Fun, Faith and Frets: How Trusting God Positions You for Amazing Opportunities with Téja Veal, Bassist and Vocalist

If there is one artist whose story perfectly sums up what God can do with an artist with a heart for Him, it’s Teja Veal.

From her first days of discovering the bass, to playing in the White House and meeting President Obama, this uber-talented bass player, vocalist, songwriter and musical director has radiated joy and humility in every opportunity she’s been given as a musician, songwriter and creative.

Tejá Veal, has worked with top jazz, pop and R&B artists for years and has graced many of the biggest stages in the world. Starting as a teen playing bass in her school band, she has since worked with artists like Frank McComb and Musiq Soulchild, and has been the bass player for Grammy winner Janelle Monae since 2013. Her skill has allowed her to travel to six continents, yet she remains humble and gracious at every step.

From the moment that she fought to play bass when a teacher thought she was more suited to play violin because she was a girl, Teja has exemplified the role that a strong, talented woman can and should play in the music industry. Not only that, her strong belief in God permeates everything she does, and she shares in this heart-felt conversation how that faith has directed her on every stage - from playing for the Grammys, to the White House,  to becoming the first African-American woman to serve as a campus musical director in NorthPoint Ministries in Atlanta, GA.


In this episode, Teja reveals: 

• Why she refused to be relegated to a certain instrument simply because of her gender 
• How she received a prophetic call to play for a major ministry in the middle of a service
• How she fought through discouragement and depression when she moved and was having no major success 
• How being faithful in small opportunities became a catalyst for big ones
• Why she gives credit to God for all of her opportunities
• The amazing story of her face-to-face meeting with Prince 
• Why attitude and character are more important than talent at the highest level
• How a vision from her mom of her playing at Essence Festival came true 
• Why humility and character have allowed her to keep the opportunities she’s received
• How she ended up playing bass for Musiq Soulchild in an all-women band 
• How she became the first African-American women musical director in an Atlanta mega-church

Quotable: 

“Even if I don’t trust myself, I trust God.” 

"God has given me every opportunity that I've had, most times when I didn't think was ready for it."

 "Always honor every opportunity, big or small." 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Learn more about our recommended book "Master of One" by Jordan Raynor

Theme Music

Performed by our guest , from "The Hopeless Romantic EP”