Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours from Heartfelt Music Ministry! We’ve had a full year of training, consulting, worship leading, sharing in concert, and encouraging others through quality music. May this holiday season be restful and renewing for you.

Take a look below at how Heartfelt Music is reaching across the nation and touching the world internationally. We have many products available for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Thank you for your prayers and support! We’d love to hear from you and find out how you became interested in Heartfelt Music Ministry.

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Touching the World

I want to thank all of you receiving this eNewsletter every month and for staying involved with us. There are over 1,000 people from all over the world getting these monthly updates. I thought you’d like to hear how far this ministry reaches. Internationally, folks are reading this letter in places where I’ve ministered like Albania, Netherlands, Canada, and Mexico. Others are receiving this letter in places I’ve never been like Japan, Hong Kong, Ecuador, China, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Macau, Philippines, Brazil, and Singapore. In the US, there are folks from over 25 states getting this. We are so thankful that through this eNewsletter we are actually touching the world!

Your Gifts Are So Appreciated

Making a donation to Heartfelt Music Ministry is a wise investment. Through quality training events, concerts/worship leading events, inspiring music products, and empowering consulting, we are effectively hitting our target of leading others toward intimacy with God. Your gift is tax-deductible as we are a 501(c)3. As Bruce Blake, President of Heartfelt Music Ministry, has said, “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.” CLICK HERE to find out more about contributing.

Music Products & Lessons

My latest albums, Here & Now and Instrumental Guitar Volume 1, are available on our website, CDbaby, and iTunes. Some other projects of mine available are A Compilation of Compositions, Heartfelt Celebration, Intimacy, Take It To Heart, No Greater Love, and Living in Jesus.

You can purchase a Gift Certificate for a friend or loved one to spend on any item. The Gift Certificate can even be used for private lessons.

I am currently holding private lessons at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos, Valley Christian School in San Jose (VCS), my home in Mount Hermon, Let me know if you’d like to start in January.

A Season of Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! We have reason to have thankful hearts at all times because of Jesus, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).  In addition, this Thanksgiving season inspires us to have an extra sense of gratitude which is the perfect preparation for Christmas right around the corner. May this be a most meaningful Thanksgiving for you, your family, and your friends.

I continue to teach about 20 guitar students, lead worship at various churches, and train through workshops and consulting. I’m setting up January events now, so let me know if I can join you or your church in some way. Wrapping up a semester at Valley Christian School which has been a rewarding ministry experience. My albums and music are available at our product page, You can also download them at iTunes, CD Baby, Rapsody, Amazon and hear excerpts as well.

What I’m thankful for

There are so many things to be thankful for! I’m so thankful for my family who continues to inspire me and bring me joy; my friends both new and old who hold me accountable and spur me on to greater things; my co-workers at Valley Christian who work so hard to teach and equip a new generation of musicians and artists; for neighbors who are there when you need them; for all that God has provided; and for Jesus who continually brings eternal life to make living such an amazing experience! What are you thankful for? Take time to reflect, thanking God for all he has done for us. There may be some pretty difficult situations you’re facing, but God will bring you through as you lean on His love.

A Joyful Inspiration

As a special gift for you, click on the middle picture above and enjoy my latest instrumental called Abundant Sunshine.  May it be a joyful inspiration for you! Looking for gifts for loved ones?  Visit our products page and give a gift certificate, digital music, CD, or music book.  I have two free MP3’s available at https://gumroad.com/reggie. You’ll find my albums available there as well. Thank you for your support in this way!

Be a Vital Part of this Ministry

Any donation would be a great help to propel Heartfelt Music Ministry forward. Your gift is tax-deductible as we are a 501(c)3. Heartfelt Music comes alongside other non-profit organization and many are not doing well financially right now. We want to work with them even if it means we receive less financially. This is where your gifts come in. We can encourage others because of your gifts! Alongside Ministries in Albania, Mexico Outreach through Azusa Pacific University, and many churches that can’t afford an honorarium are examples of how your gifts have helped make our ministry possible. Would you consider making a donation and be a support in this way?

