Staying at it!

Life seems to be busier and more full than ever whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, work, church, hobbies, recreation, chores, or finances.  It’s easy to feel pulled in so many different directions.  How do we stay focused and not get scattered?  What’s important is that we keep the main things in the forefront of our mind and heart.  Having a Mission Statement for life is a big help.  For me, it is “to lead others toward intimacy with God.”  This puts God and people as the priorities in my life!  It’s not easy to keep priorities straight, but life flows better as we are tenacious, staying at it, daily reviewing and adjusting to be pleasing to God (2 Cor. 5:9).

I continue to give private music lessons in San Jose, Los Altos, and Mount Hermon; teach music and coordinate chapels at Valley Christian School; as well as lead worship with churches throughout the Bay Area. Digital products are available for instant download as well as physical products on our Product Page. Here is a list of digital downloads.

• Book A Special Report on Music & Worship in Churches throughout the Santa Clara County (Check it out)
• 25 song music book of Reggie’s songs called A Compilation of Compositions (Check it out)
• 20 song album called Intimacy (Check it out)
• 20 song album called Heartfelt Celebration (Check it out)

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Please pray we will follow God’s leading and, in months to come, be found staying at it.

.

Upcoming Events

Mar. 8-9 (Fr-Sa) Teaching Workshops at the BASS Convention, Castro Valley
Mar. 10 (Su) Leading Worship with Redwood Chapel, Castro Valley
Mar. 17 (Su), 24 (Palm Su), 30-31 (Easter Sa-Su) Leading Worship with Community Presbyterian Church, Danville
Mar. 23 (Sa) CD Release Concert at Bridges Community Church, Los Altos
Mar. 29 (Good Fr) Leading Worship with Peninsula Bible Church, Willow Glen

Details of these events and other events are at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/

.

Finished Recording!

This last weekend, I finished recording my first Instrumental album of 10 songs.  It was a a riot trying to do this in record time.  The first time I sat down to record two weeks ago, I broke a nail and was unable to get the consistent sound needed for the new song called Remember.  So, I went to Walmart and bought some fake temporary nails for my first three fingers on the right hand.  It worked great!  However, my students thought it was a little strange.  I didn’t feel too bad knowing Phil Keaggy uses them as well.  Now, I hope to mix and master each song and have the whole package ready by the Album Release Concert March 23rd.

.

BASS Convention

I will be teaching three workshops at the Bay Area Sunday School (BASS) Convention March 8 and 9.  This year is their 50th anniversary of training church volunteers to be effective in church ministry.  They have over 200 workshops.  I’ll be teaching two on Friday – Building a Worship Band and Effective Guitar in Worship. Then, one on Saturday called Band Interactive.  I’ll be using the Valley Christian High School Worship Band to assist in demonstrating worship band techniques.  I’ve been involved with them for 10 years and find it is an excellent conference to encourage and inspire volunteers to lead use their gifts for God’s glory.

.

Album Release Concert

I would like to invite you to my Album Release Concert at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos.  I will be sharing songs and stories from my new album Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 1.  This album release concert is a celebration of my first instrumental album and my 13th album overall.  There is mostly acoustic guitar with some electric guitar with fun techniques like alternate tunings, use of capos and e-bow, in many different styles (Rock, Irish, Hendrix style, jazz, classical, easy listening). Bring friends and family.  The concert is free!  You can view one of the songs, Freedom’s Challenge at Reggie’s YouTube Channel.

Igniting Faith and Hope

Have you experienced both highs and lows recently?  Famous athletes like Lance Armstrong reveal a character that is so disappointing. Many still are experiencing financial difficulties which is very frustrating and disheartening.  Then there’s the Superbowl which is a great way to spend time with friends and family even if it’s just one day.  We can also count our many blessings where freedom stands out as one of the most precious.  I have experienced both ups and downs over the last couple of months, but my family, friends, Scripture, and God’s Spirit have been so inspiring.  A Bible verse I memorized years ago has been such an encouragement lately, “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:7-9).  We are not alone in our struggles.  The devil is actively trying to discourage us, but let’s be on the alert and stand firm in the strength of Christ.  Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith.  May He lift your spirit to new heights this month!  I am praying for you and really appreciate your prayers for me.and the ministry of Heartfelt Music.  Through worship leading at local churches, training lay-leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve others, both musical and Biblical motivational teaching, and sharing my journey and songs by way of concert artistry,  Heartfelt Music continues to ignite in others a strong faith and hope in Jesus.  I’m recording this week and next, looking forward to a new album coming out the end of this month.  Check back at our website blog for details late in the month.

