July Update

I hope you are having an enjoyable Fouth of July weekend! It’s been great for me to work on new songs for new albums, writing out music for new music books, and organize songs for a new video series called Songs & Techniques. I’ll explain more in August. Personally, Sherri and I have been designing a new deck off the back of our house. The old one is falling apart and we need to fix it by the end of the summer.

Producing the seven concerts at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center is the biggest thing for me this summer. This Saturday, we’ll have Buddy Greene in concert at 7:30pm. Jeff Taylor will be joining him. Don’t miss the next four free concerts and come early to enjoy an amazing buffet dinner. See below for more details.

• July 6 – Buddy Greene
• July 13 – Phil Keaggy
• July 20 – Aaron Shust
• July 27 – Point of Grace

Your gracious prayers and support are so much appreciated! Thank you for being involved in bringing positive progress and eternal results for every event and effort. May you have a wonderful rest-of-the-summer. Hope to see you at the concerts.

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Phil Keaggy in Concert

As a part of the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, Phil Keaggy will be in concert Saturday, July 13, at 7:30pm in the main auditorium at the Mount Hermon Conference Center (37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon. CA 95041). Phil Keaggy is one of the best guitar players in the world and perhaps one of the most admired guitarists in music today. A master of both electric rock and acoustic finger style, he has been honing his craft for over 50 years. He continues to sell out concerts all over the United States, with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock-and-roll to fully orchestrated instrumental compositions. He won his very first Dove award in 1988 for his instrumental album, “The Wind and the Wheat. Phil’s second Dove Award came in 1992 for his Celtic-influenced, “Beyond Nature”. Phil has won the “Instrumental Record” category at the Doves for many years with sons like, “Acoustic Sketches” and “Lights of Madrid”.

Aaron Shust in Concert

Aaron Shust will be in concert Saturday, July 20, at 7:30pm in the main auditorium at the Mount Hermon Conference Center (37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon. CA 95041). Over the past decade, Aaron Shust has earned a reputation as one of Christian music’s most compelling songwriters and a vocalist of considerable depth and passion. He was named both New Artist and Songwriter of the Year at the 2007 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and the impact of his song, “My Savior My God” was recognized with the Song of the Year honor. He is well known for such hits as “My Hope is in You,” which spent 14 weeks at No. 1, “No One Higher,” which hit the summit on the Inspirational chart and “Ever Be,” which made its way to No. 3 on the NCA chart. “O Come O Come Emmanuel” has become a perennial holiday favorite, earning acclaim as the most played song each December for 10 years in a row.

Point of Grace in Concert

Point of Grace will be in concert Saturday, July 27, at 7:30pm in the main auditorium at the Mount Hermon Conference Center (37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon. CA 95041). The multi-platinum trio Point of Grace will bring you to a heart of gratitude as they share their journey. With faith filled, and passionate lyrics, their memorable melodies and soaring harmonies have inspired generations to live boldly and keep Gods love as the foundation of their lives. Shelley Breen, Denise Jones and Leigh Cappillino, share stories about home and heaven with countless individuals around the world. As a group, it’s a journey that’s 21 years in and 13 albums deep, punctuated with 27 #1 songs, 13 Dove Awards, two GRAMMY nominations, career album sales in excess of 7 million with multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, making them one of the Top 10 best-selling artists in the history of Contemporary Christian music.

Upcoming Events

July 11, 18, 25 (Thursdays)
Summer private lessons in Los Altos, Mount Hermon, and through Skype.

July 7, 14, 21 (Sundays)
I’ll be regularly leading worship at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church services on Sundays, 10:00am. 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020.

July 8-12 (Mon-Fri)
I’ll be leading worship at the Joni & Friends Retreat at Mission Springs in Scotts Valley, Monday through Friday. It’s a retreat for Special Needs families through Joni Erickson-Tada’s ministry. Visit their website for more information.