Coming Events

March 6-7 – Reggie will be teaching training workshops at the Bay Area Church Workers Convention (BASS) at Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley, CA.

April 10-12 – Reggie will be leading worship at the Men’s Retreat with Tonto Rim Christian Camp in Payson, Arizona.

April 14 – Phil Keaggy Concert at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, CA (sponsored in part by Heartfelt Music Ministry) Details and ticket sales coming in January.

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God Will Have His Way

When hard times come our way, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and lose hope. God knows. God cares. And God will make a way. Looking back on the many trials and hard times in my life, they were difficult to go through, but it was worth trusting Jesus and watching Him work “all things out for good.” I am confident that God is so powerful, come what may, He will have is way. We find renewed hope in Him.

Abundant Sunshine – New Instrumental Song

I wrote this new instrumental song with the joy of the Lord in mind. You can see it on YouTube by CLICKING HERE. This summer had some very bright, sunny days in Santa Cruz. One day, I was on the Weather Channel APP and saw where it sometimes reads “partly cloudy,” instead it read “abundant sunshine.” I thought this would be a great title to this song. One Saturday, as I was busking on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, I played this song. A man stopped me and was very excited about the two capos and upbeat music.

Bay Area Ministry with VCS Worship Teams

Encouraging others through worshipful music and sharing a living faith is what the Valley Christian High School Worship Teams are experiencing this Fall. In September, we led worship at Campbell Christian Junior High School chapel and Valley Christian Junior High School chapel. In October, we led worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church for two Sundays. It was not only inspirational for the congregation, but it was such a building time for our worship teams.

Phil Keaggy Is Coming to San Jose April 14

Get the word out! Valley Christian School is bringing Phil Keaggy in for a concert Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 7:00pm. It’s open to everyone! Tickets will be on sale beginning in January. I’m teaching two guitar classes at VCS and the program is growing. Having someone of Phil’s skill level, genuine humility, and deep faith will inspire these budding guitarists and remind all who attend of God’s creative artistic beauty. Heartfelt Music is joining with VCS to have Phil Keaggy share his passion in music and Christian faith.

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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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Encouraging Music!

I hope your 4th of July weekend has been a relaxing one! June has flown by but has been a good start to the summer. The National Worship Leader Conference was such a blessing as this is the first time they came to San Jose (June 17-19). It was great to see a number of my guitar students there. The picture above was taken Tuesday night with Israel Houghton and band. It was a refreshing night of worship. I led music for Community Presbyterian Church‘s Vacation Bible School a week ago which was a total success. Two graduates from Valley Christian High School joined the band with me, Christian Kolb on keys, and Alyssa McCoy leading vocals and hand motions. We had a blast! There were over 425 kids and over 250 volunteers to help make it a fantastic experience for the kids. Sarah Scott did a wonderful job putting together the whole event. Many kids grew closer to Jesus!
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July 6 (Sunday), I’ll be Leading worship at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos for their contemporary service, 10:45am.

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I hope to see you at one of my concerts this week! I’ll be introducing a new song, Abundant Sunshine, which is going to be on my new instrumental album. I’ll be in Los Altos July 7 (Mon), Felton July 9 (Wed), and San Jose July 13 (Sun)..Looking forward to seeing you there! (see below).
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I’ll be teaching summer guitar lessons this week only which is great for anyone who would like a one-time inspirational lesson. (see below).

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Concerts This Week

I will be performing a series of concerts throughout the Bay Area this week. Entertaining guitar work with looping and effects, meaningful lyrics/stories both humorous and challenging, and clear vocal tapestry add to the evening of encouraging music. The first one will be in Los Altos at Bridges Community Church, July 7 (Mon), 7:00pm. The second one will be in the Santa Cruz area at Felton Bible Church, July 9 (Wed), 7:00pm.  The third one will be in San Jose at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, July 13 (Sun), 7:00pm. Hope to see you at one of these!

