Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Criston Moore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Criston with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
The foundation of my work ethic stems from witnessing the unwavering dedication of my father, who diligently served the State of California to support our large family, and the tireless efforts of my mother, who selflessly cared for each and every one of us. Their remarkable sacrifices have shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me a strong sense of commitment and diligence that I carry into every aspect of my life. Growing up in the vibrant city of Bakersfield, California, I was surrounded by countless individuals who embodied a resolute work ethic, further reinforcing the values ingrained in me. Moreover, I had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary accomplishments of two remarkable individuals within my own profession. These two individuals poured their hearts, time, and energy into building an unparalleled church music program, leaving an indelible mark on my life. The sheer determination, unwavering passion, and profound love they exhibited for their craft and the people they served continue to serve as a constant source of inspiration for me.
The immeasurable gratitude I hold is dedicated to my remarkable parents, Charles and Linda Moore, as well as the influential figures in my life, such as Don Hicks and Don Factory, along with countless community and spiritual leaders, and everyday individuals. It is through their shining examples that I have come to understand the immense potential that can be unlocked through unwavering dedication, relentless perseverance, and a deep-rooted passion for one’s craft and the people it serves. Their collective impact has left an indelible mark on my journey, propelling me to strive for greatness and embrace the profound connection between hard work, unwavering commitment, and the genuine love one holds for their purpose and the individuals they seek to uplift.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Growing up in a household filled with the enchanting sounds of music, my heart and soul were captivated by melodies during every holiday and birthday celebration. At the tender age of three, I discovered my innate ability to play the piano by ear. Recognizing my potential, my parents decided to invest in my musical journey and enrolled me in formal piano lessons, which allowed me to blossom as a skilled musician. I often find myself boasting about having the best of both worlds – a solid foundation in music theory from my lessons, combined with the nurturing environment of the church that honed my natural ear for music. These diverse experiences, ranging from the comfort of my home, the spiritual ambiance of the church, to the structured piano lessons, have significantly shaped my musical approach and deepened my adoration for this art form.
My passion for singing bloomed at an early age, and it wasn’t long before I took my first steps into the professional realm of vocal performance. At the age of 25, I was blessed with an incredible opportunity to provide background vocals for the renowned global worship leader and recording artist, Israel Houghton. This invaluable connection not only expanded my horizons in the world of music but also contributed immensely to my personal growth as an artist. Despite extensively traveling with Israel, I remained committed to serving as a Worship Pastor in my local church, which remains one of my greatest sources of joy. Week after week, I pour my heart into leading worship, embracing the privilege of nurturing and uplifting the souls of those who gather in our church.
My love for both singing and playing the piano is undeniable, and I am committed to offering the best of both worlds in my musical endeavors. Through my songwriting, producing, orchestration, singing, and scoring, I strive to share my profound passion for music with the world. Over the years, I have had the privilege of releasing numerous singles and a full album titled “Piano Therapy,” which has been embraced by listeners far and wide. Excitingly, I am currently working on my second full instrumental album, “Piano Therapy Volume 2 – Christmas Edition,” which is set to be released on November 26, 2023. This project holds a special place in my heart as I create a harmonious blend of piano melodies that capture the essence of the holiday season. It brings me immense joy to pour my soul into this album and share the gift of music with all who lend their ears and hearts to its enchanting melodies.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I have come to realize that three qualities have had the greatest impact on my life and have shaped the course of my path: honor, humility, and hunger. These qualities have not only influenced me, but have been transformative, propelling me forward in ways I could have never imagined.
Honor has been a guiding principle that has opened doors for me throughout my journey. It is rooted in the belief of honoring one’s parents, as taught in scripture. I have carried this principle with me, paying homage to those who have paved the way before me. I study their work, learn from their achievements, and stand on their shoulders, never seeking to diminish their accomplishments. Honoring others becomes effortless when approached with a heart of humility. I am sincerely grateful to God for every opportunity and experience I have been granted. Yet, I hold steadfast in the belief that the best is still to come. It is this hunger that fuels my drive, as I remain patient, dedicated, and continue to learn and grow.
Humility has been an invaluable companion on my journey, allowing me to truly see myself. It has enabled me to recognize my strengths and weaknesses without pretense. Armed with this self-awareness, it is up to me to determine how to harness this knowledge and use it to further my growth.
For those who are just beginning their own journey, my advice is simple: honor those who have come before you, humbly accept feedback, and maintain an unyielding hunger for knowledge and growth. By upholding these principles, the learning process becomes a continuous flame that propels you forward, igniting a burning desire to reach new heights.
As I continue on my journey, I am reminded of the profound impact that honor, humility, and hunger have had on my life. They have shaped my character, deepened my understanding, and fueled my pursuit of excellence. I am eternally grateful for the wisdom and guidance they have bestowed upon me, and I eagerly anticipate the continued growth and opportunities they will bring.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I am deeply indebted to my parents for their unwavering support and belief in my talent. They recognized my potential at a young age and made sure to nurture it. They enrolled me in lessons and instilled discipline in me by insisting on regular practice, even when I didn’t feel like it. Their investment in my musical journey laid the foundation for my success.
Moreover, my musical journey was profoundly impacted by the significant contributions of my siblings. Timothy, Ayrian, Miriam, Zachary, Charlin, Veronica, Ceth, Caxon, and Hailey are my siblings and they all in some way played an instrumental role in molding my musical prowess. Being the ninth child among ten siblings, I naturally admired and sought inspiration from my older brothers and sisters, who displayed unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment towards their craft. By closely observing their artistic processes and witnessing their remarkable growth, I became motivated to strive for excellence in my own musical pursuits. Each of my siblings possesses a distinctive musicality, and unbeknownst to them, I eagerly absorbed various elements from each of them, which proved to be invaluable in my personal musical odyssey. Like an eager sponge, I soaked up their diverse influences, incorporating them into my own unique musical palette.
Lastly, my wife Kelsie has been a constant source of support and motivation throughout the years. She has played a pivotal role in helping me overcome personal challenges and has been instrumental in the release of every single and album I have put out. As a perfectionist, I tend to be extremely hard on myself and often doubt the quality or completeness of my work. Without Kelsie’s unwavering belief in me, many of my creations would have remained hidden, unreleased due to my own insecurities. Her unconditional love and support, coupled with her willingness to provide honest feedback, have been invaluable in helping me navigate the creative process. I deeply respect and trust her judgment, knowing that she always has my best interests at heart.
In conclusion, the influence and support of my parents, siblings, and wife have been instrumental in shaping my musical journey. Their belief in me, their guidance, and their unwavering support have been the driving forces behind my success. I am forever grateful for their presence in my life and the impact they have had on my musical growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristonmoore/?next=%2F
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/criston.moore/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CristonMoore/featured
Image Credits
Charlin Neal Photos The Grove Community Church Photos YahyaBenGurion Photos Criston Moore Photos Phoenix Suns Photos North Phoenix Baptist Church Photos