Amazing Ministry for Fall

The summer wrapped up beautifully after 8 concerts at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. I’ll be the Concert Coordinator again next summer and have an amazing line-up: Sanctus Real (6/15), The King’s Brass (6/22), Fernando Ortega (6/29), Buddy Greene (7/6), Phil Keaggy (7/13), Aaron Shust (7/20), and Point of Grace (7/27). Mark your calendar for these wonderful free concerts!
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We just finished our first quarter at Valley Christian School and it is so fulfilling to train and mentor these students. My Music Technology class is producing a free concert Friday with singer/songwriter Anja Kotar and guitarist Dimitri Morris. You can hear her songs on Apple Music HERE. We just finished our Spiritual Emphasis week where the faculty went to Mount Hermon for a day of spiritual renewal and the student body spent four days with inspiring chapels. Our worship team this year has students and adults playing on the same team, which has really raised the bar. I’m having fun with my four guitar classes. There is even a guitar club during lunch that I am advising.
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My oldest son, Brandon, got married in September to Kristin and went to Whales for their honeymoon. Now both of my boys are married and enjoying their new adventures with their spouses. Sherri and I are now empty-nesters with a 120-pound Bernese Mountain Dog…having fun!
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I’m still the Worship Arts Director with Gilroy Presbyterian Church and President of the Community Group at Mount Hermon. Life is full, but I’m doing what I love. Lots of ministry, lots of relational interconnection, and lots of teaching/training.
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I appreciate your continued prayers and support! You inspires the things I do to have eternal results. God is doing a great work! If you would like to help Heartfelt Music® financially, click HERE.

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Brandon & Kristin Are Married!

Brandon & Kristin had a wonderful wedding on September 20 in Berkeley. I was able to do the officiating and felt so honored to help tie the knot. They went to Whales for their honeymoon and are happily employed in great companies. Brandon is working at Facebook with concept design for 3D art with Oculus. Kristin is working with animation at Lucas Film. Needless to say, I’m very proud of them! Brandon continues to paint and draw on his own time.

Anja Kotar in Concert at VCS

Anja Kotar (professional vocal artist) will be performing with Dimitri Morris (professional guitarist) at Valley Christian High School in the Conservatory Hall this Friday, November 2, at 7:00pm. Both of them are Valley Christian alumni. My Music Technology class is putting on this concert to learn how to produce concerts. All the details can be found by clicking HERE. She will be sharing from her album called Nomad and having a Listening Party at 5:00pm.

I’m Selling My Taylor 815CE

I am selling my Taylor 815CE guitar. It’s been a beautiful one-of-a-kind instrument and is still in mint condition. It has unique inlay on the fretboard and the bridge and has ebony tuning keys. The Florentine cut-a-way is striking and the tone is prestine.  Click the picture above or HERE to watch a video of me playing the guitar on my song Abundant Sunshine. I’m putting it on eBay this weekend with more pictures. I’m selling it for $4,000. Let me know if you’re interested.

Coming Events

Nov 2 (Friday)
Anja Kotar will be doing a free concert with Dimitri Morris this Friday, 7:00pm, at Valley Christian High School in the Conservatory Hall (100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111).

Nov 11, 18, 25 (Sundays)
I’ll be leading worship at the main service on Sundays, 10:00am, at  Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. Come worship with us!

Relationships & Worship Matters

The book Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin covers many relevant issues on worship. On the Heartfelt Music website, under the category of Worship Matters book, I summarize the book in four parts. In Part 4, Bob reminds us that worship ministry is always about people. It is very important to keep in mind at all times that people are so important! God is all about relationships. Because of His deep love for us, God sent His Son to die for people, to heal relationships, and draw us all closer to Him. Relationships are messy and there are so many variables which make it hard to have a “cookie cutter” answer in solving problems. “But I know this,” says Bob, “the church doesn’t need leaders who love to lead people in worship but don’t love the people they’re serving.” It’s not just selecting the right songs that pleases God, but God is more interested in how we treat others. Take stock of your relationships and love them like Jesus would.

Phil Keaggy is Coming!

Saturday, June 23, guitar master and concert artist Phil Keaggy will be coming to Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, which begins the Summer Concert Series. Invite every guitar player you know!

Austin Coates is Getting Married!

Austin, my youngest son, is getting married this month to Lindsey Doran. Sherri and I are so excited for them and are full of joy in the midst of all the preparations. They met at George Fox University in Oregon.

Brandon Coates is Getting Married!

