When Brother Timothy was in the Pentecostal Church, he observed that the type of choruses rendered, as well as the clapping and dancing during the services, promoted carnal displays among the worshippers rather than edified them spiritually. This was very distasteful to him. Therefore, when he started The Apostolic Faith, even before he ever worshipped in any Apostolic Faith service, he decided on his own, based on the Holy Bible, that he would; use only sacred music and instruments that would edify the soul.

In 1946, when the cottage meetings of the organisation were held at 26, Little Road, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria, Brother T started the orchestra with a guitar and The four-man early orchestra of the Church in Nigeria mandolin. They were played by the two leading ministers: Brothers Timothy Oshokoya, playing the guitar, and Lucas Obakoya on the mandolin. In 1947, two more musical instruments: a banjo and an accordion were procured. God provided two violins in 1949 and soon, God called the first eight saints to dedicate their lives to the learning and playing of these instruments. One of them was Brother Emmanuel Shotade, who was a piano and violin teacher for many years.

The International Headquarters in Portland already had a well-established orchestra. In 1951, Brother Timothy visited the International Headquarters. He was pleasantly surprised that the Spirit of God had led him in Nigeria to do exactly what the saints were doing in America. While waiting for the camp meeting to start, he trained in several areas of music. He came back with a good number of instruments, including trumpet, cornet, horn, trombone and violin. He learnt the use of the different instruments and came back to teach others. As a result of this, many children of God were inspired and they developed interest in music. Some had the opportunity of learning how to play these musical instruments. Most of the players, whose ages ranged between thirty and fifty, cherished the privilege. More violins, cellos and a piano were bought.

In December 1952, the first Musical Concert was held in Lagos with eight people performing. In order to improve the standard of the performance of the Choir and Orchestra, Brother Timothy solicited the aid of both Nigerians and Expatriates who were seasoned musicians.

He made arrangements with a Brother, Julius Osidele, for the regular importation of musical instruments at affordable prices. This made it easy for individuals to possess the instruments they used. He got some members of the orchestra trained, to service and maintain the instruments. One of them was Brother Ropo Odumosu who was trained to service the organ.

The Church then started a non-fee-paying music school, that prepared members for the Choir and Orchestra. New students started music from what is known as the Rudiments class, from where they proceeded to Brother Oshokoya (standing alone) with the Voice Production and Male Choir in 1975 Instruments classes. There is no age limit in the music classes. The classes have been restructured in a way that an incoming student spends a year at the Rudiments of Music class, where the theory of music is taught, after which a nationally coordinated test must be passed. Successful students then proceed to the Sight-Reading class, where they learn to read the staff notation. They simultaneously start their instrument class. At the end of the session, students take another nationally coodinated examination which qualifies them to sing and/or play at the Junior level. Such people are eligible to perform during the Sunday School and Bible Study periods as well as the Young People's Services. There is room for further studies at the Art of Singing class, where people study the techniques of effective singing. People in such a class can also proceed to the Advanced Instruments class. Passing the examinations at this stage takes such people to the Senior level, which qualifies them to perform in all services and concerts. Although the culture of classical music is not native to Africa, many students have, through these classes, become very proficient in classical music production, both in terms of instrument and vocal rendition.

The musical instruments used in the services include: violin, viola, violoncello, flute, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone as well as the harp. The organ and the piano are natural additions. Members of the Music Department, youths and adults alike, freely give of their talents, without monetary consideration. Each student is expected to purchase his own musical instrument, books, music stand and other accessories. The binding force on these musicians is sanctification which gives them oneness of purpose to give their best to God.

A Grand Piano was purchased in 1954. This piano served at the Headquarters Church in Lagos for many years until it was replaced.

The Church started with a small portable organ. Later, a manual reed organ with pedals was purchased in the sixties. In 1970, the first electronic organ, Solina Model 110,  installed. This was replaced in 1971 by Eminent 650 Classique. On December 18, 1977, a Concert Model 4700 Wurlitzer organ was dedicated for God's use at the Headquarters Church in Lagos. The organ served for many years as the principal organ. On Sunday, April 16, 1995, during the Easter Concert, a grand pull-out ceremony was performed for the Wurlitzer. It was replaced by a 4-manual digitally simulated pipe organ, Opus 485, manufactured by Johannus.

