Christian Artist Feature: Miriam J. Schell

“When we sing for the Lord and worship and praise Him, it doesn’t matter if we capture the attention of millions in an arena or no one in a practice room, we know that He is glorified and honored by our music. He looks down on us and says ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.'” – Miriam J. Schell

 

Miriam Jackson Schell was inspired to become a Christian musician at a young age, thanks to the love of music her parents passed down to her.  “Both of my parents have a huge love and appreciation for music,” Miriam shares.  “Myself and my siblings used to sing at their knees, as mom played the piano and dad belted out hymns and praise songs with his high tenor. Praising the Lord and worshiping Him was ingrained in me at a young age! Slowly, I began to have my own appreciation for it and eventually I was the one standing by the piano and leading others in worship with singing.”

 

When asked how her Christian faith has impacted her music, Miriam explained, “My Christian faith means everything to me as an artist. I have a four-year degree in Classical training from a liberal arts college, but the entire time I was there the only way I received satisfaction was when I received praise from man. Once those men and women were done clapping and praising, I was left with an empty practice room or concert hall with only the echoes of silence bouncing back to me. But when we sing for the Lord and worship and praise Him, it doesn’t matter if we capture the attention of millions in an arena or no one in a practice room, we know that He is glorified and honored by our music. He looks down on us and says “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

 

This strong faith in the LORD – even through challenges – has certainly made Miriam a better artist.  “I believe the Lord has brought me through many different challenges, some hardships and even vocal changes to get me to the point of surrender to Him,” she says.  “Has it made me a better artist? That depends on which style of music you may prefer! I grew up singing as high as I could and as long as I could; I still have the entire Phantom of the Opera soundtrack memorized! Hence, the reason why I went on to study Classical music and received a degree in Vocal Performance. But while I was awesome at singing Opera arias, art songs and theatre pieces, I have made a switch to mostly some Gospel, Contemporary Christian and choir pieces with my church. I find that I have become a more rounded vocalist, with the ability to switch between a Classical sound and a Contemporary sound almost whenever I want!”

 

Though she has the talent to sing both secular and sacred music, praising the LORD will always come first for this musician.  “I will always find it less satisfying and more difficult to sing secular songs,” Miriam reflects.   “I can, and do, have fun singing secular songs which I am asked or have chosen to sing. However, as a Christian there will always be a void when Christ is not the center. When Christ is in the middle of what I am doing or singing, it comes alive! People are able to worship and are touched by the words of the music, whether the words are of healing, peace, mercy, hope and so on. I have had many people at so many different times and places tell me how touched or blessed they were by the music I sang.”

 

When asked what other musicians or artists have inspired her, Miriam has no problem thinking of a list of names.  “I admire many various artists within the realms of classical and contemporary Christian music,” she explains. “Sandi Patty was the very first to speak to me, because of our matching Classical sound. I have since sung Kari Jobe, Natalie Grant, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Kim Walker-Smith, Christy Nockles, etc.”

 

Of course, singing isn’t the only part of Miriam’s life that brings her joy and beauty.  She smiles as she thinks of her family.   “I married my husband Brandon on May 13th, 2017 and we still feel like we are on our honeymoon!” she laughs.  “I have eight siblings – yes, eight! Four brothers and four sisters, born to a southern fried Preacher’s daughter and a red-haired, big eared family Physician. My husband and I just got our first dog together, a black standard Poodle named Barrett as a companion for our German Shepherd.”

 

Others desiring to serve God in the Christian music business often wonder what advice a successful musician can offer them.  Miriam says, “Always make sure that Christ is the center focus of your art. If we do it for ourselves, we are only glorifying and worshiping ourselves, therefore we will surely fail! We may continue to book venues, signings and continue to create awesome artwork, but eventually it will loose its luster and beauty. Create for the Lord from the quiet place of your heart!”

 

Click on the link below for a video of Miriam singing:

https://vimeo.com/156745131

Also, for more information about the ministry that Miriam and her family serve in, you can follow this link:

www.jacksonfamilyministry.com

“Always make sure that Christ is the center focus of your art. If we do it for ourselves, we are only glorifying and worshiping ourselves, therefore we will surely fail!”  – Miriam Schell

Photo Credits To HR Miller Photography (piano shot) and Photography and Design by Jenny (wedding)

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