,” "City On Our Knees," "Speak Life" and "Eye On It."
Fusing pop, rock, soul and hip-hop into what he calls a “musical gumbo,” TobyMac’s solo debut, Momentum released in 2001. It featured popular tracks “Extreme Days,” “Get This Party Started” and “Yours,” which were all spotlighted in TV shows and video games.
ABOUT JEREMY CAMP: Throughout his 17-year career, Capitol CMG artist Jeremy Camp has established himself with landmark accolades including:
Lifetime consumption of almost 5 million and 325M lifetime streams
Holds title for most #1s among solo artists on the Christian Airplay chart
Billboards #2 artist of the Decade in 2010
40 #1 radio hits across all formats
4 RIAA certified gold albums and 1 gold single
1 Grammy nomination, 3 American Music Award nominations & 4 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Awards
Jeremy has also authored an autobiography, I Still Believe (2013, Tyndale) and toured the world, sharing his music in more than 36 countries, and his organization, Speaking Louder Ministries, has allowed him to travel to Brazil, Guatemala, Ukraine, Japan and Kyrgyzstan.
Adam Nitti has been establishing his own voice amongst his contemporaries as both a bassist and recording artist for over two decades. He has released five solo recordings to date on his own Renaissance Man label which have drawn international acclaim, but he has also been notably involved as a bassist and contributor on a variety of projects covering multiple genres. As a recording bassist, he has also appeared on three Grammy-winning albums and another Grammy-nominated album to date. Adam has performed with Kenny Loggins, Carrie Underwood, Michael McDonald, the Dave Weckl Band, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeff Coffin Mu’tet, Susan Tedeschi, Lincoln Brewster, the Justice League (featuring T Lavitz, Jimmy Herring, and Richie Hayward), Angie Aparo, Scott Henderson, Jon Anderson, Peter Erskine, Heather Headley, Al Green, Keith Carlock, Shane Theriot, Mike Stern, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Kirk Covington, Wayne Krantz, Marco Minnemann, the London Symphony Orchestra, Joe Beck, and many others.
I have a love for music that I hope leaves people inspired and connected. I have experience creating music from scratch as well as bringing your ideas to life. I’ve been in Nashville since 2007, thanks to Belmont University, and learned so much from the audio production program there. Bass guitar is my first love, but I have a passion for electronic music & synthesizers, and find the greatest joy in bringing organic and electronic elements together to make something unique.
Rich Gilliland has been playing bass since he was 10 years old. It started in an after school program in orchestra, stand-up bass changed his life! I started playing in hopes of one day playing music with my father, who is a consummate singer/song writer and my hero. At age 17, fresh out of high school he toured with a pop group called Raze for two years. Rich has played shows with Darrell Evans and did lots of growing as a musician and also as a man before my latest job. In 2005 Rich got the opportunity to tour with KJ-52, through his friend Jamie Davis. Rich has played bass in the band Pillar and now at the Life Church campus.
Bellarive is a made up word, but it does mean something. For us it all started in 2009. We met serving at a church. We met in the midst of God doing something very profound in our community. He was moving….
The breath of God was bringing life and hope into our church family in an unforgettable way. Eyes were being opened and hearts awakened. Our response was simple and unplanned; we began to sing about it.
Over the course of a summer we spent everyday at my house. For us, it was a gathering place. A place to seek and find God, to make sense of what He was stirring. The days were filled with prayers and songs. Soon, they became one in the same. The house, the environment, the life: it all became very special to us. It was hard to put to words, but encountering God tends to be that way. Looking back, I think God was beginning to teach us not only who He is, but who we are in Him.
This sacred space was marked by a bit of an odd name. I lived off a street baring a strong resemblance to the word “Bellarive”. None of us knew how to say it or what it meant, but we kind of liked that… It began to take on a meaning of its own. For us, it attached itself to all of this; becoming the “word” for how we were seeing God move. It took on this definition: It’s the conviction that God is actually moving. It’s the belief that music is by design, a powerful and tangible space for the creation to engage with the Creator. It’s the realization that we are fickle beings prone to wander and wade in the shallows, but God has designed us to swim in the deep. His grace makes it so.
This is why we sing. We sing to thank God for His grace. We sing to claim the power of the blood over our lives. And when we do so, it refines us. It helps us to remember. We must remember His plan is for us, not against us. He is present.
Having recorded three records and toured several countries over the past six years with the band Kutless, Dave has made more than just a name for himself. He has been a part of more than just incredible music, Dave has been weaving together a ministry that has impacted a generation. “We wanted our name to represent the impact of what Christ did for us on the cross. Christ took our beating and paid the wages of our sin (Romans 6:23). He took our cuts for us, leaving us ‘Kutless.’"
Jeremy McCoy is a touring and session bass player from Nashville, TN. Currently, he is the touring bass player for Epic Recording Artists - The Fray. Jeremy has also toured with OneRepublic, Rebecca St. James, Vicky Beeching, and Jeff Deyo. In the studio, he has also recorded songs for The Fray and OneRepublic, as well as Polydor artists - James Morrison, and many others. Currently, Jeremy has a production company in Nashville called J.Basser Productions where he produces songs for up and coming artists and plays bass on projects.
Royal Tailor was started by Tauren Wells, DJ Cox, Jeremy Guzman, and Blake Hubbard while they were attending Indiana Bible College in 2004. The group disbanded in 2015.
Adept at mixing infectious melodies with inspiring lyrics 7eventh Time Down is a Kentucky based band that focuses on proclaiming who they are in Christ with all their music.
