Matt Redman at NWLC

The 2011 National Worship Leader Conference in Kansas was a rich time of learning and worship.  Over 1500 worship leaders from all over the world gathered together to “fill their cup” with helpful lessons on music, worship, voice, guitar, theology, organizing & planning, and many other workshops over the five day event.  I attended some guitar classes and one on leading a Student Choir.  I had the privileged of teaching two workshops on Playing Bass Guitar in a Worship Band.  Each evening provided a variety of artists leading in song and worship such as Matt Redman, Casting Crowns, Rebecca St. James, Brenton Brown, Kari Jobe,  Gungor and Tim Hughes.  There was relevant teaching each morning in the general sessions.  I was surprised to see some attendees who were old friends…had some good fellowship!

Student Choir workshop

Matt Redman at NWLC

Rebecca St. James at NWLC

Kari Jobe at NWLC

Reflecting on the Fourth of July, we can be thankful to God for freedom!  With less than two months left for summer, it’s good to plan it out and make sure the important things don’t slip by.  The following events are ones you will not want to miss.  Thank you for your encouragement and continued support through Heartfelt Music Ministry as we strive in God’s strength to lead others toward intimacy with God.

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Cede and Reggie in Concert This Friday, July 8, at 6:30pm

Cede is holding its second concert since the release of the new CD called New Beginnings.  It will be at Christ Community Church, 1000 S Park Victoria Dr Milpitas, CA 95035, at 6:30pm.  I will open up the concert with a 45 minute set, then the band will be playing hot tunes off the CD and some kickin’ praise songs like Trading My Sorrows and Ain’t Nobody.  I’m playing acoustic guitar with these 8 other skillful musicians.  Listen to the songs and check us out at http://www.reverbnation.com/cedewest.  Come join us Friday, July 8^th at 6:30pm (in the Coffee Shop venue).

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Guitar Camps Begin Saturday, July 9th

I will be holding four one day Guitar Camps this summer in my home, limited to a five participants for each session.  It is more of an intimate setting with personal interaction and attention.  They are held on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm.  Because they are limited, make sure you get in the Application Form right away.  The curriculum is more intensive  in order to get a lot in, but the camps are intentionally divided up to benefit certain age groups and skill levels.  The camps are held in beautiful Mount Hermon.  They include three hours of instruction, a delicious brunch, a challenging training/resource book (The Complete Guitar Manual, with DVD, 2011), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

• July 9 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 13-Adult)
• July 16 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• July 23 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• August 13 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
• August 20 – Advanced Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
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Christian Guitarist Fellowship

The Christian Guitarist Fellowship is back.  Everyone is invited from beginners to advanced players, from rockers to alternative players, from acoustic to electric players, from teenagers to the ageless.  Come and meet guitarists from all over the Bay Area. Heartfelt Music Ministry is holding the Christian Guitarist Fellowship to help motivate you in your guitar playing and encourage you in Christ. There will be a short lesson for all levels; we will have breakout “jam” sessions where you pair off with those in their your skill level; we will play some worship songs together; a few will perform in front of everyone; we’ll pray together; and we’ll discuss resources for guitarists in the Bay Area. It will be a fun fellowship and it’s free! Even those who have never played before, but want to learn to play the guitar are welcome. It will be at Open Door Church Mountain View, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040, on Sunday, July 10^th, from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

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National Anthem at the Infineon Raceway

I’ll be playing the National Anthem on electric guitar on Sunday, July 24, to start the races.  Racers For Christ will also be holding three Chapels that morning in which I will be leading worship for.  It’s a very exciting event with dragsters, funny cars, and motorcycles racing throughout the day.  Christian racers are so grateful for the chapel fellowship and teaching during these events.  For more information, contact one of the Racers for Christ chaplains, Bob Hadidian, at (805) 801-7579.

