Musician Ken Medema to visit NWC

Medema will also be speaking with select Northwestern students, addressing the music ministry majors on Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m.

Medema graduated from Michigan State University with a major in music therapy. Later, he returned for a master’s degree. After years of working as a music therapist, Medema began a career as a performing and recording artist. Medema then founded Brier Patch, an independent recording, publishing and performance-booking company with headquarters in Grandville, Mich. Medema says Brier Patch seeks to celebrate all aspects of human experience, with an emphasis on spirituality and such universal concerns as peace, justice and the environment.

Limited of sight since birth, Medema has overcome his obstacles, becoming a renowned pianist and composer. At the age of five, he began to play piano. By the age of eight Medema could play Braille music, and he was also taught to play music by ear. Today, Medema performs in a variety of venues, including local church congregations, charity fundraisers and globally televised religious programs.

For over 30 years, Medema has been performing and recording his own songs. He has made more than 20 albums.