“Lyrically I hope we make a statement that’s inspiring for people to live like Jesus,” says lead singer Mikey Howard. “For us, the biggest goal is for them to not only believe in Jesus but to start following him and start to ask themselves some tough questions--What is it going to mean for me to look like Jesus where I’m at in my job? At school? Or for parents in that relationship with their husband or wife or kids? And for non-believers, I hope it’s inspiring for them to want to know who Jesus is. We want to present the gospel in a way that is intriguing and makes it a train that you want to jump on board of.”
The four band members- Mikey Howard (vocals), Eric Vanzant (guitar), Cliff Williams (bass), and Austin Miller (drums)- are best friends who grew up together and once school was over each felt the call from God to do music ministry.
Here’s what happened: magic. Make Some Noise delivers on the abundant hopes and rehearsals that went into crafting it. As Josh Gonzales notes: “Once we got the green light to make the album Salvador always wanted to make, that’s when I got excited. It meant all rules were off and we’d be able to be as musical as we always wanted to be.”
As the title implies, the disc brandishes a spirited dynamism that knits all 11 tracks into the makings of a super-‐solid live set. “The energy that was there in the studio felt like a live show,” says percussionist Alejandro Santoyo. “I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
Another source of vitality comes from the band’s committed heart to make God’s love shine through its message. The song “Deeper In Love” began as something Nic Gonzales and his wife, singer Jaci Velasquez, had considered for a praise and worship project. Then there’s “Inside Out,” a song with a message Gonzales hopes audiences will embrace at a key juncture in American history where civility and understanding seem so sadly lacking.
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From piano to keys you will be inspired to take your playing to another level. Learn the techniques to take practicing that translates into the performance you are striving for!
Blues Counsel started in 1987 as the unnamed Jam Band for the Kingdom Bound
Christian Music Festival outside of Buffalo, NY. Some members have played together
since the mid-seventies and even the newest members of BC have been with the band
for over 15 years. Each member has a rich musical history with Blues Counsel as their
touch point, playing together as often as they can. Like close friends whose conversation
always picks up where it left off, no matter how much time has past, Blues Counsel's
eclectic blend of Blues, Rock & a touch of Latin continues to deliver therapy for your soul
with their newest recording "Muscle Shoals Sessions"
Orlando-born, Nashville based artist Mr. Talkbox (Byron Chambers) is The World’s Top Talkbox Artist & Voice to the Intro of Multi Grammy award winning song 24K Magic by Bruno Mars. The sampled Voice on Kendrick Lamar's Loyalty featuring Rihanna & Featured on the 2019 Cardi B/Bruno Mars Collab, "Please Me" , just to name a few. As a solo artist, he’s had five #1 Singles in Japan, 2016 Grammy Award nomination & is a 2 time Dove Award Winner! Also is featured on the Gospel Smash Hit, "My God", by Cece Winans’, Nashville Life Music which peaked at #5 on The Gospel Top 100 Billboard Charts! He is also featured on the Gospel Classic “Jesus Is The Best Thing” By Martha Munizzi, “In The Middle” by Isaac Carree, “More Than A Lover Remix” by Grammy Winner Erica Campbell, ”Greater” by Marvin Sapp and the list Goes On!
Mr. Talkbox has been making waves on social media and around the world! He has gained huge notoriety in the social media world through his hit Talkbox Pic Play Post Acapella videos of chart-topping covers as well as some of his original material. With over 15 million views (collectively) on Facebook, Mr. Talkbox has created a buzz that crosses genres. He's worked, performed & toured with such artists as Bruno Mars, T-Pain, Lyfe Jennings, Lecrae, *NSYNC, Earth Wind & Fire, Andy Mineo, Nathan East, TobyMac, Matthew West, Group 1 Crew and Jonathan Butler.
In January 2020, Mr. Talkbox co-headlined the Yamaha Grand Stage at the 2020 NAMM show in Anaheim California with popular acts like Earth Wind & Fire, Sheléa (Star of The Clark Sisters Biopic), Avery*Sunshine, Kenny Loggins, Internet sensation Verbalase and Nathan East. The stage was hosted by legendary actor and comedian SINBAD in front of over 50k in attendance.
Mr. Talkbox is showing no signs of slowing down! Ladies and Gentlemen, Introducing “Mr. Talkbox!”
Lydia Shaw is a Musician/Worship Leader based out of Nashville, TN. She’s married and has four children.
Growing up, she was homeschooled, her family had a worship band and traveled all over the world leading worship for conferences and teaching clinics.
Lydia then moved to Redding, CA to join Bethel Church for 12 years where she attended the ministry school and was a music teacher at the Bethel Elementary School for 7 years and also the Children’s Worship Pastor.
Traveling and serving in the local church she played keys with all of the Bethel Music artists including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Amanda Cook, Jeremy Riddle, Steffany Gretzinger, various Jesus culture artists and many more.
She currently lives in Nashville. There’s a mixture of traveling and playing with various artists from her local church, The Belonging Co.
Her passion is to see people be free in worship whether that be teaching tools to unlock them or helping create the atmosphere for flowing in spontaneous.
Alex Rivas is a Latin Grammy nominated Pianist/Music Producer/Sound Engineer signed by Nord keyboards. He was born in Cuba and grew up without basic necessities such as food, air conditioning or even a refrigerator. Against many odds and with God on his side he worked hard, went to college and was able to come to the United States to pursue his passion.
He has been blessed in his career to not only travel all around the world but to play with some of the greatest Latin Pop and Salsa artists such as Franco de Vita, Reik, Kalimba, Frankie Negron, Fruko y sus Tesos, the Latin Brothers among others.
Also American Pop and Contemporary Christian Music Artists like Danny Gokey and Jason Crabb.
