Hello and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me! My name is Jeff Prillaman, and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve the church through music for over 25 years. Music has always been a sacred space for me—a place where faith, community, and worship come alive. I have had the privilege of designing and leading over 2,000 worship services, performing in hundreds of high-level concerts and recitals, and witnessing God’s Spirit move through the power of community singing.
I believe that singing together—whether as a choir, praise team, or full congregation—is the beating heart of worship. In those moments of shared music, walls fall down, voices rise as one, and we encounter God in a profoundly communal way. Every service I design is grounded in this belief. Whether directing a traditional anthem or leading contemporary praise, my focus is always on inviting the entire congregation to participate fully, lifting their voices together in worship.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the greatest ministry moments happen not on stage, but in the lives of the people you serve. I have built my ministry around mentoring and nurturing the next generation of musicians and church leaders. In every church I've served, I’ve worked closely with young people—encouraging them to explore their gifts, develop confidence, and step into leadership roles. Watching a young person step forward to lead a hymn or a volunteer choir member find their voice is a joy that never grows old. For me, these moments of transformation are why I do what I do.
My professional background as an operatic tenor has taken me to stages across the nation and beyond. I’ve sung in solo recitals, sacred oratorios, and operas, collaborating with renowned orchestras and choirs. Yet, the most sacred and meaningful moments of my musical life have always been within the walls of the church—leading voices in songs of praise, prayer, and gratitude. It’s in these spaces that I have found my true calling.
The last few years have shown me the importance of adaptability in ministry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led fully remote worship services at First Baptist Church in Ridgeway, Virginia. I coordinated musicians from isolation, edited video content, and compiled digital services each week to ensure that our church family could still gather in spirit, if not in person. I've also implemented livestream technology and upgraded A/V systems to make worship accessible to those beyond the sanctuary walls.
My academic journey began with music degrees from Westminster Choir College and The Juilliard School, where I deepened my understanding of both performance and pedagogy. Later, I pursued additional training in management and leadership, equipping me to build sustainable music ministries that balance creativity with strategic planning.
At the core of everything I do is a deep passion for fostering vibrant, Christ-centered communities through music. I see music ministry as an opportunity to draw people closer to God and closer to one another. Whether it’s through a children’s choir, a hymn sing, or a full-scale seasonal production, I strive to create worship experiences that inspire, unite, and transform.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve churches in this way, and I look forward to the possibility of bringing my passion and experience to a new community. Thank you for considering me. I would love to learn more about your vision for music ministry and how I might support that journey with you.
With gratitude,
Jeff Prillaman
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Jeff Prillaman: Minister of Music | Worship Leader | Performer | Educator
Dynamic musician and operatic tenor with 25+ years of experience leading worship, performing at a high level, and building music ministries. Designed and led over 2,000 worship services and performed in hundreds of national, regional, and local performances, including solo recitals and oratorio works. Known for developing and mentoring young musicians and future church leaders, emphasizing the central role of community and congregational singing in spiritual growth and worship engagement.
Career Passion and Outcomes for Church Growth & Community Impact
Strengths
Worship Leadership & Congregational Singing, Choral Conducting & Vocal Performance, Mentoring & Leadership Development, Community Engagement & Program Growth, Technology Integration & Hybrid Worship
Professional Experience
Minister of Music – First Baptist Church, Ridgeway, VA 2020 – 2021
Education
I believe that singing together—whether as a choir, praise team, or full congregation—is the beating heart of worship. In those moments of shared music, walls fall down, voices rise as one, and we encounter God in a profoundly communal way. Every service I design is grounded in this belief. Whether directing a traditional anthem or leading contemporary praise, my focus is always on inviting the entire congregation to participate fully, lifting their voices together in worship.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the greatest ministry moments happen not on stage, but in the lives of the people you serve. I have built my ministry around mentoring and nurturing the next generation of musicians and church leaders. In every church I've served, I’ve worked closely with young people—encouraging them to explore their gifts, develop confidence, and step into leadership roles. Watching a young person step forward to lead a hymn or a volunteer choir member find their voice is a joy that never grows old. For me, these moments of transformation are why I do what I do.
My professional background as an operatic tenor has taken me to stages across the nation and beyond. I’ve sung in solo recitals, sacred oratorios, and operas, collaborating with renowned orchestras and choirs. Yet, the most sacred and meaningful moments of my musical life have always been within the walls of the church—leading voices in songs of praise, prayer, and gratitude. It’s in these spaces that I have found my true calling.
