Austria: The Sound of Music

In 2006 four young musicians joined OM with the dream of using their gifts to challenge the people of Austria. They called their group “HEARTbeat.” A year later one of them had to drop out. And then, in October 2008, gifted songwriter and pianist Richard Schmidt suddenly collapsed and died from an unsuspected heart defect at the age of 31. The dream almost died with him.

“HEARTbeat had been training worship leaders and giving seminars,” relates OM Austria Field Leader Philipp Eschbach. “By the end of 2007 the team was approaching burnout. We helped them eliminate some of their work and leaders Richard and Melanie attended Powervoice Academy, a vocal training school in Germany. They had just re-started HEARTbeat with a new focus on reaching secular musicians with the gospel when Richard died.”

Just two days before, he and Melanie and team member Andi Heusser had been thrilled to find the right location to start their own training school. What better place than Vienna, in the heart of a land renowned for music? And what more appropriate use for a former candle factory, than multiplying the impact of God’s life-giving light?   

Now Richard’s widow and Andi faced a crossroads. States Melanie, “It was always our goal to live for God, whether that be 20, 30, 40 years or more. So I accept that Richard’s time on earth had run its course and he had fulfilled his ministry.”

Yet along with this acceptance came the conviction that HEARTbeat’s ministry was not finished. And if God meant it to keep going, he would provide the ways and means. “Richard was the businessman, the ‘front man,’ she admits. “I never felt like a businesswoman! But that’s what I am now. It’s always a risk. You don’t always know the answers. But each of us takes a share, and we are learning to ‘walk on water.’”

God proved his faithfulness over and over and in the past year the “‘Stimmfabrik’ or ‘Voice Factory’ has become one of the most modern music training schools in Austria. “We’ve seen so many miracles! A lot of personal friends helped to get the building ready. A sound engineer, friend of team member Dominik Travnik, loaned us equipment. One family donated ten thousand Euros towards lighting. Another person gave money for a recording studio. And we finally found a marketing executive who was willing to help us for free! Roland gives so much enthusiasm.

“The school is unique because of the personalised style we have of coaching each student,” CEO Melanie explains. “Our speciality is rock-pop. Most vocal teachers have a classical education, so we have an advantage. Students can come for a single weekend or every week.”

Public performance programmes are held every few months and sometimes include guest artists like the top Christian band, “Menschensohn.” Other groups use the facility for concerts.

“It’s a point where musicians meet—Christians and non-Christians. Our goal is to work and live as Christians. We don’t preach, but those who come sense the Spirit in us.”

The team also offers workshops, both at the school and on the road as far afield as Germany and Switzerland.  HEARTbeat’s first church tour in these two countries took place this December.

“There are still days when I feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under my feet, and the pain of my loss is almost too much to bear. Yet I am experiencing that God is carrying me, and that He won’t allow anything more than I can bear.” Melanie adds, “Years ago I thought I had to do it all. I’m the ‘boss’ of the company, but I have a team I can trust. The Voice Factory has six vocal coaches. We have a good foundation. Our goal is not to be supported by others, but to be able to support others!”

On a spiritual level, she continues, the team wants to encourage Christian musicians not only to play in churches, but to practice performing outside the church, at a level capable of competing. “We have to learn how to write songs—and sing songs—for non-Christians.”

“We want to set people free,” agrees co-worker Dominik. “Some Christians are locked up inside. We want to see them bloom. And we want non-Christians to see God in us, and begin to ask questions.”

Although for various reasons the Voice Factory is not an OM entity, Philipp Eschbach is glad that Melanie and Andi still count themselves as OMers. “They’re very creative, and very professional. And we want to give them the freedom to develop. Quite a few worship leaders and Christian performers are now going to them [for training], which is helping to equip the church and mobilise people for ministry. We want to be carriers of hope at the heart of society—where the people are. It’s a real business for transformation.”

With God’s enablement and the prayers of his people, HEARTbeat will continue to bring new light and life through the sound of music.