Alex lives in Nashville TN where he has his studio Rivas Recording Studio and produces all kinds of music such as Pop, Country, Salsa, Christian etc. In addition, he is currently the pianist of 12 South, one of the best Pop bands in Nashville, TN.
"I'm a keyboardist & vocalist and I've been touring for the last 14 years with various artists including Francesca Battistelli, Matt Maher, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Brandon Heath, Dave Barnes, Meredith Andrews and many others. I currently am the MD for country artist David Nail. I'm also an independent songwriter and producer in Nashville, TN. I self-produced my LP Expectations and recently produced David Nail's Bootheel 2020 & 2021, among other various songs and projects. I have a band with fellow writer/producer Randall Kent called Common Heights and as a composer you can find me under the name Boreís. My music/collaborations have been featured on CBS, ABC, Disney, Freeform, A&E, MTV and various ads and commercials."
Dave is one of those guys you meet and instantly know he has the know-how to make incredible music. Although he has had the opportunity to play with the who’s who in the Christian music industry, Dave has always maintained his focus and hasn’t been distracted by the spotlight. Having been on the road for years with the best in Christian music, he is a tremendous asset for any musician that’s fortunate enough to be able and play with him.
OK, if you have been around the Christian Music scene, you have heard of The Katinas. There are qualities that make up a great band, but when you come down to the real stuff; it's the members that make the band great. Sam and his brother's know that apart from the Lord they can do nothing. This is the kind of attitude you encounter when hanging around Sam Katina. Not only does he set the pace for a time of worship, he understands that true worship happens way before the stage!
After Edmund is a Grammy nominated Rock/Pop band from Atlanta, GA.
My name is Matthew Wright and I’m a musician and singer/songwriter from Atlanta, currently based outside of San Diego, California. I’ve been lucky enough to play piano and sing for some truly wonderful artists.
If you’re looking for some of my music you’ve come to the right place. I don’t have the words for what it means to spend time with you in this way, but I know it’s more than I could ask for. thank you for listening. Feel free to get in touch.
Donnie discovered from a young age his passion to express himself through music. The son of a Michigan radio DJ and concert promoter, he was exposed to the music industry from the beginning. Opportunity came knocking when as a teenager, the church worship team needed a piano player. Donnie found a world of support from mentors that encouraged him to use his talents to lead people into worship. He later served on staff as a lead worship pastor at a church in West Texas. Since moving to Nashville in 2007, Donnie has enjoyed playing with such artists as Adie, Natalie Grant, and Drew Cline. Donnie currently tours as keyboardist with Jeremy Camp. Donnie is thankful for the opportunities he has been given in life and is excited to share his experience with students.
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Learn the skills that will keep things tight and a groove that will inspire people to move!
No matter the style that you connect with, Camp Electric has instructors that will show you the way to lay it down. Check out the array of instructors past and present!
Brian is a tenured drummer born in Huntsville AL to a musical family. Brian realized, at the age of 5 that he found his rhythm in the percussion section. Brian believes that authentic relationships create an atmosphere and connection needed for the stage. His passion for drumming is made evident by his work ethic and enthusiasm for his craft. Brian is dependable and easygoing and his ability to relate well with others is bolstered by his family background, travels, and varied work experiences.
Brian has toured and preformed with artist/bands such as TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Crowder, Jordan Feliz, Chris August,Britt Nicole, Group1Crew, Danny Gokey, Love&TheOutcome, Mandisa, Tadashii, Casey Wasner, Mike Hicks Joshua Rogers and more...
Garrett Tyler is an established Artist, Drummer, Musical Director, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Educator. Garrett resides in Nashville, TN and has risen to the world stage with countless international performances and clinics throughout the United States, Central America, Asia, UK, and Europe. Like his soulful personality, Garrett’s musicality is equally the same. He has a fresh and creative approach to his artistry and production while being versatile to all styles of music.
In the midst of the music, Garrett values the friendships and connections he makes above all. His love for God is the passion that drives his love for music and the people he encounters along the way.
https://www.garrettptyler.com/
At a young age, he began playing for his local church and eventually branched into various styles of music. Driven by a passion for God, Aaron plays for some of the top artists on tour. He loves to share and teach the next generation about how to use the God-given talents to bring glory to God.
I started playing drums when I was 12 years old. After high school I played with everyone I could around San Diego and Los Angeles. Such artists as Dennis Agajanian, Jadon Lavik, The Dance Floor Prophets, Regeneration, Seven, Ice Cream Headache, Likeminded, and Jeremy Camp. The day I met Jeremy he was going to play at my church. His drummer at the time (one of my drum instructors - Aaron Redfield) was stuck in traffic. Jeremy asked if I would play until Aaron arrived. I went home, got my drums and played until he got there. I guess Jeremy liked it, he called me back for more gigs. When he got signed to BEC recordings he went on tour. I’ve been his touring drummer ever since. Since then I've had the pleasure of playing with some other artists such as Natalie Grant, Tenth Avenue North, Brandon Heath, Adie, Bethany Dillon, Seventh Day Slumber, Fairchild, The Mean Tambourines, Bryan Edwards, Phil Wickham, and others.
(Nashville Drum Coach)
"I’ve been playing drums since I was 12. Grew up in Oklahoma and started playing professionally at the age of 14 playing gigs in coffee shops and local fairs. I began my teaching career at 19 starting with beginners and now I mainly teach professional drummers. I also have my own home studio that I’m able to record and teach from both in person and online. I’ve lived in Nashville for the last 10 years and am married to my amazing wife Kayla with our 2 sons. I’ve been so blessed and love to try and inspire those coming up."
