.

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.

We wish you a very…

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

…and a…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Teaching music at Valley Christian Schools, leading worship at Redwood Chapel Community Church, and teaching private guitar through Heartfelt Music Ministry has been such a blessing this fall.   I prayed at the end of last summer that God would place me in “high impact” ministries to continue to train and encourage His people and build His kingdom.  He answered my prayer!  I feel so fortunate to do what I enjoy and see others use their gifts for God’s glory.

November had some added ministry with leading music for Mount Hermon’s Family Thanksgiving Retreat.  December culminated with a beautiful evening at Redwood Chapel called Festival of Carols (I played guitar), a series of concerts with Valley Christian School’s Conservatory of the Arts groups at the California Theater downtown San Jose, and completed my first semester at VCS just yesterday.  2012 will have some nice things to look forward to:  Performing a series of concerts in January & February (more info to come); leading workshops at the BASS convention in March;  in April, I’ll be joining Bob Bennett for a concert in Atascadero as well as lead workshops for M0unt Hermon’s Christian Songwriter’s Conference.

I hope you get a break to relax over Christmas and New Years.  May God’s incarnation make a significant impact on you this year as you make room for Jesus in your heart like never before.  2012 is almost here!  ~ Reggie & the HMM Board

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]].

This year looks very promising as Heartfelt Music Ministry will be doing more training, concerts, and worship leading throughout the Bay Area and nationally. Two new CDs are in the works:  A new solo album with songs never recorded and a new instrumental album with various guitar styles.  Next month, I’ll begin concerts with the band Cede which I’ve been recording with (their new CD has two of my songs on it Ain’t Nobody and Getting Stronger which you can check out at ReverbNation.com).

I just began ministering with Open Door Church in Mountain View part-time as Interim Worship Leader.  This church is an extension of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church which I have been on Staff with before.  I just finished up a fantastic four months with First Presbyterian Church of Hayward as Interim Worship Director.  What a positive experience!

Let me know if I can be of service to you this coming year through encouraging music (8 CDs available), private lessons (still teaching in San Jose, Los Altos, Danville, and Mount Hermon), speaking or worship leading (services, retreats, and special events), or a concert (even with band).

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!  Your contributions make a huge difference in keeping us moving forward.  If you’d like to be a part of what I’m up to, following me and Heartfelt Music Ministry’s activities on any of these Networks, join the “conversation” by clicking on an icon below to jump in.

Looking to Jesus (Col. 3:2),

Reggie

I now have eight of my recordings available on CDs.  People have been asking me to put my first 3 recordings on CD since they were created on cassettes only.  Now they are available!  Also, Confidence and Intimacy have been out of print for some time now, but they are available now. You can even pick an 8 CD Bundle of all my CDs available for a fantastic discount.  The CDs included are:

~ Here To Worship
~ Heartfelt Praise (Disc 1)
~ Confidence
~ Intimacy
~ Heartfelt Celebration
~ Take It To Heart
~ No Greater Love
~ Living In Jesus

Click here to go to our updated “Products Page” and order some.  You’ll hear songs such as All For You and Peace which are award winning songs recorded only on these early collections.

I have accepted a new position as Interim Worship Leader with Open Door Church in Mountain View as I continue ministering with Heartfelt Music Ministry as well. Thank you for your prayers during this decision of which position to take and continue to pray for this new adventure starting the end of December.  I’ll be finishing up as the Interim First Service Worship Director of First Presbyterian Church of Hayward at the end of this month.  It has been such a good experience and I have grown in love with the people.

Private lessons are one of the most fulfilling things I do.  Training and coaching musicians to thrive in their skill and use it to glorify the Lord.  I am teaching in Danville, San Jose, Los Altos, and Mount Hermon.  If you know of anyone who would like private lessons, let me know. [click here to find out more about lessons]

December sometimes means an end-of-the-year giving for businesses and individuals.  However, this year is pretty tight for everyone.  As you know, Heartfelt Music Ministry is partially supported by contributions, so if you feel led to give at this time, we would appreciate it so much.  We are behind this month and could use some extra help.  Thank you for your generous support!  Each gift is tax-deductible [click here to read more about donations].

John Fisher & Noel Paul Stookey Concert - Reggie on Guitar

This autumn has been filled with God-designed-moments for encouraging and training others.  I was able to play guitar for the John Fisher and Noel Paul Stookey concert.  Also, I’m doing a series of concerts in the Bay Area which has been great to see old friends and magnify the Lord through my music and testimony.  I’ve been recording with a band called Cede who has recently recorded my song Ain’t Nobody with a very “hot” gospel arrangement.  You can hear it at http://www.reverbnation.com/cedewest.

I’m teaching 20 private guitar lessons in San Jose, Los Altos, Mount Hermon, and Danville.  Do you know anyone who would like to be empowered as guitarists and go to the next level?  Here’s a quote from last week:  “Reggie, Thank you so much for your time thus far in teaching my son. It has been a blessing and a character builder. He has learned so much, not just guitar, but how to be a man of his word, sacrifice, and commitment. What a blessing!  So may the LORD bless you and strengthen you and may His face shine upon you and your family.” ~ Tiffany D.

Coming Events

I’ll be doing three concerts coming up, so I hope you can make one of them (see the events below or go to Events online).  I’ll be sharing about my faith journey as well as encouraging you in Christ.

Mark your calendars to pray for the following events and come if you can.  Here’s what’s coming:

• Concert in Los Altos
  November 14 (Sun) – Bridges Community Church (formerly known as First Baptist Church of Los Altos), CA. Family worship and concert.  Reggie will be sharing in concert at 7:00pm.
  
• Concert in Santa Rosa
  November 21 (Sun) – Spring Hills Community Church, Santa Rosa, CA. Family worship and concert.  Reggie will be sharing in concert at 6:00pm.
  
• Choir Christmas Concert with special guest David Talbot in Hayward December 5 (Sun) – First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, CA. Reggie will be directing the choir in a music presentation called “God with Us.” Special guest David Talbot will be sharing his organ/piano tapestry during the evening.   The Christmas presentation will begin at 7:00pm.
  
• Concert in Castro Valley
  December 12 (Sun) – New Life Christian Church, Castro Valley, CA. Family worship and concert.  Reggie will be sharing in concert at 6:00pm.

Support Status

In September, The Heartfelt Music Board of Directors sent an invitation for support toward me and my family to minister with Heartfelt Music Ministry in a larger capacity.  The hope was to raise $2,000 a month of support and right now it’s at $750.  What a blessing to have this support!  “Thank you” to all who are investing in this ministry.  We are short this month and could use some help.  If you would like to make a donation, simply click here.  If you know of a business that would like to make a donation to a non-profit organization, let me know. Thanks so much.

.

October was such a rewarding month for me and Heartfelt Music Ministry.  I’m continuing to touch over 60 students a week through instruction and coaching.  The National Worship Leader Conference in Pennsylvania was my third time with them encouraging over 150 worship leaders to play skillfully on both electric and acoustic guitars.  Heartfelt Music Ministry came to First Presbyterian Church in Richmond and with 6 instructors to train and equip in Effective Worship Leading.  It went very well and ended with me giving a concert (which some songs made it to YouTube.com through a student’s phone camera).  Also, I’ve been recording with a talented band called Cede headed up by Scott Metcalf and they have recorded two of my songs with a Gospel flavor that rocks (Getting Stronger and Ain’t Nobody).  Hopefully a CD will be out soon.