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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March has been a full month with the Church Workers BASS Convention at the beginning of the month and the three events at the end of the month (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday).  I sang in the BASS Vocal Ensemble with Tommy Walker and band.  It was good to help the Music and Worship workshop section improve by organizing the courses and instructors.  One participant had an encouraging word, “Reggie, I just wanted to tell you that my sister, Kelly Thrift, and I attended work amazing and informative  workshop on Band Interactive.  We absolutely loved it.  I got so much good information and ideas out of that workshop.  Just wanted to thank you for your time and the energy you put into the workshop.  Respectfully, Terrie”  The whole conference was a success and had a great turn out.
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I began a group guitar course for beginning guitarists (grades 4-8) called Fun Guitar Class 2.  It is a continuation of the Fun Guitar Class 1 which just ended.  I’m continuing private guitar lessons in Alamo, San Jose, and Los Altos.  I performed and taught at San Ramon Valley Christian Academy’s middle school chapel the end of March.  It was received well and the students were so encouraging.

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I grouped Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter into a three part emphasis called “Reliving Resurrection.”  On Palm Sunday we focused on Receiving Christ with the Jesus saying “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).  On Good Friday we focused on Remembering Christ with Jesus saying “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).  On Easter, we focused on Rejoicing in Christ with Jesus saying “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).  Jesus is all about life!  May you daily live in His resurrection power.
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Hoping you’re having a good start to the 2010 new year.  There are many developments  through Heartfelt Music Ministry, opportunities for you to be encouraged, and a few requests for prayer.  God is leading the way and opening doors for ministry and training others for ministry.

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I will be doing an intimate concert this Sunday night at Creekside Community Church in Alamo (6:30pm-8:00pm) sharing stories through multiple guitars and voice with brand new songs and favorites too.  This Wednesday, I’ll begin two beginning guitar8 week courses for 5th-8th grade students called Fun Guitar Class 1.  One is in Scotts Valley (Baymonte Christian School, 7:30am) and the other in Alamo (Creekside Community Church, 5:00pm).  January 25th begins an online two week course called Essential Guitar Worship Series: Strumming and Finger Picking, Level 1 .  I’m also working on the continuing Level 2 course for intermediate guitarists.  Mark your calendars for the BASS Convention Thu-Sat, March 4-6, at Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley.  I’ve helped expand the Worship/Music workshops from 6 classes last year to 15 this year.  Key leaders involved for this year is Luis Palao, John Ortberg, and Tommy Walker.  This year, I’ll be singing in the conference vocal ensemble.  I’m continuing with private music lessons in San Jose, Los Altos and Alamo.  There are some openings in each location for lessons.  We have some good discussions on the Guitar Notes Christian Forum and welcome your input.

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Continue praying for each avenue of ministry as it’s all about giving God the glory.

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Touching people’s hearts and guiding them to Jesus is and has been the thrust of our ministry. I’m doing more discipling either by getting together one-on-one with individuals or small group workshops/lessons. I’m praying for each person and ask you to join with me in prayer to build God’s kingdom one life at a time.
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I’m teaching an 8-week beginning guitar class for 4th & 5th graders in Alamo starting tomorrow. These students are precious and I wish you could see their enthusiasm (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/courses/ ). I’m teaching private music lessons in Los Altos, San Jose, and Alamo which are going very well. I currently have 10 students excited to use their talents toward God’s glory (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/academy/coaching/ ).
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I’ll be training the worship team at First Baptist Church of Salinas October 24 with a workshop called Leading Worship Effectively and Team Building (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/workshops/ ). Then the next day, I’ll be teaching and leading worship in their services at 9:00am and 10:30am. You’re welcome to join us if you’re in the area (more info at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/ ).
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The ministry and people of Creekside Community Church is where I spend most of my time right now as the Associate Pastor. Investing in the Worship & Arts Ministry and four great guys is so enjoyable and very rewarding (Dustin, the Children’s Minister; Tim, the Middle School Minister; Sean, the High School Minister; and Dana, the High School Worship Intern. More info at http://creeksidechurch.com/ ).
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For those who support Heartfelt Music Ministry with your prayers, thank you so much. It’s God’s answers to your prayers that make this unique organization a powerful and high impact ministry to others. For those who support Heartfelt Music Ministry with your financial contributions, thank you so much too. Your gifts put feet on this ministry to enable us to do the work needed and continue to touch people’s lives (to donate and receive a tax deduction, go to https://heartfeltmusic.org/about/ and scroll to the bottom of the page).
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I know these times are difficult for almost everyone, but keep looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).  We worship the God who daily offers hope and joy.