Drummer for the progressive rock band, Arch Echo, Richie Martinez has been a performing professional for over 12 years, and has been teaching musicians of all levels throughout his career. At his current age of 27, he has carefully crafted his skillset, toured the world, and influenced many. With an online audience of over 55,000, Richie has utilized his presence on social media to provide his viewers with valuable information, and an insight, on the perspective of the life of a professional musician.
"I desire to equip my students with the weapons necessary to be successful in this constant, uphill battle that is life. Many times, I find myself sharing personal experiences in hopes of inspiring others, not simply demonstrating the sticking behind a rudiment. To me, education is far deeper than patterns and technique; it's closely tied to developing strong, independent minds. We must learn to think, and think critically."
Chris Strawder is the main percussionist and music director for Tauren Wells a celebrated platinum-selling recording artist, and songwriter, with 10 GRAMMY® Award nominations, six number 1’s, 225+ million career video views, six GMA Dove Awards, Billboard Music Award nomination, and over 1 billion global streams to date, and counting.
I have spent the last six years touring the world playing drums with major label recording artists such as NF. When I am not on the road I am writing and working on my own music at home in Nashville, TN.
One of the most enduring and highly decorated bands in the CCM community, Casting Crowns formed in 1999 as a student worship band in Daytona Beach, Florida. Led by singer, songwriter, and youth pastor Mark Hall, the group's initial lineup also included violinist Melodee DeVevo and a pair of guitarists, Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes. Casting Crowns has been one of the most influencial bands in Christian music. Some members of the band also currently work as ministers for Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, Georgia. Career sales have exceeded 5 million records.
Nate “theBeatbreaker” Robinson is a both a Hip-Hop producer and drummer. Nate is currently the drummer for famous rapper Lecrae and plays a little bit for other people in the 116 Clique. He has produced for Lecrae, Alex Faith, Chinua Hawk, Sho Baraka, Andy Mineo, Christon Gray, and Derek Minor.
He has two albums, both named Heard Not Seen, where he collaborates with many rappers and singers as he produces the whole album including some of his acoustic drumming ablilties.
Lester Estelle Jr. was born into a family saturated in music. Several members of his family possess musical talents far beyond the sphere of what we would consider ‘incredible’. So it is only fitting and right that Lester would follow in the footsteps of so many before him.
At the age of two Lester discovered ‘pots and pans’ and began his predestined journey of drumming. As an adolescent Lester and his parents opted to homeschool him so that he could tour and spend his formative teenage years experiencing what would eventually become his profession.
Today, Lester is one of the most respected drummers in the business. His studio and live credits include some of the biggest names in music including Kelly Clarkson, Big & Rich and Pillar, just to name a few. Just take a look at his social media pages and you’ll see his artistry at work through clips of live and studio performances.
With a vocal blend honed by siblings singing since birth the Katinas have a sound that is very distinct. With that distinction comes the individuals that make up this powerhouse. Behind the kit and setting that contagious groove is Joe Katina. This is one guy that proves nice guys don't finish last! (Actually it can be said about all the Katina Brothers)
Adept at mixing infectious melodies with inspiring lyrics 7eventh Time Down is a Kentucky based band that focuses on proclaiming who they are in Christ with all their music.
“Lyrically I hope we make a statement that’s inspiring for people to live like Jesus,” says lead singer Mikey Howard. “For us, the biggest goal is for them to not only believe in Jesus but to start following him and start to ask themselves some tough questions--What is it going to mean for me to look like Jesus where I’m at in my job? At school? Or for parents in that relationship with their husband or wife or kids? And for non-believers, I hope it’s inspiring for them to want to know who Jesus is. We want to present the gospel in a way that is intriguing and makes it a train that you want to jump on board of.”
The four band members- Mikey Howard (vocals), Eric Vanzant (guitar), Cliff Williams (bass), and Austin Miller (drums)- are best friends who grew up together and once school was over each felt the call from God to do music ministry.
Urban Rescue are an American Christian music electropop group from Los Angeles, California, who play Christian pop, Christian EDM, and contemporary worship music. They have released one notable extended play, Wild Heart, in 2016, from Rend Family Records and Capitol Christian Music Group.
As a band, Rend Collective takes a unique approach to worship and their music and believes that 'joy' not 'seriousness' is a spiritual gift. The group includes Gareth Gilkeson (drums, band leader), Will Herron (vocals), Chris Llewellyn (vocals), Ali Gilkeson (percussion, keyboard), Bridget Herron (horn, accordian) and Patrick Thompson (bass).
The group developed out of a Christian student movement that asked the question, “What does it mean to practically follow Christ?” Rend Collective desires to focus on an authentic experience with God and to perform music more like a family and less like a band separated from its audience.
“One of our biggest fears about church is that we can get into this ‘entertainment’ mindset. There’s people on a stage, and then there’s an audience,” explains Gareth. “The idea of the body of Christ is that we’re all together, we’re all worshiping God.”
In 2018, they released Good News which features "Counting Every Blessing" and "Rescuer." Both songs announce the Good News of God as the answer during easy and hard times. Gareth shares about his own experience with dark times...
"I went through a period of depression a couple years ago. One of the root causes was always looking at what I didn't have rather than what I did have," Gareth admits. "A friend of mine said that comparison is the thief of joy ... for us, we realized that we needed to remind ourselves of all the good things that God has done."
Duncan Phillips is an Australian pop/rock drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, and composer. He is best known for his career with the Newsboys as their drummer and percussionist. Phillips' involvement with musical performance began in the 80's with a band he had in Queensland, Australia, which played for local youth groups. After moving to the U.S., Phillips joined the Newsboys in 1993 as a keyboardist. Phillip's role as a keyboardist only lasted for one album, "Going Public". After that he played as the band's main drummer and percussionist, and has remained as a part of the Newsboys ever since.
