The bible declares that, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Cor. 3:17). I am a firm believer of that verse, and being a musician, I believe that praise & worship can serve as a powerful influence in setting one free ... especially when the anointing is present, making the Word of God come alive for whoever is listening to the message in song!
I am self taught on every instrument I play, never having had any formalised music instruction/education. If God has given you a gift, use it to glorify Him. And by the way ... your gifting / talent does not have to be in music! "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ..." (Col. 3:23). Whatever window or door of opportunity the Lord may open which allows me to play & sing, I do not take lightly nor for granted. I consider it an honour & a privilege to be allowed to minister in music wherever I go.
From a secular music perspective, my influences range from the likes of Enya to Pink Floyd. Think in terms of ambient music to classic rock! On the christian side of life, my influences are *Hillsong, *Bethel, *Kim Walker Smith, *Elevate,* Jesus Culture, Worship Mob, Red Rocks Worship, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redmon, Kari Jobe, & others too numerous to list here. In addition to this list are the classical church hymns done in many church fellowships. I also enjoy classical music as well as smooth jazz. But my #1 preference is and always will be, the softer, ambient side of praise and worship music. Ocassionally, I will throw in a celtic feel to a particular song when leading praise and worship so there is a variety to the genre, sound & quality of the music.
*** DISCLAIMER***
Whilst I do play music from those artists with an asterisk placed before them, please note I do not align myself with their "movement", theology, or otherwise. ALL song lyrics regardless of the artist, are subject to review and Scriptural accuracy.