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Discounted Guitar Lessons

This week, I will be teaching one-time discounted lessons throughout the Bay Area July 7-13 (Mon-Sun). All the available lessons are found on the Heartfelt Music Smart Events site. Sign up now to spur you on to greater ability and skill. I’ll be teaching in Los Altos both Monday (Bridges Community Church), at my home in Mount Hemon on Thursday (20 Pine Ave.), and in San Jose on Sunday (Valley Christian High School). Each lesson is 40 minutes long for $50.00 (usually 30 minutes). More than a “shot-in-the-arm,” these lessons are a shot-in-both-arms!

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Summer’s Here!

I hope this update finds your summer off to a good start! After the month of May being a long stretch for me at Valley Christian Schools, waking up daily at 5:00am, I’m now able to relax a little and sleep in. Of course, I’m still staying busy teaching private lessons, leading worship at various churches, and working on writing new songs. But, I also get time with family, gardening, fixing things, watching movies, playing games, playing tennis, and even doing more exercise. I thank God summer’s here!

During this month,  I held my student recitals, led worship at Bayside Church Woodland, and taught a Guitar Clinic for Bayside Church as well. What a great group of encouraging people. Peter Neumann is doing a great job as the worship pastor there. During the last week of June, I’ll be leading VBS music with a band for Community Presbyterian Church in Danville. With 400 kids and 280 volunteers, it’s quite a big production with lots of energy!

In July, I’ll be teaching summer guitar lessons which is great for anyone who would like a one-time lesson shot-in-the-arm (see below).

You gotta come to one of my concerts in July! I have some new songs which are going to be on my new instrumental album, Instrumental Guitar Volume 2, coming out the end of summer. I’ll be in Los Altos July 7 (Mon), Felton July 9 (Wed), and San Jose July 13 (Sun). Looking forward to seeing you there!

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One-Time Guitar Lessons in July

This summer, I’ll be teaching one-time discounted lessons throughout the Bay Area July 7-13 (Mon-Sun). All the available lessons are found on the Heartfelt Music Smart Events site. Sign up soon to spur you on to greater ability and skill. I’ll be teaching in Los Altos both Monday and Tuesday (Bridges Community Church), at my home in Mount Hermon on Thursday (20 Pine Ave.), and at in San Jose on Sunday (Valley Christian High School). Each lesson is 40 minutes long for only $50.00.

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Reggie in Concert

I will be performing a series of free concerts throughout the Bay Area in July. Entertaining guitar work, meaningful lyrics, and clear vocal tapestry add to the evening of encouragement and empowerment. The first one will be in Los Altos at Bridges Community Church, July 7 (Mon), 7:00pm. The second one will be in the Santa Cruz area at Felton Bible Church, July 9 (Wed), 7:00pm.  The third one will be in San Jose at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, July 13 (Sun), 7:00pm. Hope to see you at one of these!

Spring Recitals

The Spring recitals for my guitar students were held June 3rd at Bridges Church in Los Altos. Each student performed in front of fellow students, parents, and friends. Click HERE to see the YouTube video summary with some of the students. It is remarkable to see how each student continues to improve in their playing and performance ability. Student ages range from 10 to 65. The recitals are non-threatening and very encouraging!

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Remember!

There are some things we don’t want to forget. We have symbols to remind us of important occasions like a wedding ring (this summer marks Sherri’s and my 30th Wedding Anniversary). This weekend also marks our 20th year of living in Mount Hermon. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and it’s a special day for me. My dad was one of the 1,200 civilians on Wake Island (an architect in charge of the blueprints to build up the island). As WWII began, my dad was taken as a POW for all four years [a “good read” from my dad’s friend who was with him during that time is Jim’s Journey – A Wake Island Civilian POW’s Story].

When it comes to important things to remember, the Bible tells us to remember the Lord Jesus Christ: His life, His death, His resurrection, and His coming again (Matthew 26:26-29). Remember how deeply Jesus loves you! May He consume your life.

Thank you for your interest in what God is doing through Heartfelt Music Ministry. We’d like to give you the gift of a free digital download of my song “Remember” on the album Instrumental Guitar Volume 1 (CLICK HERE to download or just check out).