Newsboys are a Christian rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia, by Peter Furler and George Perdikis.
The band has released 17 studio albums, 6 of which have been certified gold.
B Haley grew up on the inner city streets of St. Louis, MO, 3 miles from Ferguson, MO, where the notorious riots took place. He walked down destructive paths filled with violence in an ‘every man for himself’ environment. B was saved by the grace of God during that time, and his life has never been the same. God led B to Nashville where he was a part of one of the most renowned Christian bands of all time—TobyMac and the DiverseCity band—as TobyMac’s drummer. During that time, God gave B a vision that he hasn’t been able to shake. A vision for our world to live united and come together. To put down the many differences that divide us and pick up the one thing that unites us—LOVE. Armed with a blazing passion to make this world a better place through unity, the We Are 1 Movement was birthed.
B is a father of 4 beautiful daughters; two are in college, one lives in Florida, and B lives in Nashville with his wife and youngest daughter.
James was born in St. Louis, MO! He has played and run production for some of the top speakers and gospel artist in the world, and is recognized as the most up and coming drummer in Nashville! You have heard him on such records as the dc talk tribute record, and may have seen him performing live on the Regis and Kelly Show, TBN, Gospel Music Channel, ABC and NBC networks, or possibly on the road with the hit stage play “I Need You Now”. He has performed with Grits, Mandisa, Toby Mac, Matthew West, and George Huff just to name a few! James is recognized for his ability to play all styles of music. Some even reference him as a drummer’s drummer! This guy is not only a great player but he also is a great instructional teacher. James Holloway believes in the fundamentals of drumming!
Royal Tailor was started by Tauren Wells, DJ Cox, Jeremy Guzman, and Blake Hubbard while they were attending Indiana Bible College in 2004. The group disbanded in 2015.
Lori has over 20 years of drumming experience. For many years she backed the popular, Grammy-nominated and Dove Award winning rock band, Skillet, from 2000-2008. Her experience gained from those years of studio recording, live performance, and worldwide touring has been invaluable. Heavy hitting and energetic, Lori isn't your typical girl drummer. If you've seen her perform then you know! Keeping busy with private drum instruction and speaking at clinics such as local "Drummers For Jesus" chapters, Lori is still enjoying life behind the drum set. "I'm extremely blessed to be involved with such an outstanding event like Camp Electric. I'm truly looking forward to the experience, and I can't wait to see and work with everyone."
Big Daddy Weave is made up of a group of "ordinary guys" with an extraordinary job. A job they love every minute of because of the people they meet and minister to along the way!
Their music is a series of anthems about the one they love and trust - Jesus.
Beautiful Offerings, the bands seventh studio album, shares the message that, "Every one of us is beautiful because of what God has deposited in us. Our lives are an opportunity to literally be used for the Kingdom," says lead singer Mike Weaver.
The album follows Love Come To Life (2012) which includes songs like "Overwhelmed" and Redeemed." The album also includes "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)" a song that Mike likes to discuss this way...
"He's given us authority in His name. He's given us healing and redemption in His name. Our identity is wrapped up in the name of Jesus. As children of God, we are living for the glory of someone else, the Son of the living God. Jesus is the only name that matters."
Big Daddy Weave won the first ever "Song of the Year" award at the 2013 K-LOVE Fan Awards with "Redeemed", and was a nominee for the same award in 2014 with "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)."
In the nine years since the band started producing music, Kutless has broken all sorts of new ground stylistically, but kept a consistent mission: to reach the lost and minister to fellow believers through song.
The band was named after a specific Biblical passage in Romans that reminds us how Jesus took our cuts so we might be free indeed. Kutless’ first two singles “Your Touch” and “Run” were big radio hits that paved the way for many other rock-oriented groups that would follow in the future.
In 2004, after releasing its second album Sea of Faces, Kutless embarked on its first of many headlining tours with frontman Jon Micah Sumrall, lead guitarist James Mead, guitarist Ryan Shrout, bassist Dave Luetkenhoelter and drummer Jeffrey Gilbert.
Then, in a move that surprised longtime fans, Kutless made an unorthodox move into more worshipful territory highlighted by the title track "Strong Tower" on its third album. Proving that praising God could, indeed, rock, the album was a fan and Christian radio favorite.
Mark Graalman is the drummer and co-founding member of rock band Sanctus Real. He has been playing drums for nearly twenty years and has spent the last seven touring all over the U.S. and to various parts of the world playing on average 150 shows a year. Mark has not only been on every recording that Sanctus Real has done over it's twelve year existence but has also been featured on a hand full of independent recordings. He has worked with many of Christian music's top producers including Chris Stevens, Tedd T, Mark Townsend, Pete Stewart, Skidd Mills, Allen Salmon, Steve Wilson, etc. He is a Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated artist. Mark has performed in front of 2 people in a bookstore, headlined a concert in front of 120,000 people in a field and done everything in between. Last year Mark started teaching drums at his home in Toledo, Ohio on Tuesday evenings when he's not on the road. He has a real heart for encouraging young musicians who are wanting to use their talents to bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ and is very excited that at Camp Electric he will get to do just that!
Nate Onstott, a professional drummer in Music City Nashville TN. I have 17 years experience performing live and recording drums since moving to Nashville. I record drums out of my home studio and want to play drums on your songs! Nashville Session and Live drummer with 17 years experience in Nashville.