There are usually three concerts presented annually in Lagos by the combined Choir and Orchestra. They are: Easter Concert on Easter Sunday, the Camp Meeting Concert on the first Monday of the annual camp meeting, and the Christmas Concert on the Sunday before the Christmas Day. Other states in Nigeria and countries in Africa hold their own concerts at convenient dates.Music lovers attend these concerts and thoroughly enjoy the sacred and semi-classical presentations. Sometimes, up to 21,000 people attend a concert; among whom are: government officials, academics, traditional rulers and diplomats.

The anthems of praise sung from consecrated hearts and music skilfully played with spiritual fervour, have been effectively used by the Spirit of God. Souls have been led to Christ as a result of attending the concerts.

Brother T was a very great lover of music and he did all he could to build up the Music Department. He was very regular and punctual at the practices of the Choir and Orchestra. His Words of encouragement, instructions, advice and fatherly interest in the personal welfare of every member of the choir were a very great inspiration to the group. The post-concert briefings of Brother T to the members of the Choir and Orchestra was a very pleasant experience indelibly printed in their memory. This helped them to consecrate deeper and be more dedicated to their call.

The principle which was originally established in the beginning of this work still remains. Only those who have the genuine experience of salvation, who are also truly sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost, take part in the ministry of music and singing.

Young people have always been encouraged to obtain the best possible education and also excel in music, that they might glorify God with their talents. It has been rewarding to see the progress made by those who have applied themselves to the field of music. Apart from private study of music, young musicians and singers are given group training. Practices which must be attended regularly and punctually are held each week in the Church, under the directive of a competent conductor. Many of the musicians who participate received the call early in life. A number of them who answered that call, are still playing their instruments after 30 or 40 years. Young people, who follow in the steps of those early day musicians, are giving their talents wholeheartedly to the Lord.

Rev. T. G. Oshokoya personally directed the instrumental and yocal groups for a number of years. The past Music Director, Brother John Adelaja Aina, started playing the organ when he was young. He found great pleasure in dedicating his talents and time to the service of the Lord. As the principal organist, he has served for almost 50 years in the Music Department. Brother John is assisted by Brothers Kayode Oje and Dotun Ewumi.

The Orchestra performs music written by the Masters including Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert and others. Many orchestra pieces and songs rendered by the Choir and Orchestra were composed by different members of the Church who were inspired to give praise to God.

The Founder, the Rev. (Mrs.) Florence Crawford, was a songwriter. One of her well-loved hymns was composed shortly after she had established the Gospel work in Portland. Under the burden of severe trial, she put into verse the craving of her soul in "The Heart's Cry".

Her son, Rev. Raymond Robert Crawford, also composed a number of Gospel songs. A special burden came upon his heart, to write a hymn which gave admonition for prayer. Then, as now, there was a special need for prevailers, and the Lord gave to him the words of the soul-stiring hymn- Prevailing Prayer". Others who wrote songs at the International Headquarters included Brothers Philip Brown and Clifford Baltzell.

In Africa, God gave talents to individuals who yielded their lives to compose and arrange music for the Choir and Orchestra in English, French and many local languages. Notable among these were Rev. Timothy Oshokoya, who expressed his burden for the preaching of the Word of God in Africa, when he turned the wordings of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-16 into a song. His successor, Rev. Josiah Soyinka was inspired to give out the words of a song for the dedication of the Johannus organ, the first verse of which was:

Be with us, gracious Lord, today,

The organ we hallow to Thee,

O hear Thy servants as they pray,

And let Thine ear attentive be.

Rev. John Aina, the Music Director in the Africa Headquarters, has composed, arranged and adapted many songs and orchestra pieces over the years. One of such is the "A. V. S. Watch Song". His enthusiasm has encouraged many other music lovers to consecrate and develop their talents in this area. Some of them are Brothers E. O. Aina, Kayode Oje, Dele Fakorede, Femi Adeola, S. K. J. Okorie, J. G. Umoh and his son, Attah Umoh.

The Africa Overseer, Rev. Paul Akazue, with a heavy burden for the work of God in Africa, was inspired to write, during an evangelistic trip to an African country, the words of the song: "God, Remember Africa". The first verse is given below:

Dear Lord remember

We pray Thee Father

Remember AFRICA,

Your own Continent

How she has suffered,

For these many years

Rise up in your power,

To deliver AFRICA.

The entire world has been blessed through the unique music ministry that God gave to The Apostolic Faith. It is a great treasure that is diligently guarded in all locations and branches of the Church.