Last week, Jordan Critz an American award-winning composer, producer, and songwriter spoke to upper school TICE Production & Performance students. Critz’s work has been featured in numerous recordings, films, and television including Disney, National Geographic, Apple, CBS, ESPN, and more. Critz believes that every melody tells a story, and his goal in composing and producing is to craft melodies to enhance the story being told by the artist or film director.

Critz shared insights on his creative process and the differences between composing freely versus for a specific project. Critz explained that in his experience there can be freedom within the limitations of creating music for a project because it allows you to focus creative energy. He also expressed the sense of accomplishment he feels when a director or artist loves what he has composed to capture the emotion of a moment. 

Conversely, Critz believes some of the best art can come from a place of peace and authenticity. He encouraged students to create art in their unique style and to focus on developing their craft rather than comparing themselves to others or attempting to mimic what is popular. 

Stepping out in faith to follow the call of the Lord can be scary, in Critz’s faithfulness he has been able to use his gifts to create music and says he feels like a vessel for creation from the divine. Critz shared that faith presents itself in all aspects of life and cited the verse Micah 6:8,   “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Ultimately, Critz encouraged students to be themselves and trust God’s plan, “If you can sit in your calling, joy is in the process.”