Tomlin Teaches at NWLC

Whenever someone at the top of their game shares their insight, I tend to listen. Today Chris Tomlin taught a songwriting seminar at NWLC to a packed tent.

Tomlin's songs are sung in church more than any writer in the last century. Time Magazine said that he is the most sung artist in the world. Every Sunday, over 40 million people sing one of his songs.

It is unusual to write a song that ends up in the top 10 most sung songs in US churches. Over the last 15 years, there have only been a handful of songs that have accomplished that feat and never more than one song by the same writer - except Tomlin. Chris currently has 3 songs (How Great Is Our God, Holy Is the Lord, Forever) in the top 10 with We Fall Down and Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) not far away.

Chris would tell you that much of his widespread success is because he has surrounded himself with great people. Louie Giglio, Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash, Daniel Carson, Matt Maher, JD Walt and Carey Pierce have all contributed to some of Chris' biggest songs.

Perhaps Chris' best talent is assembling pieces of songs into one meaningful package. Knowing what bridge will lift a song to new heights or what phrases will connect with believers around the world.

Whatever it is, Chris knows the magical twists that make a good song great.   

Comments

[Albert]

That's really awesome stuff. By chance, anyone take notes which I may look at? =)

[Jimi Williams]

Great idea, Albert. I'll try and get the notes and post here.

[Maggie]

Did anyone get notes up? I was at his second seminar and took notes, which I would be willing to share in a couple of days (I went straight to a Christian Music Festival after Texas and just got home yesterday ....) He is truly amazing. Maggie

[Jimi]

Maggie, Chris doesn't have notes from the seminar. We would appreciate you posting anything you have. Thanks!

[Albert]

That's cool. =) Please put up the notes when you get a chance! I'm interested to know what CT talked about.