Name, Age, City and State: Amy Duren, 24, Columbia, SC

Job-title: Singer/Songwriter

Web/blog site URL: www.amyduren.com

Give us your job description in 25 words or less. I am currently a music/songwriter as well as a substitute teacher for k4-5grade at a private Christian School.

Describe a typical workday. I enjoy spending time with the Lord to start my day, as it is because of Him that I am doing what I love. After this and some coffee I often will sit down at the piano and play whatever comes to my heart. I have a book full of lyrics that I write down and often I will refer to past lyrics and work on those to make new songs. I always pray before I start as song writing is more than just a job or hobby for me. Songwriting is the way I like to express my relationship with God, emotions I'm feeling or challenges I'm facing. Music is my way of journaling, though I also journal for reflection, music is personally, often the expression of my heart. There have been a few times that I have been asked to write songs for weddings, when I have a specific goal I like to reflect and play a tune before I begin to write.

What led you to realize that you wanted to do this type of work? My love and passion for music is the main drive behind what I do. Since I grew up in a musical family music has always been a joy and delight even from a young age. Though I did pursue music in college I realized that music was not my only passion, but also working with families through counseling or mentoring.

Did you have any heroes or mentors in your industry that you admired? Someone I admire most is actually my mentor who is not a musician but who encouraged me to keep going. Her godly life style and desire to praise the Lord in the midst of trials is what has inspired me most, my husband is my hero as I have seen him grow and overcome obstacles, his Christ like love has inspired me to love deeper. As for musicians that I admire most I would say my Dad and Mom. My dad's pursuing spirit and ability to write encouraging songs first inspired me to write my own music, my mom with her calming spirit taught me piano and how to harmonize. They and my brothers are the main reason for me pursuing music.

What type of education or training was required to land your job? I graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology and Biblical studies. During my time in college I continued my piano lessons and was in choir, and two worship teams. This as well as being able to play for church and youth groups has been my main experience and training for what I do now. I hope to one day get my Masters in Counseling while pursuing music.

What do you love most about your job? I enjoy that I can sing/play every day, that it is flexible as well as meeting new people and other very talented artists. However, being able to uplift or encourage someone through a song that I have written is what brings me the most joy!

What one part of your job do you wish you could hire someone else to do? Paper work! I can handle writing music but when it comes to the legal or details outside of music I get a bit overwhelmed. Thankfully my husband has a degree in Communications/Marketing and has handled much of that!

What advice would you give to teenagers wanting to get into your field of work? I would encourage you to pray. Lining up God’s desire for you and your desires will not only keep you encouraged when it is difficult but it help you better understand what you need to purse. Perseverance, the music industry isn’t easy to get into, but keep pressing forward and peruse other dreams too.

How does your job allow you to use your God-given gifts? I am able to use my gifts through singing with kids about Gods’ truth in class, and ministering to people of various walks of life.

Amy has released a new CD. You can learn more about it here: www.amyduren.com