We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stanton Nelson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stanton , so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
I take a weekly sabbath of 24 hours. If I work on Friday, then my sabbath is on Saturday. If I work on Saturday, then my sabbath is on Friday.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a full-time musician at Highland Park United Methodist Church. I accompany the Youth Choir, oversee the Cox Chapel services, and play organ for weddings and memorial services.
I feel that composing music for the services is the most exciting part about it. I will compose preludes, postludes, and offertories for worship services, all based on the Scripture readings for that day.
I have released 8 original music albums and have created a non-profit called Noted with Honor. I listen to hospice patients’ life narratives and then compose them into musical compositions.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The first quality which had the most impact on my life is being faithful to one’s craft and walk of faith. This doesn’t mean a rigid everyday regimen, but it means a commitment to help grow one’s skill set and relationship with God.
Next, I would say discipline. One needs to stay diligent practicing one’s instrument or craft. The more frequent the practicing, the better.
Lastly, I would mention an openness. Openness to advice, to hearing from God, to everybody around me. That can be frightening, but it is necessary for growth.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
For sure the Bible has played the most important role in my development.
Some nuggets of wisdom include sayings from Proverbs. Prov. 10:16 encourages me to speak less and listen more. Prov. 14:21 nudges me to also consider the poor somehow. Prov. 16:3 reminds me to always pray first and listen to God before I start a venture or project.
Contact Info:
- Website: stantonnelson.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiUK8LKpPMrxDNZJfk0uFQ
Image Credits
I certify that I have all the rights to my images.
