Meet MJ Holman of Grand Rapids

Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ Holman.

Hi MJ, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into music and leadership really started in church. I grew up surrounded by music, but over time it became more than just playing—it became purpose. I began serving on the worship team, learning not just how to play, but how to listen, how to support, and how to lead.

As I developed, I stepped into the role of Musical Director, where I found my passion for building sound, shaping moments, and bringing unity between musicians and leadership. That role taught me that it’s not about overplaying or showing skill—it’s about creating space for something bigger than yourself.

Over the years, I’ve worked to grow both musically and spiritually, leading bands, mentoring musicians, and helping teams function with excellence and flow. That led me to start creating content online, where I share insights, rehearsal moments, and real-life experiences to encourage other musicians and leaders.

Now, I’m continuing that mission through my platform, my podcast “Music With A Message,” and my mentorship program, The Flow Room, where I help musicians and teams grow in both skill and purpose. Everything I do is centered around impact—helping people understand that music isn’t just about what you play, but what you carry.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. A lot of my journey has been built through trial and error, learning in real time, and growing through pressure.

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating leadership while still developing myself. Stepping into the role of Musical Director isn’t just about music—it’s about people, communication, and responsibility. There were moments where I had to lead teams through tension, misalignment, or uncertainty, all while still figuring things out personally.

I’ve also faced seasons of doubt—questioning if I was ready, if I was doing enough, or if I was even called to this at the level I was operating in. Comparison can creep in too, especially in a space where there’s so much talent and visibility online.

Another challenge has been building consistency—whether it’s with content, rehearsals, or personal growth. Staying disciplined when you don’t immediately see results is something I’ve had to learn over time.

But honestly, those struggles shaped me. They taught me how to lead with patience, how to value growth over perfection, and how to stay grounded in purpose instead of performance. Looking back, I wouldn’t change those moments because they helped define who I am as a leader and musician today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the core, I’m a musician, Musical Director, and mentor. I specialize in building sound, developing musicians, and helping worship teams function with clarity, excellence, and unity. My role isn’t just about playing or directing—it’s about creating an environment where everyone understands their part and how it contributes to the bigger picture.

I’m known for my approach to musical direction—being intentional, not overplaying, and focusing on feel, balance, and flow. I care a lot about how things *sit*, not just how they sound individually. Whether it’s in rehearsal or live, I emphasize listening, discipline, and making sure the music actually supports the moment instead of competing with it.

I also invest heavily in mentorship. Through my platform, my podcast “Music With A Message,” and my mentorship program, The Flow Room, I help musicians grow not just in skill, but in mindset, confidence, and purpose. I’m passionate about helping people understand that being a great musician isn’t just about talent—it’s about awareness, consistency, and how you carry what you’ve been given.

What I’m most proud of is the impact. Seeing musicians grow, watching teams become tighter and more unified, and knowing that something I shared helped shift someone’s perspective—that means more to me than anything.

What sets me apart is the balance between musical excellence and intentional leadership. I don’t just focus on what to play—I focus on why you’re playing it, when to step forward, and when to step back. I bring both structure and feel, and I try to lead in a way that builds people, not just sound.

What does success mean to you?
I define success as impact over image.

It’s not just about how things look on the outside or how polished everything appears—it’s about what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Success, for me, is knowing that what I’m doing is helping people grow, bringing clarity to musicians, and creating environments where people can function at their best.

It’s also about alignment—being in the right place, doing what I’m called to do, and doing it with integrity. If I’m leading well, staying consistent, and continuing to grow while helping others do the same, that’s success to me.

Numbers, recognition, and opportunities are great, but they’re not the foundation. What matters most is the impact I leave on people and the consistency in how I show up, whether it’s on a stage, in rehearsal, or behind the scenes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammjholman_/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miciahholman