New Song: You Are My God

I just finished a new song which will be on my next vocal album.  It’s called You Are My God as a strong statement that God is alive and deserves to be worshiped forever.  It’s a personal proclamation that through bad times and good times, I will worship God forevermore.  The words are, “When pain comes crashing through and hurt consumes my soul, I lift my eyes to You again.  You are my God and forevermore I will worship You!  When joy comes crashing through and hope consumes my soul, I lift my eyes to You again.”

VCS Chapels

Last week was Spiritual Emphasis Week at Valley Christian Junior High and High School.  We had both Jr. High and High School chapels everyday with a great daily speaker and music from 4 different student worship teams. The speaker was Sarah Hill who is a surfer and youth pastor from Hawaii.  She is Bethany Hamilton’s youth pastor who lost her arm from a shark attack (Soul Surfer). It was a very busy week for me as the High School Chaplain, but a very productive one as well.  To find out more about what’s happening at Valley Christian Schools, click here.

New Albums

I am working on a new guitar instrumental album to be released by the end of February with new songs such as You Drive, Tenacious, and Morning Come Lately, as well as some cover songs such as Carolyn’s Draught, Del’s Bells, and Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.  Another album being worked on right now and due to be released in March has a number of songs never recorded before such as Give Me Wings, Worthy & So Wonderful, and Flame, as well as some songs that have shaped Reggie’s life such as Make My Life a Prayer, Water Grave, and He Is Alive.

Coming Events

Feb. 3 & 10    Redwood Chapel, Castro Valley – Worship Leading

Feb. 22-24    Mt. Hermon’s Couples Retreat – Worship Leading

Mar. 8-9    BASS Convention, Castro Valley – Teaching Workshops

Mar. 10    Redwood Chapel, Castro Valley – Worship Leading

Mar. 17 & 24    Community Presbyterian Church, Danville – Worship Leading

Mar. 29 – Good Friday    Penninsula Bible Church, Willow Glen – Worship Leading

Mar. 30 & 31 – Easter   Community Presbyterian Church, Danville – Worship Leading

See all coming events at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/

Summer is almost here!  School is wrapping up for the year and already we are making plans for the summer.  The following events are ones you may want attend or let others know who may be interested: Concerts, Training in guitar, worship leading, and songwriting.  You may be interested in a few lessons as a Tune-Up.  Thank you for your encouragement and continued prayers for me and Heartfelt Music Ministry as we work in God’s strength to lead others toward intimacy with God and equip others to glorify God.

.

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 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 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 Redwood Chapel Community, 19300 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546, on Sunday, May 20^th, from 3:00pm-5:00pm.  http://www.klove.com/events/detail.aspx?i=205954

Guitar Intensives This Summer

I will be teaching six one day Guitar Intensives this summer.  Three are three for youth grades 5-12 through Valley Christian Schools and three are for adults at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center through Heartfelt Music Ministry.  The youth ones are held on Fridays from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Valley Christian High School in the Conservatory Bldg. (San Jose area).  The adult ones are held on Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center in the Fireside Room (Santa Cruz area).  Make sure you fill out an Application Form and get it in right away.  The curriculum is more intensive in order to get a lot in, but they are intentionally divided up to benefit certain age groups and skill levels.  They include three hours of instruction, a challenging training/resource book (The Complete Guitar Manual, with DVD included), a notebook, and relevant handouts.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.  We decided to identify these as Intensives rather than Camps because they are only on one day and not multiple days.