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National Worship Leader Conference

I’ll be teaching some workshops at the National Worship Leader Conference, July 18-21, in Kansas.  Their emphasis this year is Engaging With God.  If any of you would like to go, you can get a 10% discount by using the discount code COATES.  It is a wonderful time for renewal and inspiration with some of the world’s leading artists, teachers and worship leaders (Jack Hayford, Matt Redman, Casting Crowns, Tim Hughes, Tommy Walker, Rebecca St. James, to name a few). Go to the National Worship Leader Conference website for more details.

I hope your summer is off to a good start!  Catching some gardening, jogging, piano & bass playing in between ministry has been fun for me (as well as playing guitar).  I mostly enjoy and appreciate my family.  School is out and we get to be a little more spontaneous.  I’m ministering part time at Open Door Church in Mountain View through August which takes up most of my time right now.  Through Heartfelt Music, I’m investing in equipping students through lessons and coaching.  The following are some training events in which you may want to join me.

Online Lessons Available

Strumming and Finger Picking, Level 1.  The first guitar course in the Essential Guitar Worship Series at MusicDojo.com is designed to introduce students to the most common righ t-hand strumming and picking techniques used within contemporary worship music. This course will help you to gain facility with the flat pick and will introduce you to finger picking techniques.  This course is perfect for beginner guitarists who can comfortably play chords, but need to add consistency to their right hand strumming and picking.  This two week course began yesterday, June 13th and is open for enrollment until June 20th.  You can start anytime this week.  It’s $29.95 for 10 lessons.   Click here to find out more.

Guitar Camps this Summer

I will be holding five one day Guitar Camps this summer in my home, limited to a five participants for each session.  It is more of an intimate setting with personal interaction and attention.  Because they are limited, make sure you get in the Application Form right away.  The curriculum is more intensive  in order to get a lot in, but the camps are intentionally divided up to benefit certain age groups and skill levels.  The camps are held in beautiful Mount Hermon.  They include three hours of instruction, a delicious brunch, a challenging training/resource book (The Complete Guitar Manual, with DVD, 2011), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

• June 25 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• July 9 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 13-Adult)
• July 16 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• August 13 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
• August 20 – Advanced Guitar Camp (13-Adult)

Songwriting Camp this Summer

I will be holding a one day Songwriting Camp this summer in my home, limited to a 10 participants for each session.  It is more of an intimate setting with personal interaction and attention.  Because it’s limited, make sure you get in the Application Form right away.  It includes four hours of instruction and sharing songs, a delicious brunch, a challenging training/resource book (God Songs, by Paul Baloche with Jimmy & Carol Owens), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

• August 27 – Songwriting Camp (13-Adult)

Christian Guitarist Fellowship

The Christian Guitarist Fellowship is back.  Everyone is invited from beginners to advanced players, from rockers to alternative players, from acoustic to electric players, from teenagers to the ageless.  Come and meet guitarists from all over the Bay Area. Heartfelt Music Ministry is holding the Christian Guitarist Fellowship to help motivate you in your guitar playing and encourage you in Christ. There will be a short lesson for 4 levels (beginning, Intermediate, Experienced, and Advanced); we will have 2 breakout “jam” sessions where guitarists pair off with those in your skill level and share with each other; we will play some worship songs together; a few will perform in front of everyone; we’ll pray together; and discuss resources for guitarists in the Bay Area. It will be a fun fellowship and it’s free! Even those who have never played before, but want to learn to play the guitar are welcome. It will be at Open Door Church Mountain View, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040, on Sunday, July 10^th, from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

National Anthem at the Infineon Raceway

I’ll be playing the National Anthem on electric guitar on Sunday, July 24, to start the races.  Racers For Christ will also be holding three Chapels that morning in which I will be leading worship for.  It’s a very exciting event with dragsters, funny cars, and motorcycles racing throughout the day.  For more information, contact one of the Racers for Christ chaplains, Bob Hadidian, at (805) 801-7579.

National Worship Leader Conference

I’ll be teaching some workshops at the National Worship Leader Conference, July 18-21, in Kansas.  There emphasis this year is Engaging With God.  If any of you would like to go, you can get a 10% discount by using the discount code COATES.  It is a wonderful time for renewal and inspiration with some of the worlds leading artists, teachers and worship leaders (Jack Hayford, Matt Redman, Casting Crowns, Tim Hughes, Tommy Walker, Rebecca St. James, to name a few). Go to the National Worship Leader Conference website for more details.

