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 – http://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 http://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 http://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]
http://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.

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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.

Picture of Reggie by Bryan Morrison

As Executive Director of  Heartfelt Music, I am training and encouraging Christians throughout the country.  But locally, I’m teaching music to over 55 students between private lessons and group courses at four different Christian Schools as well as Guitar Showcase in San Jose.  Ten hours a week, I’m ministering with First Presbyterian Church in Hayward as their Choir Director and Traditional Service Director.  Next week, I’ll be teaching guitar workshops at the National Worship Leader Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Later this month, I’ll be leading worship for the Mount Hermon Men’s Retreat (Oct. 22-24).  It’s been a busy month, but it’s a joy to daily be used by God in significant ways continuing to have a high impact on many lives.

I’ll be doing two concerts in the next couple of months, 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.  Hope to see you there!

• Concert & Training in Richmond
  October 16 (Saturday) – First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, CA. Family worship and concert.  Reggie will be sharing in concert at 7:00pm.  There will also be a Leading Worship Effectively & Team Building workshop Saturday, October 16 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm with breakout sessions from 4:00pm to 5:00pm on Voice, Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, and Sound.  The cost is only $10.00 and includes dinner from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.  You can make a whole day of it. For more information contact the church office at (510) 234-0954.

• Concert in Los Altos
  November 14 (Sunday) – Bridges Church (formerly known as First Baptist Church of Los Altos), CA. Family worship and concert.  Reggie will be sharing in concert at 7:00pm. For more information contact the church office at (650) 948-5698.

I am teaching more private lessons this fall in San Jose, Los Altos, San Ramon, and Mount Hermon. Here’s a quote from Ted Kroger who is a current student.

“I have been Reggie’s student for about 18 months. I had been playing guitar for years but I had hit a plateau in my growth. A friend of mine handed me one of Reggie’s CDs, and I decided to take lessons. I wanted to learn more right-hand techniques and chord voicings so I could play improvisationally and apply them in songwriting. Having Reggie as a teacher has helped me make the most out of a limited amount of practice time.  Reggie’s enthusiasm for teaching guitar has been constant long after our first impressions. Each lesson, after a robust greeting, we begin by reviewing a bit of my progress from last time. Often I’ve told him in advance where I’ve been struggling or what I’d like to learn next, so he has come well-equipped with handouts that aid in retention. He even sends me a downloadable video summary of each lesson so I can refer back to it weeks later. Reggie has taught at the collegiate level, but his teaching doesn’t get bogged down in theory. Instead he tailors lessons that move students toward the goals they’ve set, and fills in precepts of theory as they seem relevant. Reggie is a very skilled guitarist, an enthusiastic coach, and a businessman who structures things so they are very user-friendly. And his walk in Christ adds a dimension of fellowship to each class!  My wife says she has never seen me move around the fingerboard so much. And I feel more excited and confident in my playing than I’ve ever felt in my life.”

Ted Kroger,
Private guitar student with Reggie in San Jose, California

Come join the fun!  Call (925) 206-9895 to get started.

Boy Scout Jamboree Band - Austin, Reggie, Dean & Brandon

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I hope your summer has been a good one overall.  Mine has gone by so fast, but it has been great!  I can’t believe there’s only a couple of weeks left.  I took the family to Washington DC for two weeks and we had a rich time together as well as some memorable ministry events.  I am now lining up all kinds of events for September doing what I love: encouraging others through leadership, music, and training. [click here to see a list of coming events]

I’ll be doing two concerts this weekend, so I hope you can make one of them (Felton Bible Church Saturday night and Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church Sunday night).  I’ll be sharing what’s new with me as well as encouraging you in Christ (see below).

This is a new season for Heartfelt Music Ministry where, in order for more ministry to take place, I will need to raise support.  I will be raising $2,000 a month as I will be serving with Heartfelt Music Ministry full-time now.  Would you pray about supporting me and the Coates family as we devote ourselves to the Lords work in this vibrant ministry?  I will be sending another letter in a couple of days explaining it more and asking for your help.  Thank you for your consideration.  [click here to read more about donations]

I’ll be teaching a number of 8 week music courses throughout the Bay Area starting in September.  These are mostly for children and youth, yet there are a couple of beginning guitar classes for adults.  I’ll teach in Danville (band and guitar at San Ramon Valley Christian Academy), San Jose (guitar with Valley Christian Schools and Showcase Music Institute), Los Altos (voice with Los Altos Christian School), and Scotts Valley (guitar with Baymonte Christian School). [click here to find out more about the courses offered]

Mark your calendars to pray for the following events and come if you can.  You’re welcome to get involved with any of these events.  Your prayers are so much appreciated.  Here’s what’s coming:

• August 21 (Sat) – Felton Bible Church, Felton, CA [http://www.feltonbiblechurch.org].  Family worship and concert.  Reggie will be sharing in concert at 7:00pm.

• August 22 (Sun) – Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church, CA [http://www.mhpc.org/].  Family worship and concert.  Reggie will be sharing in concert at 7:00pm.
• August 29 (Sun) – First Baptist Church Watsonville, CA [http://www.fbcwatsonville.com/].  Reggie will be leading worship and sharing in concert for their special 10:30am service at Koinonia Christian Conference Center [http://gotocamp.org/].

• August 30-September 2 (Mon-Thu) – Christian Songwriters Conference, Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, CA [http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/songwriters].  Reggie will be teaching songwriting workshops and judging for the songwriting competition at the conference.  He will share in concert Monday night.

• September 3-6 (Fri-Mon) – Labor Day Family Camp Weekend, Sugarpine Christian Conference Center, CA [http://www.sugarpine.org/camps/FamilyCamp/FamilyCamp.shtml].  Reggie will be leading worship throughout the weekend.
• October 5-7 (Tue-Thu) – The National Worship Leader Conference, LCBC, Lancaster, Pennsylvania [http://www.nationalworshipleaderconference.com/home].  Reggie will be teaching both the Electric Guitar and Acoustic Guitar training workshops.

• October 22-24 (Fri-Sun) – Fall Men’s Retreat, Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, CA [http://mounthermon.org].  Reggie will be leading worship throughout the weekend.

There will be a special concert with Phil Keaggy in Monterey on Thursday, September 16^th at 7:00pm.  The concert is in honor of a recent double lung transplant for Justin Mompean.  Phil and other friends are doing the concert to help with the medical costs.  Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. [click here for more info and tickets]
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