Brandon, my oldest son, is getting married in September to Kristin Campbell. Sherri and I are so blessed to know both Austin and Brandon have found wonderful and beautiful soul-mates. They also met at college, San Jose State University.

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An Awesome Summer

I hope you have had a wonderful summer! My summer has been awesome! Now, it’s full speed ahead into the fall with ministry at every corner. Valley Christian School has started, Gilroy Presbyterian Church has even more of my involvement, and Heartfelt Music will be taking on Mount Hermon’s Summer Concert Series for next summer (more information in the next eNewsletter).

Heartfelt Music is now registered with Pay Pal Giving Fund and is a Charity through eBay GivingWorks. When purchasing anything on eBay, if you list Heartfelt Music as your Charity, we receive a small donation. Every little bit helps. You can also donate through Pay Pal and now 100% goes to us. CLICK HERE to find out more. You can also donate when buying on Amazon.com by going through Amazon Smile.

Again, I want to express my appreciation for your generosity in contributions and prayers for Heartfelt Music Ministry. God is doing amazing things and continues to transform lives through us.

Back at Valley Christian Schools

It’s been a couple of weeks since Valley Christian Schools have started up for the fall. My classes are going well: Guitar I, Guitar II, Guitar III, HS Worship Team, JH Worship Team, and Music Technology. The Conservatory of the Arts began with a special alumni concert to kick-off the year.

Leading Worship in Gilroy

At Gilroy Presbyterian Church, I will be continuing this fall to lead Sunday worship and lead the choir. I have enjoyed working with this group so much, I will be ministering more long term with them as their Worship Director. This gives me weekly experience. If you’re in the area, come on by and say hi.

Sequoia Ropes Course

At Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, I did the Sequoia Ropes Course during Fun Day, August 19th. The Mount Hermon Community was invited to celebrate a day for the community to enjoy a BBQ lunch and many of the activities available at Mount Hermon.

Coming Events

September 3, 10, 17, 24 (Sundays)
Leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.

September 2, 3, 4 (Sat., Sun., & Mon.)
Playing and singing for Mount Hermon’s Labor Day Weekend Family Camp Pancake Breakfasts, 37 Conference Dr., Mount Hermon, CA 95041. From 7:45am to 8:30am, for Family Camp guests only.

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Turning Points

I truly believe God has a plan for our lives. Throughout our days, there are key moments or major “turning points” that change our course. One of my major turning points was right after junior college when I had to decide whether to major in Architecture, like my dad, or music, which was my passion. I chose music. I’m excited about the path God has directed me on. I feel overwhelmingly grateful and deeply responsible for where God has placed me right now. What are some turning points in your life? Can you see God’s hand at work in them? Let me encourage you to stay close to God and He will guide you. “Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

I’m performing a concert this summer at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Campbell, June 14, at 7:00pm. I hope you can come! There is an interactive workshop the same day at 5:00pm called Worship Infusion to enhance your worship lifestyle.

Thank you for your interest in Heartfelt Music Ministry. Many good things are going on and your prayers make a significant difference in support and blessing. I appreciate you!

Worship Infusion Workshop and Concert

I’ll be leading a Worship Infusion workshop and performing an acoustic concert at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Campbell, Sunday, June 14. Everyone gets involved in discussing three prominent areas of worship: The Heart aspect of worship (passion & purpose); The Art aspect of worship (promptings & process); The Hard aspects of worship (people & politics). Come strengthen your worship with God and share what you’ve learned along the way. Register for the workshop HERE. After the workshop, I’ll be performing a concert and sharing encouraging stories. Visit my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/ReggieCoates/. The  workshop is $10.00-General, $5.00-Students, and the concert is free.

Masters Degree Highlights

I’m in my third week working on my Masters degree at Full Sail University. It is an intensive program that is both challenging and empowering. I’m really enjoying it! In the first week, we created a “Turning Point Video” (which you can see by clicking HERE) and began an excellent book by Robert Greene called “Mastery.” In the second week, I had to write an extensive research paper on someone who is a Master in their field. Can you guess who I chose? This week, I’ve integrated Instagram and Tumblr and will write out an in-depth review of my “calling.” The Tumblr account will be tracking with my Mastery Journey through Full Sail University. You’re welcome to follow along.

Phil Keaggy was Fantastic!

