Making beautiful music together

Published: June 02, 2022

Adam and Ali Curry performing on the GU campus.

From the time they met on the Greenville University campus nearly a decade ago, it was music that drew them together.

Ali Lund, a sophomore, was an accomplished vocalist who was leading music at vespers. Adam Curry, a freshman, was a worship arts major who played a mean guitar.

Though they never dated until after Ali graduated in 2015, their friendship blossomed as they served on worship teams together and traveled in the same musical circles on campus. After Ali graduated, they weathered an 18-month long-distance relationship while Ali worked for a church in Minneapolis. They were married five years ago.

The Currys spoke to music students about their lives and careers.

God led them to Greenville

Though their roads to Greenville were different, both sensed God’s calling to the University.

“When I visited the campus, I felt the presence of God here,” Ali said. “It was spiritually sound and theologically accurate. I took a leap of faith and moved here from my home in Colorado.” She started as a contemporary music major, but ended as a vocal performance major.

Adam, a native of Wheaton, Ill., said it was the school’s reputation as fertile ground for musicians that attracted him. “I felt drawn here,” he said. “I’d heard about all the musical things going on here, and after checking it out, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I got involved with several lab bands and the Pursuit band, and I studied guitar under Paul Sunderland.”

Throughout their years on campus, the two were friends and members of several campus bands. Rich worship experiences and time spent together on worship teams formed the solid base of their friendship.

“I have a very clear memory of coming back to campus before the fall of my junior year,” Adam said. “We had three or four days together with the worship leaders– including Ali – as we prepared for the coming year. There were some very powerful worship experiences during that time.”

He also recalled the summer after Ali graduated when they were part of a group of GU students who were selected to lead worship at the Free Methodist General Conference. That road trip deepened their relationship and – as they say – the rest is history.

Students had opportunities to ask the Currys questions. Adam is shown responding.

Returning to campus

One of the highlights of their time as students was when music major alums came back to campus to visit. This spring, the tables turned as they returned to share with current GU students what they’ve learned since graduation. They also gave students feedback on some of their musical projects.

“Though a lot has changed since we were here,” said Ali, “the distinctive Greenville experience is still the same. There always have been so many talented and creative people here. I’ve never been so creatively inspired and challenged as I was at Greenville. I remember so many conversations about really deep stuff – life, faith, and even our doubts.”

“During our visit here,” Adam added, “we met so many students who are passionate about what they do. Greenville has always been a place where people are growing and pursuing what God has put on their hearts. That’s been very encouraging to me, because I believe God calls us to work hard to be the best that we can be.”

Managing two musical careers

Since college, the Currys have put down roots in the western Chicago suburb of Oak Park. There they have a home, a dog, and important roles at Wheaton Bible Church, where Ali is the worship director and Adam is the worship leader. Together, they have led worship music for their church. In fact, three songs they’ve written – “King of Glory,” “Surround Me,” and “Nothing Stands Between” – have been released in the past two years.

In addition to playing with several bands during the past six years, Adam performed on American Idol in 2020. He made it to the top 60 acts in what he described as “a very fun but very exhausting experience.”

Ali is shown singing during The Wednesday Experience chapel.

Coming through COVID

As it was with most musicians, the COVID pandemic was difficult for Adam and Ali.

“Just like that, our music was taken away,” Adam said. “Like many musicians, I struggled with my identity without music. Finally, I asked God to show me how to be content in Christ rather than depending on music. Christ, and Christ alone gives us value and worth.”

To get regular work after the COVID restrictions were lifted, he spent about six months in Nashville, Tenn., early this year. Recently, he landed a regular gig touring with a R&B and soul artist K. Michelle. Adam was contacted about the opening with very little advanced notice before a live concert. He flew to the concert site and stayed up all night learning the songs, and performed well enough to get the job.

“It’s been a really challenging year,” said Ali. “Adam needed to pursue some new things musically, and we took a huge leap of faith when he moved from Chicago to Nashville. We prayed that he would find work that would allow him to move back to Chicago. Landing the job with K. Michelle has done that; he can live anywhere and still tour with her.”

Through the ups and downs, the Currys have maintained a vibrant relationship and a steadfast faith that God is directing their musical careers.

“First of all, I have an incredible wife,” Adam said. “And we also have a church family that supports us and keeps us accountable. Having that kind of a community around us keeps us on track and allows us to thrive – even in challenging situations.”

“It all stems from our relationship with Jesus,” Ali added. “Both of us are committed to keeping an active, growing faith, and staying in the Bible every day. Though we’re several years removed from our time at Greenville, it’s still a special place for us. It is where our relationship started, and it is where we met lifelong friends. A lot of who we are is due to this place.”

Adam sat in on a music mixing class and shared his reactions to what he heard.

The Experiential Learning Fund

The Currys were brought back to campus as a part of GU’s commitment to Experiential Learning. The donor-funded Experiential Learning Fund provides opportunities for professors to give students out-of-the-classroom experiences that shape character and encourage acts of service.

While on campus, Adam and Ali led worship at The Wednesday Experience (GU’s weekly chapel service), coached a Fusion band rehearsal, and led devotions at a Pursuit worship band rehearsal. Additionally, Adam conducted a master class in music industry and performance, spoke to a projects class to review the students’ performance the night before, and evaluated students’ mixes in an audio production class. Ali met with female musicians to discuss issues related to female artistry and leadership.

Adam's guitar playing was one of the highlights for GU musicians.

Student reactions to the Currys’ visit

A crucial element of the experiential learning process is the opportunity for students to reflect on what they have learned. One student said he was encouraged by Adam’s advice to seize opportunities when they arise. “It’s very easy to pass up those things when they arise because you might be scared,” he said. “But you don’t want to be left asking, ‘What if?’ You’ll never gain the experience you need if you don’t jump in.”

Another student said she appreciated Adam’s focus on changing individual lives rather than having an overly broad goal of “changing the world.” She said: “As musicians, it’s so easy to get caught up in the industry and the desire to make it big. Instead, we should focus on serving people and changing individual lives.”

The Currys’ relationship caught the eye of another student. “Both Adam and Ali are so willing to serve one another,” he said. “And together, they are focused on using their music and their talents to serve others. I want a relationship like that.”