Would You Consider Contributing?

We are very grateful for your support through prayer, attending events, and purchasing our products.  Some of you have been contributing monthly for years which is an important reason for our success in touching people’s lives.  We would greatly appreciate any financial contribution you could make at this time.  Go to https://heartfeltmusic.org/about/support/ to either donate a one-time gift or begin a monthly contribution.  Any amount would be appreciated.  The school guitar courses are out for the summer and so we have a need for special support.  Your tax deductible gifts help us effectively hit our target of leading others toward intimacy with God.

Cede and Reggie in Concert Friday, July 8, at 6:30pm

Cede is holding it’s second concert since the release of our new CD called New Beginnings.  It will be at Christ Community Church, 1000 S Park Victoria Dr Milpitas, CA 95035, at 6:30pm.  I will open up the concert with some worship songs, then the band will be playing hot tunes off the CD and some kickin’ praise songs like Trading My Sorrows and Ain’t Nobody.  I’m playing acoustic guitar with these 8 other phinominal studio musicians.  Listen to the songs and check us out at http://www.reverbnation.com/cedewest .  Come join us Friday, July 8^th at 6:30pm, at their coffee shop venue.

Sunday, July 10, 2011, 2:30pm-4:30pm

Open Door Church Mountain View, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View, CA  94040

Calling all guitarists!   Come and meet guitarists from all over the Bay Area.  Heartfelt Music Ministry is holding the Christian Guitarist Fellowship to help motivate you in your guitar playing and encourage you in Christ.  There will be a short lesson for all levels; we will have breakout “jam” sessions where you pair off with those in your skill level and share with each other; we will play some worship songs together; a few will perform in front of everyone; we’ll pray together; and discuss resources for guitarists in the Bay Area.  It will be a fun fellowship and it’s free!  For more information, you can email Reggie Coates at [email protected]

May Update

The beginning of this month was a great time to touch fathers and sons at the two Sugarpine “Mountain Men” retreats.  My son played guitar with me at one of the retreats which was so fun.  Also, the band I’m playing in called Cede held our first concert May 1^st.  A lot of people came and we sold over 170 CDs.  You can get the music at CD Baby.com.  I led worship at Felton Bible Church and Open Door Church Mountain View this month.  I’m teaching 37 different students private lessons per month continuing to mentor and encourage them.

Summer Guitar & Songwriting Camps

• June 25 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• July 9 – Beginning Guitar Camp (Ages 13-Adult)
• July 16 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (Ages 9-12)
• August 13 – Intermediate Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
• August 20 – Advanced Guitar Camp (13-Adult)
• August 27 – Songwriting Camp (13-Adult)
  

I will be holding five one day Music Camps this summer in my home, limited to a smaller number of participants, 5 for the Guitar Camps and 10 for the Songwriting Camp.  It is more of an intimate setting with personal interaction and attention.  Because they are limited, make sure you get in the Application Form right away.  The curriculum is more intensive  in order to get a lot in, but the camps are intentionally divided up to benefit certain age groups and skill levels.  The camps are held in beautiful Mount Hermon at Reggie’s home.  They include a delicious brunch, a challenging training/resource book (2011 Complete Guitar Manual with DVD), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website – https://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/courses/.

Coming Events

I’ll continue to teach private lessons this summer and will be taking on extra students who have more time for a few months.  Could you get the word out to let others know of my lessons throughout the Bay Area (More info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/coaching/.  I will continue as the Interim Worship Leader with Open Door Church Mountain View through August.  In the fall, I’ll be looking for another opportunity to serve the Lord.  Here are a few coming events which more details can be found at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/:

• June 3 & July 1 (Fri), 7:00pm-8:00pm – Guitar Showcase (Showcase Music Institute). Teaching workshops on Singing While Playing the Guitar.  Open to all.  The cost is $20.00 for non-SMI students.
• July 17 (Sun) – Bayside Church of Woodland.  Leading worship for their 9:15am and 11:00am services and leading a workshop for the musicians in the afternoon.
• July 18-21 (Mon-Thu) – National Worship Leader Conference (Kansas).  Teaching workshops.  Let me know if you’d like to go and I can get you a 10% discount on the registration.
• July 24 (Sun) – Infineon Raceway (Sonoma).  Playing the National Anthem on Electric Guitar at the opening ceremony and leading worship for three chapels in the morning through Racers for Christ.
• September 23-25 (Fri-Sun) – Silver Spur Christian Conference Center (Tuolumne).  Leading worship for their Men’s Retreat.

May God richly bless you this summer!  Let me know if there’s any way I can encourage you

WHAT’S UP?

Heartfelt Music Ministry is in full swing, continuing to lead others toward intimacy with God.  There’s a new welcome video on our homepage and some updates to the website you may like (CDs are now only $5 each with a special deal on the 8 CD bundle).  I’m teaching more private lessons and I’m accepting new students who are motivated and passionate to learn.  I led worship at Sugarpine Christian Conference Center’s “Mountain Men” Father/Son retreat.  Austin joined with me and we did some worship leading together which was really fun (there was snow too!).  Next weekend is Sugarpine’s second Father/Son retreat and I’ll be leading worship for that as well.  Right after that, next Sunday night, May 1, will be the Cede concert (see below).

CEDE CONCERT & CD RELEASE

Come enjoy the band I’m in called Cede.  We will be performing in Milpitas for our debut CD release party. I’ll be opening with another vocalist with worship songs. Then comes the concert with outstanding songs by Scott Metcalf and myself.  You will be pleasantly surprised by these professional musicians united in glorifying God with outstanding music. Admission is FREE, but call Rocket Dog Music to reserve seats 510-432-4540.  It will be from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Park Victoria Baptist Church, 875 South Park Victoria Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035.  We have hit #1 on the Reverb Nation Christian/Gospel charts.  Check out the site at http://www.reverbnation.com/cedewest.

HOPE YOUR EASTER CELEBRATION WAS RICH AND MEANINGFUL!

After a slew of rain, slides and fallen trees here at Mount Hermon, we’re now enjoying the sun and the warmth of Spring.  Isn’t that like life?  We plow through the unexpected twists in the road and inconvenient surprises, sometimes devastating circumstances.  Then comes the beauty of the sun, which was there all along but hidden by bad weather.  It’s like the beauty of the risen Son, who is there all along but hidden by trials and tough times.  May you experience the newness and joy of life in Christ today (even through your troubles-James 1:2-4)!

WHAT HEARTFELT MUSIC DOES

Keep your ears open and spread the word that Heartfelt Music can enhance and help others in their ministry endeavors.  What can we do?  Here’s a partial list of ways we can help:

• Worship leading for church services, events and retreats
• Motivational speaking for church services, chapels, events and retreats
• Training through conferences, workshops, courses, mentoring tours, and private lessons
• Concert artistry to motivate and encourage through stories, humor, and quality music.
• Performing at weddings and other events
• Disc Jockey events like wedding receptions, parties, and other events
• Recording your music and producing your songs
• Consulting on worship, music, team building, and leadership.

Leading worship Sunday mornings stays pretty filled up but there is one Sunday open May 8^th for me to come minister with your church.  The next free Sunday is not until July 3^rd.  Let me know if I can come to your church to help out.

May God keep you strong, walking confidently in His resurrection power.

Isaiah 12:2,

Reggie Coates
Executive Director,
Heartfelt Music Ministry
PO Box 3
Mount Hermon, CA  95041
(925) 206-9895
[email protected]
https://heartfeltmusic.org

Happy Easter!  The truth of the resurrection never gets old and the life of Jesus continues to empower me and my family.  We celebrated Sherri’s birthday last week at Filoli and saw some beautiful gardens and flowers.  She’s also reworking our gardens at home.  I thank God for being so blessed with Sherri and my boys.  They bring a lot of joy and fulness to my life.  Sherri held a crafts elective at Mount Hermon a couple of weeks ago for their woman’s retreat and had a blast.  Brandon and Austin are enjoying school and are faithfully involved with staying on top of their studies.  They only have a month left to go.

