The epitome of praise and worship...

"The term "Gospel music" applies to a body of music that was developed in the United States during the twentieth century primarily in the south-eastern part of the country and in portions of the Midwest and the East. It is a Christian music that was not necessarily developed by the body of churches, but independently. In other words, the singers and performers were primarily church-going, Bible-believing 

LOVE this song by Deitrick Haddon from the movie, "Blessed & Cursed."

Lyrics:

"WELL DONE"

Nowadays you can find summer camps for almost every interest you can imagine: science, tennis, journalism or art - you name it, there's a camp for it. The reason for these camps exist, especially musical camps like Dream Studios and Media's premiere Dream Camp 2011, is mainly because kids aren't being exposed to a variety of interests the way they used to years ago.

This summer, kids will have the opportunity to learn a number of skills at the Dream Camp. They'll have the opportunity to make new friends and find out that music is an important aspect of personal and professional development. They'll discover how music is a gateway that extends beyond cultures, language and race; how it enhances memory and learning (they might just improve on their test scores next year!); and whether they may want to pursue a career in the music industry.

The bottom line? Your child will learn and grow. This summer the Dream Camp will be offered right here in Warner Robins, Georgia, at a well-equipped studio with talented and skilled professionals.

Visit our News section and fill out a form to get your child signed up. Early registration ends May 31.

~ Your Dream Dose ~

 At the studio, we come across a lot of talent and skill. One aspect of the music business that's extremely important is songwriting. Why? Because it's what keeps artists, musicians and a host of other professionals in the music industry in business.

One of the greatest misconceptions out there is that songwriting is only based on talent. While many talented musicans have written some great songs, songwriting also requires skills and skills can be learned.

You might have the talent, desire and drive to write songs, but don't know where to begin. We've etched a few tips here for you to jot down and remember when it comes to songwriting:

(Get out your pens and ipads and start taking notes)...

1. Come up with an idea. Every song begins with a thought or a specific message.

2. Turn a lot of your focus on the chorus. This is the part of the song that's the most important. 

3. Find your rhythm/beat/flow. This aspect of songwriting is essential because it helps people to remember the lyrics well (remember those kiddie songs on Sesame Street you used to sing?)

4. Write your song within a structure (Verse-Chorus-Verse or Verse-Verse-Verse).

Good luck on your songwriting!

~ YOUR Dream Dose ~

Cornelius Spencer has a solid background in music. He currently owns CBM Productions in Macon, a company that produces music. Cornelius was born and raised in Macon, Georgia and attended Mercer University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in piano. Cornelius studied with Doctor John Knowle-Roberts and has over 10 years of classical music theory.

Dream Studios had a sit down with the seasoned musical maestro and asked a few questions:

DS: Share how you came to be in the music industry. How did you end up - HERE?

CS: My father enrolled me in classical music theory when I was nine years old. He's a musician - but he plays by ear. I actually enrolled myself and my sister into music theory. And to tell you the truth, I wasn't very interested in music at first, you know, I was a little nine-year old kid and I wanted to go outside and play basketball and run, like everybody else, but I had to stay inside and practice. So...I continued music lessons for 10 years of classical formal training. I also played in church and took over the music ministry when I was 15 years old at Ash Street Church of God God and directed the choir. Interestingly, my father was recently appointed pastor over at St. John Church of God in Tennille, Georgia (about 70 miles east of Macon), so we're there every second and fourth Sundays of the month.

DS: It's really interesting that your whole life has been about music! What made you decide to continue?

CS: Yes! My goal was...my life is and was about my spiritual well-being, church and family and then music - and in that order, too. I lived a very sheltered life and music was always my outlet and hobby. I just loved it. I loved playing it...I developed a very strong love for God at a young age, but as far as an outlet and a hobby, music was it for me. So that's what made me continue it. I loved playing it and reading music...so at that point, I made a decision to do it long-term. I was pre-law music major and philosophy minor (I had a lot going on!) and wanted to be an entertainment attorney, but somewhere along the way, I developed a strong interest in producing music and composing music.

DS: What would you say is your ministry? 

CS: God put me here to minister to His people. I've never liked the term "my ministry" but why I was placed here is to, as Jesus told his people to "go ye into all the world and preach the gospel. And so, I'm here to help minister to others and share the gift  that's been given to me to others.

DS: You've produced. Have you ever sung or performed as well?

CS: Yes...(laughs). Singing is one of my lesser talents. It's not something I prefer to do, but I do it and I will often assist in praise and worship at church. All throughout high school, I participated in competitions - piano competitions and state competitions - performing in classical playing. I've been featured in some churches and so forth. I'm not a stranger to performing - I love to do that. It goes back to my ministry... when people come up to me and say, "Oh, that really blessed my soul," that is something I really like to hear. I prefer to hear that, then "Oh, you played so well."

DS: How did you get started here at Dream Studios. How did you get started with Dahl?

CS: ...basically, I was looking for a piece of equipment on ebay last April and I noticed the equipment that I wanted was available at a price I could afford (every where else, it was very expensive). I thought, "Oh, Lord! You've got to bless me with this!" So I went and took out a loan (I had never taken out a loan before) and long story short, I got the loan. That same day, I bid on the equipment and I got it! You know where it says, "seller contacts the buyer?" I noticed the seller (Dahl) was in Warner Robins, so when we spoke over the phone, I told him where I was and that I could come pick up the equipment. So I came over to the studio and he showed me around and I thought, "he's really got it goin' on!" He was a very friendly guy, a Christian...and we got to talking and he asked me what kind of music I do...he told me about the studio's big opening and invited me to the opening event on July 24...a few months later, I was invited to work on some projects with him and I've been here ever since.

