A Hymn of Praise to God

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.” ~ Psalm 40:3

I’m very excited to be working on a new album this summer! Ever since I became a follower of Christ, at 12 years old, music has been an important part of my faith. I sang in the church choir in junior high and started leading worship in high school. Hymns have always been a meaningful influence on my spiritual journey. It’s with great joy that I get to record 10 beautiful hymns. They are some of my favorite hymns simply produced with vocal tapestry and acoustic guitar harmonies. It should be completed before the holidays. I’ll let you know more in the September newsletter. I appreciate your prayers as this comes to fruition. It’s my desire that many will be drawn to worship and trust in the Lord.

Summer Concerts Prove a Godsend

This summer has been such a blessing through the six concerts at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. The artists ministered from their hearts through musical excellence and powerful stories behind each song. We had record numbers of people coming to each concert being encouraged and transformed.

Recording Is Moving Forward

My new album, called Hymns for Worship, is in the middle of being recorded. I’ve recorded the guitar parts over the summer and will be doing the vocal parts next. I’ve really enjoyed revisiting these familiar and powerful songs that have blessed so many people over the years. This music is in a meditative easy-listening style.

Starting Guitar Classes at VCHS

This week marks the start of a new school year at Valley Christian School. I’ll be teaching guitar and creating online devotionals for the Conservatory faculty. Earlier this week, I changed the strings on 25 guitars and prepared 25 electric bass guitars with the help of some gracious students. Looking forward to the school year.

Upcoming Events

Training & Teaching

Heartfelt Music Ministry is about Music, Leadership, and Training. In the May newsletter, I highlighted the “Leadership” aspect of what we do through mentoring worship leaders, guiding young people in faith and musicianship and leading congregations in authentic worship of God. In the June newsletter, I highlighted the “Music” aspect of what we do through concerts, albums, videos, sheet music and lessons. This month, I’m highlighting the “Training” aspects of what we do. There is definitely overlap with each area of Music, Leadership, and Training, but through it all we are focused, intentional, and working hard to equip musicians, inspire followers of Christ and glorify God in all we do.

The perfect snapshot to guide us in our ministry is King David’s organization of the Levites for musical service. 1 Chronicles 25:7 reads, “They were well-trained and skilled in music, all of them masters at their craft.” This is what we’re after. Heartfelt Music® Academy is another name for our training programs and resources. For 15 years, we produced the Christian Guitarist Conferences, training over 300 guitarists each year. Although we do not hold these conferences now, we have other methods to train and equip musicians to excel in their artistry. We emphasize Training & Teaching through videos, lessons, workshops, and an coming comprehensive guitar course. I am developing a number of video series/playlists on various essential topics.

• Music Theory Insights: There will be 35 short videos teaching how to read music mostly through the application called MusicTheory.net. The first 7 are available at this time.
• Worship Leading Insights: Prominent worship leaders give advice on leading worship. This is one blessing that came from the whole COVID experience. Examples of contributors are:
  • Bob Kauflin, author of the book Worship Matters.
  • Rory Noland, author of the book The Heart of the Artist.
  • Tom Kraeuter, author of the book The Worship Leader’s Handbook.
• Songwriting Insights: There are two videos available at this time with graduates from Valley Christian High School that are using songwriting as a primary part of their ministry.
  • Breanna Rhea, Worship Director with Echo Church.
  • JJ Heller, singer, songwriter, performing artist.
• Guitar Playing Insights: This coming series covers short “how-to” videos on fun techniques like slides and bends, fingerstyle and tapping, capos and looping, tuning the guitar and an explanation/demonstration of using various guitars (electric, acoustic, nylon-string, and 12-string).
• Highlighted Guitarist Insights: There will be 49 videos that track with my Complete Guitar Course. From Phil Keaggy to Jimi Hendrix, this series highlights 49 guitarists that have made a huge impact throughout the years. This will only be available through my Complete Guitar Course.

Two workshop training videos (Worship Band Training and Vocal Training) are available on my YouTube Channel.

Thank you for following Heartfelt Music® Ministry and keeping us in your prayers. God continues to do His amazing work in the lives of those we minister with.