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Free Guitar Clinic at Bayside Church Woodland

Sunday, June 1, I’ll will be performing a worship concert at Bayside Church in Woodland during their 10:00am service. They meet at Pioneer High School in the morning. Then, at 1:00, I’ll be teaching a free Guitar Clinic at their office location. CLICK HERE to register. This free Guitar Clinic is an opportunity to invest in your talent on guitar. Recommended for intermediate and advanced guitarists, Reggie will share fun techniques which will enhance your playing expression and live performance. Invite your friends!

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Albums

Enjoy the free song “Remember” by clicking HERE. Both of my latest albums, Here & Now and Instrumental Guitar Volume 1, are available on our website, CDbaby, iTunes, Rhapsody, Spotify, and others  The lyrics and the stories behind the songs on Here & Now are on the Heartfelt Music Blog HERE. The stories behind the songs on Instrumental Guitar Volume 1 are on the Heartfelt Music Blog HERE.

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Worship at Valley Christian High School

The Valley Christian School year is wrapping up the end of this month and it has been such a blessing! The two High School bands have led the 1,400 students in worship during chapels every week. It’s been a delight to work with the groups, learn new songs, and see significant spiritual growth in the lives of the student body. you can hear and see a song called You Are Good by one of the worship teams at the BASS Convention in March [CLICK HERE to view].

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Life More Abundantly

In the wake of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, His words echo even today reminding us that He brings life more abundantly, “The thief comes in order to steal, kill, and destroy; but I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). We don’t have to look very far to see how the evil one, the thief, daily works to steal, kill, and destroy. But, thank God, Jesus takes dead things and brings them back to life. He takes wounded people and brings restoration and healing. Not only does he bring abundant life, He brings life more abundantly than anything else! Feel lost? He is the Savior! Feel broken? He brings wholeness! Feel fear and unrest? He is the peace-giver! Feel depressed? He brings a deeper joy!

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Turn to Jesus. Draw close to Him. Let Him put life back into your moment-by-moment experiences. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:4 & 5). Such a great reminder! [CLICK HERE to watch uplifting music videos]

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Thank you for your support both prayerfully and financially. Your involvement is so encouraging and propels us forward toward effective ministry.

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April Ministry

On April 12 & 13, I led worship with a great crew of musicians at Community Presbyterian Church‘s Video Cafe for Palm Sunday. It was a rich time of worship over three Palm Sunday services and fellowship as some of the musicians were friends going back 30 years. Private guitar lessons continue to flourish (a new student begins this week!). Valley Christian School has kept me so busy with classes both current and future which I love. They are adding a Guitar 2 class that I am developing the curriculum for. This week has been spring break and it’s so nice having free time!

July One-Time Guitar Lessons

I’m taking a break this summer from the regularly scheduled lessons, but will be teaching one-time discounted lessons throughout the S.F. Bay Area July 7-13 (Mon-Sun). All the available lessons are found on the Heartfelt Music Smart Events site. Right now, only the lessons in Los Altos and Mount Hermon are listed. The others will be listed soon. Sign up soon to spur you on to greater ability and skill. I will be performing a series of concerts as well that same week. The first one will be at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos, July 7 (Mon), 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!

Download products at Gumroad.com

You can now download 7 of my albums, 1 music book, and a Special Report on Music and Worship in the Santa Clara Valley at Gumroad.com. You can even download the song Flame for FREE, off the new Here & Now album! Gumroad.com products are slightly discounted. My two latest albums are still available on iTunes, CD Baby, Rapsody, Amazon, as well as the Heartfelt Music Product Page. Check them out and may the music encourage you and give you hope!

Coming Events

• May 4 (Sun)  Teaching a workshop called Leading Worship Effectively & Team Building at Santa Clara Alliance Church in San Jose, CA.
• June 1 (Sun)  Leading worship and teaching a guitar clinic at Bayside Church in Woodland, CA.
• June 23-27  (Mon-Fri)  Leading music with band for Vacation Bible School, Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, CA
• July 7  (Mon)  Concert at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos, 7:00pm-8:15pm.
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More events on the Heartfelt Music Calendar

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Lead Like Jesus

The way Jesus led his disciples and influenced others throughout his life is the best example for us in leading today! The principles He demonstrated were powerful and relevant. A month ago, Scott Farmer, the pastor from Community Presbyterian Church, taught on Leading Like Jesus which really captured my attention. I learned Lead Like Jesus is a book by Ken Blanchard which is also available as a CD audiobook, so I picked one up from Amazon.com and just finished it. Rick Warren and Bill Hybels helped host it. The concepts of being a servant leader and using Jesus as our prime example of how to lead has been so encouraging. Look to Jesus as you follow Him and lead others!

