I am an experienced Music Director and multi-instrumentalist specializing in modern worship settings with a strong technical background in music programming and sound engineering. Over the years, I have directed music ministries for large multisite churches, cultivated teams of over 100 musicians, and contributed to original music production and studio innovation. I enjoy leading rehearsals and live services with precision and creativity, constantly improving the musical and technical aspects of worship environments. Alongside my music direction, I have worked as a self-employed contract musician across a variety of venues including churches, conferences, and events. My passion extends into technical support and equipment maintenance as well as recruitment and development of talented musicians. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis on Modern Worship and have certifications such as Dante Audio Networking Level 1 to complement my skill set.

Russell Henley-Busse

I am an experienced Music Director and multi-instrumentalist specializing in modern worship settings with a strong technical background in music programming and sound engineering. Over the years, I have directed music ministries for large multisite churches, cultivated teams of over 100 musicians, and contributed to original music production and studio innovation. I enjoy leading rehearsals and live services with precision and creativity, constantly improving the musical and technical aspects of worship environments. Alongside my music direction, I have worked as a self-employed contract musician across a variety of venues including churches, conferences, and events. My passion extends into technical support and equipment maintenance as well as recruitment and development of talented musicians. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis on Modern Worship and have certifications such as Dante Audio Networking Level 1 to complement my skill set.

Available to hire

I am an experienced Music Director and multi-instrumentalist specializing in modern worship settings with a strong technical background in music programming and sound engineering. Over the years, I have directed music ministries for large multisite churches, cultivated teams of over 100 musicians, and contributed to original music production and studio innovation. I enjoy leading rehearsals and live services with precision and creativity, constantly improving the musical and technical aspects of worship environments.

Alongside my music direction, I have worked as a self-employed contract musician across a variety of venues including churches, conferences, and events. My passion extends into technical support and equipment maintenance as well as recruitment and development of talented musicians. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis on Modern Worship and have certifications such as Dante Audio Networking Level 1 to complement my skill set.

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Work Experience

Music Director at Central Christian Church AZ
January 1, 2018 - Present
Provided musical direction for a multisite church with over 8,000 congregants across 5 campuses and 12+ services weekly, including special event weekends serving up to 10,000 attendees. Expanded the music ministry to include over 100 musicians, scheduling and managing 24+ weekly music roles. Programmed custom backing-track sessions using Ableton Live and Playback, created learning resources with Planning Center Online, and provided technical support for various audio and computer systems. Maintained instruments and gear for all sites, performed guitar and other instruments during services, and contributed to the church's recording studio operations, including writing, engineering, and producing original music.
Contract Musician at Self-Employed
January 1, 2014 - Present
Performed guitar, keyboards, bass, and music directed numerous professional gigs in multiple environments including bars, churches, and concert venues. Contracted for many conferences, camps, special events, and church services including CIY Move, UCYC, Forest Home, Cornerstone Church, Scottsdale Bible Church, CCV, and Central Christian Church.
Multiple Roles (Barista, Music Director, Musician) at Arizona Christian University
January 1, 2018 - August 6, 2025
Engaged in a variety of paid, volunteer, and scholarship roles while completing a Bachelor's degree. Worked as Barista providing customer service, order handling, and beverage preparation. Served as Music Director and lead guitarist for the ACU Advance Band, a multi-purpose traveling PR group, leading musical direction, planning services and setlists, conducting rehearsals, managing musicians, and performing across multiple musical ensembles including jazz, pop/rock, and studio sessions.

Education

B.S. Music at Arizona Christian University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Central Leadership Institute Residency
January 1, 2019 - August 6, 2025
Audinate AV Networking Dante Certification, Level 1
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality