The Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of drummer David Owens to the Music in Worship studio faculty at Biola University. In addition to his energetic career as a touring, recording and session artist, David has been training worship teams and drummers for more than fifteen years. Owens has played for Tommy Walker, Sara Groves, Bebo Norman, Crystal Lewis, Cheri Keaggy, Paul Baloche, Bill Medley, Rebecca St. James, The Righteous Brothers, Thomas Dolby, and Peter White to name a few. He was the house drummer for the Los Angeles production of The Lion King at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood for over 2 years (and 900 shows). He has played on countless jingles and many soundtracks.
Currently he plays regularly with The Harvest Worship Band (Greg Laurie’s Ministry), tours and records with Fernando Ortega and plays for all the Billy and Franklin Graham Events worldwide. He also writes the “Drumming Dynamics” column in Christian Musician Magazine.
“First and foremost, I hope to show my students what it means not only to be a drummer, but a worship drummer who keeps God at the focal point of his or her work. It is my desire to help students reach their maximum potential and to grow in their areas of interest, as well as teach them the skills I feel are essential for making a living as a musician today,” says Owens.
“One of the most important and useful skills a drummer can have is the ability to read and write music. As drummers, we also need to be able to convincingly play a variety of styles as well as have ‘good time’ and ‘feel’ on our instrument. To hone these skills, we need to play in as many situations as possible. The best way to do this is to meet people and make contacts. Many of the contacts I made in college are still my friends and coworkers today. Investing in a music education is a great way to jump start a career in music.”
“I have been in some wonderful musical situations throughout my life, but nothing beats playing great music with great musicians for a congregation that is truly worshiping. That experience alone overshadows any secular music situation in which I have ever participated.”
For more information on David Owens, please visit his faculty page David Owens, Biola, or personal website David Owens.
For more information on the Music in Worship program, click on the following link: Music in Worship