Valley Christian School brought Phil Keaggy in for a concert, training, and both the junior high and high school chapels in April. He was fantastic! Having someone of Phil’s skill level, genuine humility, and deep faith was inspiring (watch his “True Believers” video). The concert was well attended and I was excited to see many guitarists from the Christian Guitarist Conferences in which we had Phil nine out of the fifteen times as the Featured Artist. Some of the VCS students were able to spend an intimate training time with him playing his guitar and asking questions. Phil was so encouraging! Then, he performed for the 2000 VCS students during their chapels. They loved him!

Coming Events

June 14 (Sun), 5:00pm & 7:00pm

Teaching Worship Infusion workshop and performing a concert at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Campbell, 3151 Union Ave., San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 377-8930.

June 22-26 (Mon-Fri), 9:00am daily

Leading worship and fun singing with band at Community Presbyterian Church for their Vacation Bible School, 222 West El Pintado, Danville, CA 94526 (925) 837-5525.

June 28 (Sun), 9:00am & 10:45am

Leading worship with band at Community Presbyterian Church for their Sanctuary services, 222 West El Pintado, Danville, CA 94526 (925) 837-5525.

Seasons – The Change of the Fall

As summer is wrapping up for me and fall is just about to kick in, I’m so glad for each of the seasons of life. In the chorus of my song Seasons, God’s unchanging love is highlighted (click here to download the album Heartfelt Celebration):

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 In the winter’s rest, the springtime’s beauty
The summer love, and the change of the fall
You’re the only reason that I’ve come this far
And through all of my seasons
Your changeless love holds on

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I just came back from a family road trip to Canada. We visited friends, saw beautiful sites, and celebrated Sherri’s and my 30 wedding anniversary. What a great time! I’ll be posting pictures on Facebook.

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Saturday, August 2, I’ll be teaching four training workshops similar to the ones I’ve taught at the National Worship Leader Conferences, the Christian Artists Seminars in the Rockies and the Netherlands, and the Bay Area Church Workers Convention (BASS). Get all the details by CLICKING HERE. (See below)

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This week, I’m starting private lessons/coaching back up: Monday in Los Altos, Wednesday in Mount Hermon, and Thursday in San Jose. If you are interested in becoming the best you can be musically, motivated and encouraged, let me know and we’ll get started!

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This month, I’ll be doing a concert at the Abbey in Santa Cruz (Aug 9), begin teaching at Valley Christian Schools (Aug. 11), and lead worship at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos (Aug 24).

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Prayer is a critical part of all I do. It is God that radically changes lives and makes each event have an eternal impact. Thank you for praying for me and Heartfelt Music Ministry. I would be glad to pray for you specifically if you’d like to email me your request. May you see God’s changeless love through all the changes this fall.

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Four Intensive Training Workshops

Saturday, August 2, I’ll be teaching four training workshops: Creative Songwriting at 9:00am (learn the eight elements of songwriting); Leading Worship Effectively at 11:00am (this is helpful for every musician on your team); Dynamic Guitar in Worship at 1:00pm (for intermediate and advanced players); Improving Your Singing at 3:00pm. Get all the details by CLICKING HERE.

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Performing at the Abbey in Santa Cruz

Saturday night, August 9, I’ll be performing a free concert at The Abbey Coffee Lounge (350 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 8:00pm-9:30pm), sharing some new songs on the new instrumental album I’m working on and some songs from my two latest releases. It’s a casual setting where you can have some delicious coffee or tea and chat with friends. It begins at 8:00pm. No cover charge.

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Teaching at Valley Christian High School

The Valley Christian School year is starting back up next week. I’m excited to work with the worship teams, chapels, guitar classes, and symphonic band. My Mission Statement for life is to lead others toward intimacy with God and VCS is the perfect platform to do that (I consider it an extension of Heartfelt Music Ministry). The worship teams will be doing events outside of the school as well.

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“Carpe Diem” means “seize the day” (or, like ripe fruit, “pluck the day”). I’ve been taking advantage of the time I have each day, filling-out my life with the things that matter to God and to me. This week is Winter Break for Valley Christian Schools and has allowed me a good balance of relaxing, starting new things, and catching up with ministry as well as personal things.