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Most of my ministry efforts has been with Creekside Community Church (Alamo).  But there has been a steady stream of meaningful ministry encounters with Heartfelt Music Ministry.  Besides private lessons and the monthly Christian Guitarist Fellowship,  June had me doing coffee shop concerts;  July had a Worship Conference in Castro Valley; August had a High School ministry reunion for Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley and the Mount Hermon Songwriter’s Conference; and the beginning of September had the last monthly Christian Guitarist Fellowship.  Thank you for your prayers through it all.

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Happy 4th of July everyone! As we celebrate our independence as a country, let’s commit anew our dependence on Jesus.  What a collision of freedom and fulfillment!
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There’s been some wonderful events in June with the Christian Guitarist Fellowship, an instrumental concert at Yellow Wood Coffee & Tea, and private lessons in both Danville and Los Altos.  Also, I’m beginning my second year with Creekside Community Church and it is such a blessing.  I oversee the Worship & Arts Ministry and work with the three pastors in the Student’s and Children’s ministries.  I taught on Love (1 Corinthians 13:7 & 8a) in the main service last month and will teach on Trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-8) July 26th.  There’s a lot of ministry opportunities with good people to work with.  Please, pray for God’s continued blessing.
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Ministry Update & Coming Events

Tomorrow, July 5, is our 6th monthy Christian Guitarist Fellowship.  Hope you can make it from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Creekside Community Church in Alamo.  I know many are out of town because of the 4th of July weekend.  But if you’re around  glean from fellow guitar players and share with them what you’re learning.  We have some good stuff planned!
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One of the best (and most affordable) two-day training conferences is Friday & Saturday, July 24 & 25.  The Lift Him Up Worship Training Conference is for all who are involved in the various aspects of woship.  Some of the training workshops cover:  Soundboard Techniques; Acoustic Guitar; Lead & Electric Guitar; Drums and Rhythm Section; Bass Guitar; Vocal; Worship Band Techniques; Platform Techniques; Worship Team Leading; The Meaning of True Worship; Genres of Worship; Prayer Worship; and Expressive Worship.  I am one of the featured presenters and workshop instructors for the conference.  Mark Kenoly and Kingdom Voice are also featured artists and instructors. The cost is very affordable at $25.00 per person for the two days of training and concert Saturday night at 7:00pm.  For more information contact New Life Christian Church at (510) 889-1304 or visit www.newlifechristianchurch.com .
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Are you a songwriter?  You won’t want to miss the Christian Songwriters Conference at the Mount Hermon Conference Center, August 31 – September 3 (Sun-Thu).  Write, learn, eat, and play!  Located in the breathtaking coastal redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this conference immerses you in songwriting with a close knit community of artists. Experience 3 plenary teaching sessions and 8 elective classes with experienced songwriters like Shane & Shane, Don Moen, Sara Groves, Charlie Peacock, Israel Houghton, and Joy Williams.  I will be one of the reviewers for the  songs submitted for competition and I’ll be teaching workshops throughout the week.  For more info:  http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/songwriters .
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In addition to private lessons in Los Altos and Danville, I’ll be an instructor with the Showcase Music Institute in San Jose (which is a part of  Guitar Showcase) beginning in the fall.  The cool thing about these lessons is that they will be twice a month with the addition of as many workshops as you’d like throughout the month.  Each instructor gives one workshop a month which is open for all the students to attend for free as a part of the lesson package (since there are about 15 instructors, you could take up to 15 workshops).  It’s great for those who want more than the hour a month I’ve been offering.  I’ll tell you more as it gets closer.  Let me know if you’re interested as there is limited availability.  Check out their site:  http://guitarshowcase.com under Lessons.
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Personal Update & Prayer Request