Reading Music

No matter what your skill level is as a musician, it’s always an advantage to be able to read music and understand how scales and chords are constructed. This series called Music Theory Insights has short videos that clearly explain music notation and concepts using MusicTheory.net.

Dynamic Lessons

Watch this video, an example of my instruction on multiple guitar techniques with electric guitar. I’m teaching on Tuesdays late afternoon and evenings. If you would like to accelerate your learning and reach new heights in your music journey, contact me at [email protected]

Reggie’s Albums

These albums are available as physical CDs though our website, digital albums though Gumroad.com, or worldwide through streaming platforms such as Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, YouTube, etc). You can purchase them at Gumroad.com and help us create more music.

Music Endeavors

Summer is here and I hope you’ll get some fun in the sun with time to relax and be refreshed!
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Heartfelt Music Ministry is about Music, Leadership, and Training. Last month, I highlighted the “Leadership” aspect of what we do through mentoring worship leaders, guiding young people in faith and musicianship, and leading congregations in authentic worship of God. Next month, I’ll highlight the “Training” aspect of what we do. This month, I’m highlighting the many “Music” aspects of what we do.
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My Concerts – I’ve been performing live concerts since I was in high school, but ever since COVID I’ve mostly been doing online concerts. Online concerts can reach more people. Currently, there are 14 recorded and available to view on my YouTube Channel. I’ll be doing another Home Concert Sunday, August 16, at 5:00pm, which will introduce the songs I’m recording on my new worship album.
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Mount Hermon Summer Concerts – Join us for Worship in the Redwoods! Heartfelt Music helps produce these concerts. You’re invited to enjoy them in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains for a free evening of music, worship, and community. They will be on Saturdays at 6:30 PM (Starting June 20th) in the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s main auditorium. Admission is free, but seating is limited! Please reserve your spots in advance via iTickets. For the full schedule and ticket links, visit Mounthermon.org/summerconcerts. Here is ta list of the up-coming artists:
6/20 – The Katinas
6/27 – The Heritage Singers
7/11 – Nichole Nordeman
7/18 – Phillips, Craig and Dean
7/25 – Fernando Ortega
8/1 – Sandi Patty
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Albums and Videos – I have produced 19 albums over the years and I’m working on a new one with 10 of my favorite worship songs by others. There are currently eight albums available to purchase or just listen to on YouTube, Spotify, and other music platforms. I have 53 videos of me performing individual songs at Reggie’s Songs Playlist.
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Sheet Music – I have written out 16 of my songs as complete manuscripts of Music Notation, Guitar Tab, and Chord Diagrams. The latest is No Greater Love. You may be interested in some of my popular songs like Ain’t Nobody and Mary Christmas, or some of my newer songs like I’ll Worship with My Life and Time with You. The melody lines are written out to those songs with vocal parts.
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Private lessons – Thoughout the year, I teach private lessons for guitar, bass guitar, voice, songwriting, music production, and worship leading. These lessons are tailored to your needs, incorporating video, detailed explanations, and a wealth of resources to help you reach your goals.
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Guitar studies – I am the Director of Guitar Studies at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California, and enjoy helping students with their music interests during the school year.
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Heartfelt thanks!
I appreciate your interest and involvement in this ministry! Your prayerful support, listening to songs, watching videos, and engaging in concerts is such an encouragement to me.

Summer Private Lessons Available

Now that Valley Christian High School is out for the Summer, I have a little more time for private lessons. I’ll be teaching online through MOOZ (an application like ZOOM, but for musicians) on Tuesdays late afternoon and evenings. If you would like to accelerate your learning and reach new heights in your music journey, contact me at [email protected]

Reggie’s New Worship Album

I’m working on a new worship album with ten meaningful songs from other songwriters that have influenced me over the years. I’m planning on performing a Home Concert Sunday, August 16, at 5:00pm, with those songs and stories of how they’ve touched my heart and how I’ve used them to encourage others. I’ll let you know more details in the July newsletter.

