My Christian Musician

Christian gospel music is a genre of Christian music that is predominantly vocal based. The genre features physical interaction with the music by the audience with clapping, stomping and vocal participation.

It features instruments such as guitar, piano and drums and is generally characterised by church choirs in Baptist and similar churches. 

Christian gospel music can be incorporated into a variety of other music styles and is enjoyed all over the world.  

Contemporary Christian music is a form of modern popular music that, similarly to gospel music, has lyrics that focus on messages of love, hope and other aspects of Christianity. 

Music from this genre is commonly modern versions of old hymns and gospel music that have been recreated in a more contemporary style.  

Christian rock music is a genre of music that combines rock and Christian music and focuses heavily on Christian matters such as a person’s faith and having a connection to Jesus. 

Rock music first became popular in the 1950’s; however, the origin of Christian rock began in the 1960’s with experimentation of a ‘new sound’ by young musicians. 

Music from this genre usually uses instruments such as: vocals, bass guitar, drums and keyboard.  

Like Christian rock, Christian metal music is a genre that stems from heavy metal and Christian music. 

Musicians in this genre will dedicate their music to sharing their beliefs and faith in Christianity. Christian metal has also been referred to as Jesus Metal, Heavenly Metal and White Metal. 

Christian musicians in this genre strive to remain true to the style while shedding the more rebellious vibes so prevalent in this genre, in favour of relaying the Christian message. 

Christian country music is written in the style of country music and features Christian lyrics. The use of traditional country instruments such as acoustic guitars is often blended with piano and drums to create a more modern feel. 

Country music traces back to the 1920s in the Southern part of the U.S. and Christian country music appeared shortly afterward.  

Christian Praise music or Christian worship music, also known as contemporary worship music, is written with one express purpose: to glorify God.

There is no particular style or required instruments, however, artists will typically use vocals, electric, bass and acoustic guitars, drums, keyboards and sometimes even synthesisers. 

Initially, music from this genre was played by bands or groups, although over the past decade solo artists have increased exponentially. This genre of music has grown from being predominantly played at church services and youth groups and is now played on world wide stages with huge audiences.

Christian rhythm and blues music, otherwise known as R&B, is a genre of music that incorporates Christian focused lyrics with music in the style of rhythm and blues. 

The genre originates from the 1940s jazz-rock era. Music from this genre is played with instruments such as saxophone, drum kit, bass and electric guitar, vocals, horns and piano.  

Similarly, to contemporary Christian music, Christian pop music is a form of popular Christian music. It is lyrically focused and has messages of love for God and often speaks of faith. 

Whereas contemporary Christian music recreates popular Christian gospel music in a more modern way, Christian pop music is new music written by Christian musicians and has lyrics that centre around the values of Christianity.