As a family, we’re doing really well.  We love to spend time together and have a lot of fun when we do.  Brandon has been busy doing things with new friends and attending camps and retreats.  He continues to draw daily.  Austin is enjoying summer with Tae Kwon Do, Gumdo, archery, gaming, and chess.  Both of them ended the year very well scholastically with straitht “A”s.  Sherri and I are very proud of them.  Sherri continues to be the best mom and wife in the universe which keeps her busy.  We’ve been affected by the economy, as many are struggling to make ends meet nowdays, so we’re having to change housing to something more affordable for us.  Please, pray for our transition which may take a few months.
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Your continued interest and involvement in Heartfelt Music Ministry is very much appreciated!  Drop me a note on Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace anytime.  May God richly bless you throughout this month with all the unique things that summer brings your way.

~ Reggie

The summer holds some concerts and conferences you may not want to miss.

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Christian Guitarist Fellowship

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The Christian Guitarist Fellowship is a monthly event for all Christian guitarists the first Sunday of each month, 2:00pm-4:00pm . Everyone is invited from beginners to advanced players.
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(CANCELED) Reggie Concert & Family Movie Night  (CANCELED)

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This concert has been postponed to early Fall.

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Yellow Wood Coffee & Tea,
Reggie’s Guitar Instrumental Music

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Reggie will be performing a variety of instrumental music on acoustic guitar (jazz, classical, rock, celtic, and easy listening).  He’ll be using his entertaining effects and musical artistry. Come on by to relax and enjoy the music. It’s free!

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Lift Him Up Worship Training Conference

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The “Lift Him Up” Worship Training Conference is for all who are involved in the various aspects of worship.  Reggie Coates, Mark Kenoly and the band Kingdom Voice are the featured artists and instructors.

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Mount Hermon’s Christian Songwriters Conference

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WRITE, LEARN, EAT, & PLAY Located in the breathtaking coastal redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this conference immerses you in songwriting with a close knit community of artists.

Sugarpine Christian Conference Center’s Father & Son Retreat

This last weekend went very well as I led the men and boys in singing and worship.  It was a “Mountain Men” fishing retreat with lots of fun activities and the singing and teaching time were spiritually inspiring.  Scott Simmerok, from San Jose First Baptist, did a fine job speaking.  I took my son’s with me and had one of the best times together.  Some families had been coming to the camp for 10 to 15 years.  It was great to see familiar faces as I’ve led worship there about 6 years.
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Online Guitar Lessons with MusicDojo.com

My first guitar lessons online really worked!  I wasn’t sure how they were going to work out, but the two week beginner’s course on Strumming and Finger Picking was a success.  A student from Portugal enjoyed the class and wrote, “I had a really nice time at the course.  It brought my practice routines again.  The course is very well structured, I think it’s pretty cool!  It´s been a pleasure to study, as well as interact with you!”  This course was the first in MusicDojo.com’s new series called Essential Worship Guitar.
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Creekside Community Church

Ministry with Creekside Community Church has been busy but fulfilling.  Easter, as well as the week before, was a good way to zero in on what Christianity is all about:  Jesus as King, the cross, and the resurrection.  Our four services (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and two on Easter) reflected the celebrative and somber moods of each event and highlighted the life of Christ in us (Galations 2:20).  I’m enjoying working with the people and organizing each worship service.  We are currently going through 40 Days of Love and the musicians are studying the book The Missing Element of Worship:  What’s Love Got to Do with It? by Tom Kraeuter.
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Heartfelt Music Board Conference Call

We had a conference call a couple of weeks ago to catch up with the personal happenings of the Board members and keep the momentum going for Heartfelt Music Ministry.  I love those guys and appreciate their prayers and thoughtful insights as they oversee this ministry.  The economic crisis we’re in right now is affecting everyone.  Fortunately, faith and the “heart” of things really come out during hard times.
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Private Lessons & Coaching

I approach each lesson as I do most things with the attitude of, “What would I want if it were for me?” (Do unto others…).  So, each student gets the best treatment in lessons, better than anything out there.  Of course, learning is largely based on the student themselves.  But, the lessons are top notch with tailored coaching toward personal goals, multi-media interaction during the lesson, quality resources and materials, multiple emphasis (guitar, songwriting, voice), a Lesson Summary Video, and communication throughout the month.  I’m stepping it up because that is what I would want.  My students appreciate it!