Lou Santiago Jr. won the 2001 Guitar Center South East Regional Drum-Off, placing him 7th in the nation. Two years later, in 2003, he won the over 18 age division of Modern Drummer's "Undiscovered Drummer" contest and then toured with legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. Since then, Lou has gone on to work with some of the industry's finest artists, such as afro-cuban/jazz bassist, John Benitez, top German session bassist, Martin Engelien, Marco Barrientos, Raul Sanchez, Del Sol (Curve Records), International Drummers for Jesus, Lamar Boschman, and the International Worship Institute, just to name a few. Recently, Lou partnered and toured with Jeff Deyo, one of today's prominent worship leader's formerly of Grammy nominated Christian rock band Sonicflood. In addition, he has been very successful as a clinician, inspiring and influencing drummers of all ages in Europe and the US. Highlighted in Modern Drummer Magazine, Lou says, "...I understand fully that it [drumming] is a ministry given to me from GOD to further his kingdom."
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The songwriting class will prepare students to engage an audience and take them on a journey by crafting a hook or understanding the hills and valleys of telling a story. Each instructor brings an arsenal of wisdom and experience as they unfold different styles of songwriting abilities.
Born and raised just north of Nashville in Hendersonville, TN, Benji’s roots are in Music City. Growing up in a home that encouraged creativity and musical expression.
Whether he was singing around the house, at church or in a kid’s choir, christian music was a big part of Benji's life. It wasn't until middle school that he discovered his love for writing which was heavily was influenced by one of his English teachers.
Since then Benji has always been involved in some form of ministry. With his wife Jenna Cowart, Benji has served on staff at churches in North Port, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Buffalo, New York; and Covington, Louisiana. Through his work in the church, Benji learned how to write songs for the congregations he was leading, and it was through this time of serving that he wrote "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)" and "Redeemed" which became his first major radio cuts with Big Daddy Weave.
In 2013 Benji returned home to Nashville to begin his professional songwriting career signed under Word Entertainment where he has continued to write songs for christian music and sync.
At the end of 2021 Benji signed with TIM Publishing. He is currently living in Franklin Tennessee with his wife Jenna and their four kids. He looks forward to his time at TIM Publishing and hopes to continue to write songs that God will use to impact people in very deep and profound ways.
Katy Nichole is an American Christian musician, songwriter and worship leader. Nichole made her debut in 2022, with the release of the single "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)" through Centricity Music. "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)" was Nichole's breakthrough hit, having reached number one on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart and Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. Her follow-up single, "God Is in This Story" with Big Daddy Weave, also reached number one on the Hot Christian Songs chart. Nichole also released her debut self-titled extended play, containing "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)" and "God Is In This Story". The EP debuted at number seven on the Top Christian Albums chart in the United States.
Paul David started as a session musician at age 15. He's worked with hundreds of artists on stage and in the studio including: CeCe Winans, Andre Crouch and Jonny Lang. Currently, he is writing and producing music in Nashville, Tennessee, and touring with funk/soul legends Sister Sledge.
Rachael is a singer/songwriter from New Castle, a small town in Pennsylvania. She moved to Nashville for college and began writing songs in her bedroom.
Rachael is inspired to write from her life experiences, hearing people’s stories, God and nature.
“I hope when people listen to my music they genuinely feel cared for, seen, and a little less alone.”
After logging years together in a band (between juggling gigs as disparate as landscaping, swim coaching, and substitute teaching in the inner city school system), the Nashville duo–Jordan Phillips and Adam Stark–emerged in 2015 with their independent self-titled EP. Garnering critical acclaim from the likes of Consequence of Sound, the single “What Are You Waiting For” quietly generated over 323K Spotify streams and counting. As they shared the stage with Panic at the Disco, DNCE, Kesha, Andy Grammer, The All-American Rejects, smallpools, and more, the guys recorded the 2017 follow-up EP and further unlocked the dynamic nature of their pairing: Adam the consummate trained musician and Jordan the primal and passionate poet.
Sean Curran is a vital part of Passion and sixstepsrecords/Capitol Christian Music Group as a worship leader and songwriter. His first solo EP, Bigger Than I Thought, released in June of 2019. Since 2017, Curran has been part of leading worship at Passion Conference and is featured on Passion albums, including: Follow You Anywhere, Whole Heart, and Worthy of Your Name. He is a writer on songs such as “Bigger than I Thought,” “Whole Heart,” “Glorious Day,” and “Step Into the Light”-- a song that arrested the attention of over 40,000 college students with much anticipation and conversation after it debuted live at Passion 2019. Curran composes in such a way that his songs exist as invitations to enter into a conversation with a loving Father. A former member of Billboard chart-ranking band Bellarive, Curran’s eclectic style of worship helps to usher others toward the journey God desires for them. Curran lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Natalia. The two call Passion City Church home.
For more than 15 years, Mark Harris was a member of popular Christian pop quartet 4Him. With 22 No. 1 hits to the group’s credit and eight Dove Awards, 4Him was one of the most successful groups in Christian music history.
Showcasing their individual talents, the guys from 4Him eventually took a break from recording and touring and released solo albums in the mid 2000’s. While it was never intended to bring an end to the group, the guys amicably decided to go its separate ways in 2005.
That same year, Mark released his first solo album, The Line Between the Two and also participated in 4Him’s official farewell to the fans, Encore, a greatest hits collection.
As 4Him’s primary songwriter in the past, Mark relished the challenge of communicating his heart for God in new ways. While serving as the Head of Worship Ministries at his home church in Alabama, Mark was inspired to write songs with congregations specifically in mind.
Mark's second solo project featured the title track "Windows and Walls," a sweet reflection of how quickly kids grow up and tender, as well as the encouraging ballad “All For the Glory of You.”