The last few years have shown me the importance of adaptability in ministry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led fully remote worship services at First Baptist Church in Ridgeway, Virginia. I coordinated musicians from isolation, edited video content, and compiled digital services each week to ensure that our church family could still gather in spirit, if not in person. I've also implemented livestream technology and upgraded A/V systems to make worship accessible to those beyond the sanctuary walls.
My academic journey began with music degrees from Westminster Choir College and The Juilliard School, where I deepened my understanding of both performance and pedagogy. Later, I pursued additional training in management and leadership, equipping me to build sustainable music ministries that balance creativity with strategic planning.
At the core of everything I do is a deep passion for fostering vibrant, Christ-centered communities through music. I see music ministry as an opportunity to draw people closer to God and closer to one another. Whether it’s through a children’s choir, a hymn sing, or a full-scale seasonal production, I strive to create worship experiences that inspire, unite, and transform.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve churches in this way, and I look forward to the possibility of bringing my passion and experience to a new community. Thank you for considering me. I would love to learn more about your vision for music ministry and how I might support that journey with you.
With gratitude,
Jeff Prillaman
======================================================================================================================
Jeff Prillaman: Minister of Music | Worship Leader | Performer | Educator
Dynamic musician and operatic tenor with 25+ years of experience leading worship, performing at a high level, and building music ministries. Designed and led over 2,000 worship services and performed in hundreds of national, regional, and local performances, including solo recitals and oratorio works. Known for developing and mentoring young musicians and future church leaders, emphasizing the central role of community and congregational singing in spiritual growth and worship engagement.
Career Passion and Outcomes for Church Growth & Community Impact
- Mentorship & Leadership Development: Built sustainable ministries by mentoring young musicians and lay leaders, helping them take on key roles in worship and church programs.
- Worship Leadership: Designed and led over 2,000 worship services, including multiple services on Sundays in diverse formats.
- Performance & Outreach: Performed in hundreds of high-profile musical events, providing artistic and spiritual leadership to churches and communities.
- Congregational Singing: Fostered unity and engagement through community singing, treating the congregation as an essential part of worship.
- Volunteer Development: Trained and mentored choir members and praise team leaders to ensure long-term growth and active participation.
Strengths
Worship Leadership & Congregational Singing, Choral Conducting & Vocal Performance, Mentoring & Leadership Development, Community Engagement & Program Growth, Technology Integration & Hybrid Worship
Professional Experience
Minister of Music – First Baptist Church, Ridgeway, VA 2020 – 2021
- Designed fully remote worship services, emphasizing community connection through creative planning and music during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Preached for 10 services while coordinating volunteer musicians, supporting them through individualized mentorship and virtual collaboration.
- Fostered leadership development by empowering youth and young adult musicians to contribute to worship and special events.
- Developed music programs centered on congregational and choral singing, increasing participation across all age groups.
- Mentored young musicians and leaders, creating opportunities for youth-led worship and integrating them into choirs and praise teams.
- Designed worship services with enhanced A/V capabilities, incorporating livestreaming to support hybrid worship.
- Performed in hundreds of high-level operatic and concert performances nationally, regionally, and locally, specializing in sacred works and solo recitals.
- Frequently collaborated with churches and arts organizations to provide music leadership through special performances, guest worship leading, and concerts.
- Advocated for integrating community singing and choral traditions into worship, working to inspire participation and spiritual engagement.
- Founded a nonprofit arts organization to provide community-based choral and music education programs, with a focus on developing youth leadership and artistic skills.
- Built partnerships with churches and schools, creating opportunities for young musicians to perform and grow through workshops, mentorship, and performances.
- Strengthened community engagement by organizing concerts and events designed to inspire faith and artistic excellence.
- Directed multiple worship services each Sunday, incorporating congregational singing as the foundation of worship.
- Developed youth and children's choirs, mentoring young musicians to take active roles in both regular and special services.
- Led seasonal programs and outreach events, enhancing the church’s connection to the community through music and service.
- Developed a comprehensive music program that blended choral, instrumental, and congregational singing.
- Focused on mentoring young musicians and volunteer leaders, encouraging them to grow their skills and take on greater responsibilities in worship leadership.
- Designed and led worship services that emphasized congregational singing and community participation.
- Mentored young musicians through youth choirs, handbell ensembles, and leadership opportunities in worship planning.
- Created seasonal worship events and concerts that increased community involvement and attendance.
Education
- Executive Certificate in Management, University of Virginia – Darden School of Business, 2007
- Master’s Certificate in Project Management, The George Washington University, 2002
- Master of Music (MM), Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, The Juilliard School, 1994
- Bachelor of Music (BM), Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, Westminster Choir College, 1992 (summa cum laude)
- High School Diploma, Drewry Mason High School, Ridgeway, VA, 1988 (with honors)
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