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I’ve started a new instrumental album called Instrumental Guitar Volume 2. I’m learning cool songs by contemporary guitarists such as Andy McKee (Drifting) and Larry Carlton (Smiles and Smiles to Go). Plus, I’m writing new songs with lots of advanced guitar techniques. It’s very fun creating songs and being challenged while learning other artist’s songs.

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I’m keeping in shape physically through daily exercise (like jogging, crunches, push-ups, jumping jacks, and kicking). Keeping in shape mentally through learning French (The Duo Lingo APP for iPhone). Keeping in shape spiritually through daily Bible reading (I just finished reading through the Bible again and today I’m on Genesis 10), listening to audio books (Lead Like Jesus and RC Sproul’s Systematic Theology) which is a good way to use time in the car as I travel, currently memorizing Romans 12:1-5, and lots of prayer.

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My family is doing well. The boys are enjoying majoring in Animation/Illustration at SJSU (check out one of Brandon’s paintings above). We’ve been playing some Halo 4 recently which is a fun bonding time. Sherri continues to take care of us boys and is busy creating center-pieces for Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Women’s Retreat. Earlier this week, we went out to dinner for a “date night” in Santa Cruz.

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Please, continue to pray for balance in my life, protection and health for my family, and God’s favor in all we do. May God enrich your personal life as you stay close to Him in all you do.

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I hope this Christmas is filled with meaningful moments with family and a strong sense of “making room” for Jesus.  As the Christmas carol Joy to the World exhorts, “Let every heart prepare Him room!”  Though times are tough and we wish things could be different, let’s turn to the One who is in control and worship Him.  This Christmas, may you have a “Mary Christmas!”

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Our family had a wonderful summer doing day trips to places like San Francisco and Carmel.  But, the summer went by way too fast.  We’re already well into the fall and the days of sleeping in to 8:00am every day are long gone.

Brandon and Austin are full-on doing Animation and Illustration at San Jose State University.  The middle picture above was taken from our back yard during a sunset a few weeks ago (this photo is unedited).  I’m so grateful to have a home in Mount Hermon!

Personally, I am thriving.  There are three guys that regularly pray with me and hold me accountable to stay close to Christ and make sure first things are first.  Even though life is very busy, I’m doing what I enjoy and I’m staying disciplined to daily include those things that keep me on track and “sharpen the saw”  (daily Bible reading, daily exercise, eating right, time with family, and reading specific books and magazines).  I’m in the gospel of Luke right now being reminded of Jesus’ power and wisdom.  I just saw Gravity with my boys this weekend and enjoyed time with them.  Sherri and I have been working inside and outside this weekend taking care of things around the house.  Sherri empowers us boys in so many ways.  I have a song on my new album coming out soon called, Sherri, My Love. which sings how thankful I am of her, as one line says, “Through all these years, we’ve had so much fun…,” so true.

Thank you for your prayers and encouraging notes here and there.  Life is not always as smooth as we’d like it.  This last year has been a tremendous challenge for us financially.  But, God is sustaining us.  As I pray for students and teachers at school, my private guitar students, family, Heartfelt Music board members, those I meet at events, and special people God brings to mind, I would love to pray for you as well.  If you need that little extra prayer, let me know.

On this wonderful  journey of life, I am still in awe of how God is so gracious, so in control, and how He continues to work things out for good (Rom. 8:28).  I had a great year at Valley Christian Schools and it just finished up last week.  Now, summer is off to a good start with friends staying over and doing some fun things with family.  It has been such a blessing to live at Mount Hermon.  Sherri and I have always had a special care for this community.  I was the president of the Mount Hermon Community for 4 years and then took a 4 year break.  I was just voted in as the president again just a couple of weeks ago.  Brandon finished his third year at San Jose State University.  He loves to paint and draw.  Austin just graduated from Valley Christian High School.  He also loves to paint and draw.  I’m so proud of them!  Sherri continues to work at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center as the Guest Accommodations Specialist preparing the cabins for summer lodging.  I still read at least a chapter of the Bible each day (I’m in Ezekiel right now) and regularly memorize scripture and meet with prayer partners for support.  I covet your continued prayers for me, my family, and opportunities to daily share the love of Jesus with others.