Creativity can be defined as the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.
It raises the question: how does one get
creative? For 16-year-old pianist, vocalist, producer, and our son, Grant M. Carson, the answer is multifaceted.
When Grant was six, his musical creativity blossomed as formal piano lessons
began. He was taught early on to sing as
he played piano in order to learn correct
pitch, rhythm, and timing. Fast forward
ten years, and Grant is an accomplished
vocalist who has mastered hymns and
modern worship as well as classical and
jazz piano. He’s written and recorded
several CDs and is about to release his
first self-produced single.
Grant’s most influential source of inspi-
ration comes from the Holy Bible. Read-
ing and meditating on Scripture provides
an abundant source of inspiration. Lyr-
ics in music often derive from the Bible,
providing an awesome opportunity to
worship the Lord. Scripture in music is
also a tool to aide in memorizing and
communicating God’s Word. Many adults
can recall their favorite Sunday school
songs from years gone by! Incorporating
Scripture into a song is a beautiful and
gentle way to witness to nonbelievers.
When creating, opening the heart and
mind to what the Lord reveals through
Scripture can be a powerful tool. Joshua
1:8: “This book of the law shall not depart
out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate
therein day and night . . . for then thou
shalt make thy way prosperous, and then
thou shalt have good success.”
Creativity can develop from life ex-
periences, both happy and sad. Grant
has explored the country in a motor
home for eleven years, and he’s traveled
abroad to Romania, India, and Africa
for both missionary work and vacation.
He sponsors three children and has been
blessed to meet two of them. These joyful
life experiences have inspired Grant to
write music and provided opportunities
for him to perform his craft around the
world. Often, inspiration will grow from
life’s greatest journeys and special mo-
ments outside of regular routines. These
can include interactions with people of
varied backgrounds and cultures.
Facing and overcoming challenges can
also be a source of inspiration. In Grant’s
case, such challenges included broken
friendships, cancer in the family, and the
death of loved ones. Musical expression
is a device he has used to convey emotions in difficult circumstances. Artistic
expression in times of trouble reveals
one’s true character and speaks to a wide
audience by providing meaningful inspiration to others. Trouble in life is guaranteed; misery is optional! Psalm 5: 11 says,
“But let all those that put their trust in
thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy,
because thou defendest them.”
Mentors, teachers, other musicians,
producers, industry professionals, and
industry-specific publications are a vast
source of wisdom and experience, provid-
ing inspiration to artists. Grant has bene-
fited from a wide network of professionals
providing encouragement and guidance
to stimulate his creativity in music and
production. Being inspired by others has
kept Grant going when the creative block
www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
by Sarah Carson
The Divine Source
of Musical Creativity
Incorporating
Scripture into
a song is a
beautiful and
gentle way
to witness to
nonbelievers.