• July 7 (Sat) – Beginning Guitar Intensive (Adult), Mt. Hermon
• July 13 (Fri) – Beginning Guitar Intensive (Grades 5-12), VCHS
• July 14 (Sat) – Intermediate Guitar  Intensive (Adult), Mt. Hermon
• July 20 (Fri) – Intermediate Guitar Intensive, (Grades 5-12), VCHS
• July 27 (Fri) – Advanced Guitar Intensive, (Grades 5-12), VCHS
• August 4 (Sat) – Advanced Guitar  Intensive (Adult), Mt. Hermon

Worship Leading Camp This Summer

June 30 (Sat), 9:00am to 12:00pm – Worship Leading Camp (Adult)

This worship leading camp is a great way to develop the skill of leading others in singing and worship.  As Jim Burns has said (National conference speaker & author, President of HomeWord Ministries):  “Reggie Coates is one of the finest worship leaders in the United States.  He has the incredible ability to lead people toward a loving relationship with God through a humble and beautiful style of leadership.”   Reggie will be teaching and coaching you to be your utmost for Him.  The morning includes a challenging training/resource book, a notebook, relevant handouts, and three hours of interactive instruction.  The book is called The Worship Leader’s Handbook  by Tom Kraeuter.  Each person will lead and receive critique.    It includes three hours of instruction and sharing songs, a challenging training/resource book (The Worship Leader’s Handbook, by Tom Kreauter), a notebook, and relevant handouts for $85.00.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

Songwriting Camp This Summer

August 11 (Sat) – Christian Songwriting Camp (Adult)

We will be holding a one day Songwriting Camp this summer at the Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center Fireside Room, 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 three hours of instruction and sharing songs, a challenging training/resource book (God Songs, by Paul Baloche with Jimmy & Carol Owens), a notebook, and relevant handouts for $85.00.  All the information is at our website under courses/camps.

Reggie’s Concerts The Summer

I will be doing a number of concerts this summer throughout the Bay Area.  They are entitled “Empower” which will inspire and encourage you to allow Jesus to empower you to live life to the full!  In each location, the concerts will begin at 6:00pm Sunday evenings.  I’ll be sharing songs that haven’t been recorded yet and some favorites.  The evening will have worship songs you can sing along with.  More information can be found at  https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/ .

• July 1 (Sun) – Los Altos Concert, Bridges Community Church
• July 8 (Sun) – Castro Valley Concert & Worship Gathering, Redwood Chapel Comm. Ch.
• July 22 (Sun) – Felton Concert, Felton Bible Church
• July 29 (Sun) – Morgan Hill Concert, Morgan Hill First Presbyterian Church
• August 5 (Sun) – San Jose Concert, South Hills Community Church

Cede and Reggie Performing at Spirit West Coast in Del Mar

Cede will be performing at Spirit West Coast in Del Mar (Southern California), Friday, May 25^th.  I’ll be playing acoustic guitar and singing with a few others from Cede at the Hope Christian Bookstore tent.  We will be singing favorites from our CD and other worship songs with a motivation to live in Jesus.  For more information see http://spiritwestcoast.org/Delmar/  [The Monterey Spirit West Coast festival has been cancelled for this year.]

National Anthem at the Infineon Raceway

I’ll be playing the National Anthem on electric guitar on Sunday, July 22, to start the races.  Racers For Christ will also be holding three Chapels that morning in which I will be leading worship.  It’s a very exciting event with dragsters, funny cars, and motorcycles racing throughout the day.  Racers for Christ are leading 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.

Would You Consider Contributing to Heartfelt Music Ministry?

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 such a help.  Your tax deductible gifts enable us to minister to others who greatly desire our services but cannot afford to pay for them.  May you have a Spirit enriched summer.

Living In Jesus,

Reggie

.

In order to keep your motivation and initiative thriving from lesson to lesson, it is essential to keep a balance between discipline and desire.  Discipline is the “I will” aspect of our commitment toward learning something.  Desire is the “I want” aspect of our commitment toward learning something.  Inspired to play guitar, we get the desire and say “I want to learn that cool instrument.”  Then we embark on a journey to learn the guitar and try to be disciplined saying, “I will do what it takes to get better on the instrument.”  You must have both of these to be effective in your training (I will and I want).  You can have the I want to play all day long, but without the I will, you will never actually learn to play.  You may have the I will, but without the I want, practicing gets dull and isn’t very fun.
.

When you practice, remember why you started in the first place and get your desire ramped up.  Then let your discipline kick in and take the time necessary to make noticeable progress.  You will find more creativity and satisfaction in your playing as you keep both discipline and desire strong and in balance.

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.

.

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).

.

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)
  .

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.

.

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.

.

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.

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

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]].

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.

.

VCES Guitar Class

.

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).