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Thank you for continuing to pray for me and Heartfelt Music Ministry! If God leads, join a special generous group of folks who support us financially.

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BASS Conference Reflection

The BASS Church Workers Conference was a huge success. I held three workshops on Friday, Creative Songwriting, Worship Infusion, and Dynamic Guitar in Worship at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley. On Saturday, I led a special workshop with one of the Valley Christian High School Worship Teams called Worship Band Interactive at First Baptist Church of Castro Valley. We had a great response with a lot of interaction and participation! Click on the picture above or HERE to see our opening song It Is Good.

March Ministry Update

The Santa Cruz lighthouse, pictured here last weekend with beautiful weather, is a superb example of what I want myself and Heartfelt Music to be: A guiding light to all we encounter! Besides The BASS Conference and guitar lessons, there’s been a ton of significant ministry happening at Valley Christian School. We just had the Visual and Performing Arts assembly which highlighted the Conservatory of the Arts there. It represented Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, Strings Ensemble, Ceramics, Photography, Art, and more. Teaching 3 Worship Teams, the Music Technology class, and the Intro to Guitar and Electric Bass class has been so fulfilling.

Exciting Guitar Lessons

I just added two new guitar students (welcome Kenna in Los Altos and Josiah in Mount Hermon). This makes 27 guitar students. Some have lessons every week, some have lessons every other week, and some have lessons once a month.  Each lesson is tailored to each individual to get them excited about guitar in the timing and schedule they can handle. There are more openings in Los Altos and Mount Hermon if you know someone who wants to learn guitar.

Coming Events

April 12 & 13  Helping lead music and worship with Community Presbyterian Church in Danville for their Video Cafe, Palm Sunday. More events on the Heartfelt Music Calendar

Equipping Others

Most of what Heartfelt Music Ministry does is encourage others to draw near to God (Heb. 12:2), empower them to live life to the full (Jn. 10:10), and equip them for ministry (Eph. 4;12):  Lessons, workshops, worship leading, concerts, motivational speaking…all to encourage, empower, and equip.

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BASS Conference March 7 & 8

The BASS Church Workers Conference is an affordable way to train all volunteer church workers for effective ministry. It will be at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley with one workshop up the street at First Baptist Church of Castro Valley.  They have workshops and general sessions for all volunteers: greeters, children’s workers, youth workers, pastors, music & worship, etc. I’ll be leading three workshops on Friday, Creative Songwriting (9:00 AM), Worship Infusion (10:45 AM), and Dynamic Guitar in Worship [Intermediate – Advanced] (1:30 AM). On Saturday, I’ll be leading a special workshop with the Valley Christian High School Worship Team called Worship Band Interactive (12:45 PM). This one will be at First Baptist Church so we can use the whole stage. Come by yourself or bring your whole worship team. You will be truly enriched!

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February Ministry Recap

I’ve been leading worship for 4 weekends at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville in their contemporary Video Cafe.  They have a service on Saturday afternoon and two services on Sunday morning. The people are so fun to work with. It is one of those churches where the musicians and technicians are so skillful, it takes no time at all to create outstanding arrangements to bless the Lord and the congregation. I’ll be helping again for Palm Sunday in April.

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I have 25 private students who began a new season for the new year and we’re going strong. I love working with these guitarists and love watching them improve. It challenges me to have students want to learn particular popular or classic songs as well as learn my own songs which can be pretty challenging. I am keeping my own skill level fresh by learning new songs (Drifting by Andy McKee and Smiles and Smiles to Go by Larry Carlton) and writing new songs. I’m on my way to putting together a new instrumental album…Instrumental Guitar Volume 2!

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