Nicole C. Mullen, who surfaced as a talented singer and songwriter with hits “When I Call on Jesus” and “Redeemer,” is the first African-American to win a Dove Award in the “Song of the Year” category.

“I’m ordinary, but I get confidence when I call on Jesus. I see the contrast between the ordinary and God doing the extraordinary,” Nicole says.

These two women started by giving their talents to God. If you surrender what God has blessed you with, don’t be surprised by the opportunities God will bring to you.

Behind the Music
For Rebecca, many of her ideas come when she’s outside. “I’ll go for a walk and notice a little flower. I might think, Wow, God crafted that flower!” During her devotional time, an idea expands into the lyrics for the song “God,” for example. “Then I’ll start to sing to the words, and I’ll think, Yeah, that works!” Rebecca says.

Rebecca regularly commits time alone with God to study the beliefs she desires to live out. By designing her own music, she continues to nurture her own journey of faith. According to Rebecca, “Just like a prayer, worship isn’t reserved for one or two days a week. It’s a constant part of our lives.”

Composing music not only allows for you to share your creative thoughts in writing and music, but it also allows you to “Sing to the LORD a new song,” (Psalm 98:1) as a part of your worship time.

Nicole worships God whether she’s in church, driving, in-flight or standing in line at the store. Her song ideas usually come from these moments with God. She then writes those ideas down on anything she can find. Nicole then prays about the ideas during her devotional time and searches the Bible to more fully understand the concepts.

She may begin to develop a tune first or an idea. Either way, she records the idea. Sometimes she puts the song away and adds a new section at a later time. “ ’Redeemer’ took more than two years to write because I kept working on different sections and then would put it away for a time,” Nicole says.

Tuning Up
Music training is not necessary, but it will make composing easier for you, especially as you advance. Here are some training options.

• Music reading of notes and rhythm

• Music theory study (especially chord progressions)

• Lessons on a keyboard, guitar or any instrument you can play

• Computer software such as Finale

• Work with a musician or teacher on composing

What You Need to Begin Composing
1. Supplies
Here are some options

• paper and pen or pencil
• music (staff) paper
• tape recorder
• computer software (e.g., Finale)
• a notebook or folder to hold supplies and original music

2. A Quiet Place
Go somewhere that inspires your creativity to flow.

3. Don’t Be Critical
Let creativity flow and record, record, record!

4. Start Singing
Start singing “la . . . la . . . la” to the tune you have in your head if you don’t have words yet.

5. Write It Down
Whatever musical or lyrical ideas begin to pop out, write down and/or record each section or line.

6. Review
See what you like, what fits and what really doesn’t work. If an idea doesn’t match, then it might fit later with some revision. You can always revise. Recording it right away is always a good idea because it can leave your memory as quickly as it came!

7. Fill in the Gaps
• If you have lyrics but no melody, think of the lyrics you wrote down and decide what emotions they portray. Hum a melody based on the natural emotions expressed. Decide who the audience is for this song.

• If you have a melody and no lyrics, begin by humming your melody and notice what emotions create the tone of the song. Identify what subject or pictures come to mind. Make sure your subject matter reflects the style of music you desire.

Use Your Music
Let people know you enjoy composing as a hobby. Give the gift of music: frame lyrics, use them on a bookmark, make recordings or put it lyrics in a photo album with photos. Write for special occasions; share your music in your church or community.

Your songs can touch many hearts and lives because music is a universal language. Give the gift of music created by God through you!