When it comes to writing and performing his music, above all, Mark hopes to make an impact wherever he’s playing. “You get to a point in life where you’re not doing things for success as much as for significance,” Mark shares. “I want my music to make a difference in people’s lives. I do this so a dad can hear a song like ‘Writing on the Wall’ and say ‘I’m kicking off at noon, and I’m gonna go home. I’m not gonna work late tonight.’ I wholeheartedly believe that songs can make a difference when someone hears them at the right time.”
As acclaimed singer/songwriters in their own right, both Mike Grayson and Molly Reed brought a solid musical history to their relationship when they married in 2013. Grayson spent the better part of 13 years as the lead singer for pop/rock band MIKESCHAIR, with whom he released three full-length albums and scored five Top 5 radio singles. Meanwhile, Reed spent a few years as one-half of duo City Harbor and has become an in-demand songwriter, penning hits recorded by everyone from Marie Osmond and Amy Grant to Hillary Scott, Colton Dixon and Francesca Battistelli, among others. On their own, Mike and Molly shine, but together, they’re a powerful creative force to be reckoned with as they embark on a new journey, side by side, as Grayson|Reed
Mike and Molly met their first week of college as entering freshman at Nashville’s Belmont University. Over the next 10 years, the aspiring artists floated in and out of one another’s social circles, gradually building a unique friendship that eventually became a strong relational foundation when they started dating in 2012. The following year, they said “I do,” and two years later, they welcomed their daughter, Grailey.
When the couple initially got married, they were both devoted to their separate musical interests; but when Grailey came along, they realized that moving, literally, in two different directions wasn’t going to be sustainable for the long haul. Still, they wanted to honor their individual commitments, dreaming of potentially joining forces one day in the distant future. That day came sooner than expected.
“God had to move a lot of mountains. A lot of doors had to open and close for it to even be an option, and all of that happened and more,” Mike shares, “which just made it so clear to us that for this season in our life, it’s where we’re supposed to be.”
You have most likely heard the voice and music of Nashville based alternative artist Sam Tinnesz and not even known it. This is because his songs often find homes in the most widely viewed shows on television like Riverdale, All American, and World of Dance, in pro sports broadcasting like NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and UFC, and in national ads for companies such as Toyota, Samsung, Jeep, and Target, and many more. From his exposure in TV and film, he has amassed an impressive fan base- rabid and waiting for the next musical offering. These fans have earned Sam massive streaming numbers like over 100 million streams on “Play With Fire," over 200k subscribers on YouTube and a monthly reach of over 2.1 million listeners on Spotify.
While Sam skillfully crafts his own artistry, he has also managed to lend a hand to other giants in the TV and film genre such as Ruelle (2018 Billboard #1 most synced artist), Fleurie, and Tommee Profitt. The evolution of Sam’s writing in 2019 and 2020 has led to impressive pop cuts and features with artists like Kygo (Don’t Give Up On Love feat. Sam Tinnesz), Banners, and Daniella Mason. As a wholly independent artist, Sam has amassed over 150 million streams on his debut Babel LP. Sam looks forward to releasing a highly anticipated new album in 2020 with the support of Warner Music Group’s ADA.
Big Daddy Weave is made up of a group of "ordinary guys" with an extraordinary job. A job they love every minute of because of the people they meet and minister to along the way!
Their music is a series of anthems about the one they love and trust - Jesus.
Beautiful Offerings, the bands seventh studio album, shares the message that, "Every one of us is beautiful because of what God has deposited in us. Our lives are an opportunity to literally be used for the Kingdom," says lead singer Mike Weaver.
The album follows Love Come To Life (2012) which includes songs like "Overwhelmed" and Redeemed." The album also includes "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)" a song that Mike likes to discuss this way...
"He's given us authority in His name. He's given us healing and redemption in His name. Our identity is wrapped up in the name of Jesus. As children of God, we are living for the glory of someone else, the Son of the living God. Jesus is the only name that matters."
Big Daddy Weave won the first ever "Song of the Year" award at the 2013 K-LOVE Fan Awards with "Redeemed", and was a nominee for the same award in 2014 with "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)."
Between recording and touring regularly for the past decade, the band has amassed a considerable catalog of fan favorites including “Audience of One,” “Every Time I Breathe,” “Fields of Grace,” “In Christ,” “Without You” and “What Life Would Be Like.” Big Daddy Weave compiled their favorite songs into an Ultimate Collection album released in the fall of 2011.
As a band, Rend Collective takes a unique approach to worship and their music and believes that 'joy' not 'seriousness' is a spiritual gift. The group includes Gareth Gilkeson (drums, band leader), Will Herron (vocals), Chris Llewellyn (vocals), Ali Gilkeson (percussion, keyboard), Bridget Herron (horn, accordian) and Patrick Thompson (bass).
The group developed out of a Christian student movement that asked the question, “What does it mean to practically follow Christ?” Rend Collective desires to focus on an authentic experience with God and to perform music more like a family and less like a band separated from its audience.
Over the past seven years, Bryan has served three churches as worship leader, previously Christian Fellowship and The Crossing—both in Columbia, Missouri—and now West End Community Church in Nashville. He’s also come into his own as a songwriter and recorded two albums. His 2004 debut, Sing, (released by Integrity Europe) has an affecting rawness and immediacy, because he recorded it with his brother Christopher in their parents’ basement. Stephen Gause (Downhere, Nathan Angelo, Laura Story) produced Bryan’s new album, Shine, an epic ebb and flow laced with regally ringing guitars and anthemic choruses.