DS: What has the experience been like?

CS: It has been completely divine and fantastic - really in the plan of God - that's the only way I can describe it, really, really, really fantastic...!

DS: So what does the future hold for Cornelius Spencer?

CS: You know, the Bible says I know the divine plan I have for you, so right now, I'm just living from day to day. I don't know about tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand. I am just trusting in Him for my future. He alone knows - I don...!

DS family is lovin' the new "I Smile!" track from Kirk Franklin...tell us what you think!

 Dream Studios took a few moments of Travis Greene's time to chat with the gospel recording artist about his ministry and music. 

Travis Greene has one of those remarkable stories you only read about from someone else. He was born in Delaware, near New York, but grew up in Columbus, Georgia and also spent some time in Warner Robins. 

When Travis Greene entered into this world still-born he was declared dead. His mother – Minister Charleather Greene – called on the name of the Lord and God answered and brought her baby boy back to life.  At the tender age of four, Travis fell from the window of the family’s fourth floor apartment in Germany.

Someone advised his mom that her toddler was dead and by the time she got outside a white sheet had been pulled over his face. As she picked up the lifeless body of her child she called on the name of Jesus two times and nothing happened. The third time she cried out “The Blood of Jesus!” and Travis was given back his life. While this transpired in the natural, what happened in the supernatural is an occurrence that has forever made an indelible imprint in the life of Travis Greene. As he fell from the window, Travis remembers that a giant hand accompanied by a very bright light caught him.

The voice asked, “Do you want to go with your Mom or do you want to come home with me?” Four-year-old Travis answered, “I want my Mom.” The voice said, “OK, go home to your mom, but the next time, you’re coming home with me.” Inquisitively Travis asked, “Sir, what is your name?” The voice answered, “My name is Jesus.”

Shortly after this life-altering experience in 1989, Travis’ father suddenly died of an aneurysm and he became very passionate about music. “It was God’s way of giving me an escape from tragedy and crisis. I turned to the keyboard instead of to drugs and the streets. Any instrument I put my hands on I was able to play,” explained Travis.

In our interview, Travis expounds on his ministry and experience:

DS: Where does your passion for music come from?

TG: I surround myself with things and people who inspire me. Whether it's going to the movies or going to a sports game, I get inspiration from everywhere. I love crowds! I love going to the mall and looking at folks. I get inspiration from that. People think that's strange, but it works for me.

DS: Have you always known that you were destined to work with music or was it revealed to you later on in life?

TG: I've always known it. If I forgot it, I'd be reminded by some preacher ...I don't ever lose the excitement of it all, because of all what I've been through to get here. I've gone through a lot to get here.

DS: Talk about your college experience and what "getting off the track of holiness" was like?

TG: Weirdly enough, as weird as this sounds...I think it was divinely inspired that [I got off track]. It did more positive than negative. It gave me a heart for sinners. Unless you've been in a situation that's hard to get out of, you would never understand what those hard situations are like. [The experience] gave me a heart and allowed me to be more relevant in my ministry because I get it. I understand what [these] kids in college go through.

DS: What was the most difficult experiences you witnessed during that time?

TG: I saw college kids wanting to do better but couldn't because of the pressures around them. People were falling short pf the changes they wanted in their lives. Seeing that was difficult for me.

DS: What is your sole mission on earth?

TG: My sole mission is to live for the glory of God. A lot of musicians have minimized the experience of Jesus Christ. What works, the only thing that works, is having a personal relationship with Jesus. What I'm trying to do is expose people to the glory of God. Developing a deep passion and love for Christ will bring about that change.

DS: The world is still reeling following the shock of what happened in Japan. What should our hearts and minds be on right now?

TG: In the midst of something we are being touched indirectly by what's happening. Our hearts and minds ought to be in two places. We ought to be feeling gratitude for not being in that situation and at the same time, interceding for the thousands that have been affected.

DS: What has been your experience with Dahl, Val, Kahlil and Dream Studios?

TG: Some of my most amazing moments have been with Dahl and [the Dream Studios family]. Total joy comes to my mind. I enjoyed evey minute of it. Dahl has a tremendous understanding for music.

~ Daily Dream Dose ~

 Have any of you seen the 1987 "The Living Daylights" James Bond film with the cello player? The cello is a fascinating instrument that draws out a spectacular and special sound. It's hard to miss a cello...Dream Studios takes you back in time to the history of this awe-inspiring instrument that will always stand out in our minds:

Stringed instruments were introduced in Europe in the 9th centrury. By the 12th century, instruments such as the fiddle and violin were quite popular. During that time, violins were played on the arms or between the legs. Around the 16th century, cellos started being used in Italy and looked very much like a larger violin. They were dubbed "violoncello." Soon the "violon" was dropped from the word, which is how the cello came to be known as what it is today.

Musicians and composers began writing parts for cellos and people flocked to concertos that featured the instrument. It was especially popular with royal families. Eventually, the cello lead to the double bass, a musical instrument with deeper tones. People who play the cello are called cellists and must learn the balance the instrument between the legs and on the shoulder.

Know anyone who plays the cello?

~ Daily Dream Dose ~