I could use prayer for the next couple of months as my time with Open Door Church as an Interim Worship Leader will be ending the end of June.  It’s possible I could become the permanent  Worship Leader and I should know by the end of May whether this will work out or not.  I’ve really enjoyed ministering with them, but continue to seek God’s guidance to work with the church-at-large through Heartfelt Music Ministry and work with a local church as well.  I know the poor economy has hit many of you very hard.  We too have been working hard to make it through.  These times have stretched our faith in new ways and continue to bring us back to God and His faithful care in our lives.  We thank God for His resurrection power and the opportunities for ministry He brings our way everyday.

March was full of ministry opportunities throughout the Bay Area.  Thank you for your prayers and support all along the way.  You are a valuable part of the effective work of Heartfelt Music!

BASS Convention in Castro Valley
In early March, I was the Keynote Speaker for the Music & Worship portion of the 2011 BASS Convention giving multiple workshops and playing guitar in the conference band with Nashville artist Don Moen.  There was one workshop with multiple instructors called Worship Band Interactive where participants played along and interacted with the band members experiencing what works and what doesn’t work in leading worship as a band. I was a joy to work with such quality instructors and musicians.Visit the site at http://www.bassconvention.org/.

Helping the Body of Christ
At the beginning of March, I worked with Cedar Grove Bible Church in Livermore with worship leading and coaching.  Just last weekend, I worked with Stockton Covenant Church with a training workshop for those folks involved in the services on Sunday mornings.   I’m continuing to minister with Open Door Church Mountain View.  I am holding training events and Round Table discussion groups to help them advance in their worship experience.  The people have been a joy to work with.

Be Encouraged
I am available to encourage you and your team.  It has been a blessing to have 8 of my recordings now available on CDs (8 CDs available).  I am offering cutting-edge private or semi-private lessons in four different locations throughout the Bay Area (San Jose, Los Altos, Danville, and Mount Hermon).  I am scheduling events in speaking or worship leading (services, retreats, and special events), or a concert artistry (with or without band).  Let me know how I can serve you or your church [(925) 206-9895 or [email protected]].

The band I’ve been playing acoustic guitar with, called Cede, hit #1 on the Reverb Nation Christian/Gospel charts.  Check out the site at http://www.reverbnation.com/cedewest.  Two of my songs will be on the CD which will be released next month (Getting Stronger and Ain’t Nobody).   It’s been such a good experience working with these professional musicians.  We’ll be doing a concert Sunday, May 1, as a CD release party in San Jose.  I’ll fill you in more soon.

I hope you are enjoying the winter.  It’s been so sunny in the Bay Area…beautiful!

Last month held significant ministry events with teaching on “Why Worship God” with the Bay Area Chinese Bible Church in San Leandro, leading worship with Open Door Church Mountain View, the all-day Training Day last week, elementary guitar course with Valley Christian Elementary School, and coaching 25 private and semi-private students  throughout the month.

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VCES Guitar Class

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I will be the Keynote Speaker for the Music & Worship portion of the 2011 BASS Convention giving multiple workshops (Dynamic Guitar in Worship, Bass Guitar in Worship, The Whole Enchilada of Music Ministry, Worship Infusion, and more).  There will be other highly experienced instructors (Keyboards, Worship Leading, Voice, Directing a Choir, Making a CD, Audio Mixing, and more). There is one workshop with multiple instructors called Band Interactive where participants can play along and interact with the band members experiencing what works and what doesn’t work in leading worship as a band. Visit the site at http://www.bassconvention.org/.  It will be at Redwood Chapel, 19300 Redwood Rd. Castro Valley, CA 94546, Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5.

Let me know if I can be of service to you through encouraging music (8 CDs available), private or semi-private lessons (San Jose, Los Altos, Danville, and Mount Hermon), speaking or worship leading (services, retreats, and special events), or a concert (with or without band).