Bryan has a clear vision for his songwriting. “I want to write and sing these songs in a way that others can sing along,” he explains. “Through that, I want people's emotions to be raised by the melody and by the truth they are singing. My job at that point is to direct those feelings and affections to where they belong. Not to me, or a band, or a stage, but to God.”
Renowned UK-based worship leader, songwriter and author Matt Redman profoundly shaped Bryan’s God-centered perspective on worship leading. “More than anything, I'm just in awe of his humility,” says Bryan. “He's probably written some of the most recognizable and powerful songs the church has ever sung [“Heart of Worship,” “Once Again” and “Blessed Be Your Name,” just to name a few], yet he remains completely humble in what he is doing.”
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Each day brings a different way students can creatively create content. On day one, students will dive into the art of Film making and explore everything from music videos to features and fails. The next day students will have another instructor to unveil the world of photography, from touring photography to understanding the keys of lighting. The final day of content creation brings an expert to go over the ever-changing world of content creation.
Diego Brawn is the CEO of Velasco Visuals. His company has toured with TobyMac, Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Third Day, Cece Winans, Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, Kim Walker-Smith, Zach Williams, Brandon Heath, Big Daddy Weave, We Are Messengers, Ryan Stevenson, Jordan Feliz, Sidewalk Prophets, Sarah Reeves, Aaron Cole, and many more.
Velasco Visuals has worked with Walt Disney World, Capitol Christian Music Group, Word Entertainment, Gotee Records, Curb Records, Centricity Music, Awakening Events, Maximum Artist Group, and many more.
Daniel Zapata is an Emmy® award winning producer/director that has been in the film industry for over a decade making an impact in the creative arts with company's like FOOD NETWORK, Property Brothers, K-LOVE Fan Awards, etc. Daniel strives for excellence in every project he and his team produces, whether that be a documentary, awards show, or corporate production. Daniel enjoys pouring back into the students of Camp Electric and giving them a hands-on experience that they can take with them as they continue to grow in the field of media.
Traveling all over the US and abroad has given Josiah Weiss an eye for capturing more than the moment, but the unexpected. From helping produce live events to shooting documentaries and major tours, Josiah has covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time. He has a unique perspective having been a former student at Camp Electric and now producing and teaching at the very same event.
https://www.jsweiss.com/
Understanding your audience and telling stories through "sound" begins with knowing how to connect cables and run a room that paints the picture of the artist or speaker. Students will run live sound and mix in real-time to take their hands-on experience to the next level.
Doug has been a veteran of the Pro Audio and Music Technology Industry for nearly 30 years, serving in management roles at Shure, Tascam and E-Mu Systems and also serves as a worship leader, musician and tech at various churches throughout his esteemed career.
Over the last twelve years Doug has been a very effective presenter at hundreds of worship conferences all over North America and beyond, focusing his experience to consult and teach others.
Ryan Lampa is currently the Tour/Production manager and Front of House audio engineer for CCM recording artist TobyMac. He has worked in the industry since 2001 in differing roles with artists in many genres. He also serves on the leadership team of People Loving Nashville, a non-profit positioned to help the Nashville community by providing physical needs and building relationships based on the love of Jesus Christ. He, his wife Christy and son Noah live in Nashville, TN.
Sign up for the vocal class and learn everything from tips and tricks to increasing your range to the best ways to care for your voice. Various instructors teach vocal tracks, including top touring musicians and vocal coaches. For a full list of instructors past and present, scroll below.
PRODUCER / DJ
New York-based producer Ray Rock, who has worked with The Ambassador, Flame, Social Club and the Dream Junkies, has worked with Andy Mineo the longest due to a long friendship.
This is the era of the DJ.
Michael Allen (DJ Maj - pronounced "madge") is a leader in the ever-evolving global music space.
The Dove nominated pioneer has served in various capacities as syndicated radio host, compilation curator (Gotee/Universal 2000-2007), rapper, mentor, and in his current role of DJ in TobyMac’s Diverse City Band. His Dj solos have become a staple in Toby’s sets to an average 300,000 concert goers annually across 18 years. Maj states, "The emergence of the DJ in pop culture is an on-time fit for me. The DJ IS THE BAND now! The content we create overflows to the live environment and is multi-generational. These past years working closer with Toby has given me a space to fine-tune my gifts while gaining a greater understanding of the responsibility of having a global platform. It’s humbling when someone of his stature gives you direct interaction with his fans. It's a loyal fan base who expects nothing less than your best! I've also learned that creativity doesn't have to be this or that. I can use all of my skillsets. This generation’s music fans are ok with you having more than one talent. So, there's no "box”.
Maj’s recent collaboration with Toby and Crowder on the St Nemele Hello Future Remix can be heard on all a major platforms.
Over the 20 years of doing music full time I've accumulated a lot of unique experiences, my hope and desire with this book is to have a conversation with you about some of my greatest triumphs, joys and failures. "Victory Lap" is a compilation of true stories from my childhood, music, songs, touring and more.
Imagine what would be running through your mind as you ran a "victory lap"... you would think back on all the ups and down that got you to the place of winning the race. Picture you and I sitting in a room telling story after story about every aspect of my experiences. Ever wanted to know the backstory on a song? Ever wanted to know my perspective on a issue? Ever wanted to hang out with me for an hour and have me share my knowledge and wisdom I've learned from a life of music and ministry? This book is for you.
Each song on the album is inspired by a chapter from the book in order to help you experience exactly what I was feeling when I was going through that moment. This being my second auto-biographical book I wanted to allow fans the opportunity to leave quotes, pick questions and to have their name in the credits.
This book/EP is funded by the fans, inspired by the fans and written for the fans!
Thank you so much for your support throughout the years, you make what I do possible.