No Greater Love Fully Written Out

Seeing music written out is such an advantage to learning songs. This is why I have written out 16 my songs with music notation, guitar tablature, and chord diagrams. It’s easy to see the guitar and vocal techniques I use in each song. I just wrote out my song No Greater Love. It’s available to purchase at Gumroad.com as a PDF download.

Upcoming Events

• Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series
  June through August (Saturdays, 6:30pm). Six Saturdays of incredible music in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Concerts are free, but you will need to register through iTickets. Click HERE to watch the promo video.
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• August 16, 5:00pm (Sun)
  Autumn Home Concert and new album release. Mark your calendars to enjoy this online live Home Concert. More details to come.

Leading Students

This school year is quickly coming to a close. I’ve really enjoyed leading students in the art of music. I’ve had the honor and responsibility to influence them musically and spiritually whether it’s through teaching in the classroom, giving private lessons, or leading worship at various gatherings. Helping them find perspective, passion, and purpose in life, builds their self-esteem and guides them to find their “voice” in the world.
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It’s Teacher Appreciation Week at Valley Christian Schools and it has been rewarding and uplifting to have others notice and appreciate the time and energy the teachers put in. I received this email from our High School Principal earlier this week: “I wanted to personally thank you for the commitment and character you bring to the hill each day. Teaching is not just a job. It is a life calling to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation…Thank you for the compassion and strength you model to our students so consistently…I see Jesus in you and it blesses me…Thank you for the difference you make every day.” ~ Dr. Jennifer Silva, Valley Christian High School Principal
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Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement over the past months and years. May God encourage you and help you sense His working through you in all you do.

Classes Busking in Santa Cruz

The Guitar 2 and 3 classes performed in Santa Cruz last Friday getting experience with busking in front of people they didn’t know. As one of my students said, “Busking is more than just playing guitar on the street. It’s about bravery, creativity, and human connection. It shows that music doesn’t have to be on a big stage to matter—it can happen anywhere, even on a busy sidewalk.” Click HERE to watch the video.

Teaching Guitar and Electric Bass

I’ve been enjoying teaching guitar and electric bass at Valley Christian for 15 years now. Some students have continued with private lessons after they graduate. Mentoring students has been so fulfilling! They grow in confidence, skill, music artistry, and creativity. The guitar enables them to express themselves, write their own songs and stories, and feel creative in a supportive community.

The Complete Guitar Course

I have written the UC approved guitar courses for Valley Christian Schools and last summer I began working on a guitar course for Heartfelt Music Ministry. It will consist of 49 lessons, beginning through advanced, and include every guitar technique you can imagine, as well as songs, music theory lessons, and highlighted guitarists for each lesson like Phil Keaggy, Ed Sheeran, and Eddie Van Halen.

Upcoming Events

He Is Alive!

Life can get super busy and sometimes we miss what’s important. Easter is coming! It’s a perfect time to stop and reflect. We are loved, forgiven, and empowered by Jesus Himself. Take a moment to let this reality sink in. My two favorite Easter songs are He’s Alive by Don Francisco and Shout for Joy, which I wrote. They will help prepare you and inspire you for the impact of Jesus’ resurrection in your life. You can view them on my YouTube channel by clicking the links below. May this Easter be extraordinarily meaningful for you.

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Thank you for your faithful prayers and generous support. Because of you, I have courage and focus to continue these meaningful ministry endeavors.

Song – Shout for Joy

I wrote this song for Easter to be a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was 12 and He has shown up in every aspect of my life. He has empowered me to get through life’s ups and downs with so much joy and fulfillment. Click here to watch!

Song – He’s Alive

This is a performance of me singing Don Francisco’s song He’s Alive. It’s the story of Peter the Apostle’s experience of denying Jesus, feeling total despair, then seeing Jesus right in front of him showing him undeniable love and forgiveness. He is alive! Click here to watch.

Mount Hermon Summer Concerts

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6/20 – The Katinas
6/27 – Heritage Singers
7/11 – Nichole Nordeman
7/18 – Phillips-Craig-Dean
7/25 – Fernando Ortega
8/1 – Sandi Patty

Character & Integrity

I have written an article under the Think about It section on the Heartfelt Music website to guide and challenge you with a thoughtful look into what character and integrity means. CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Character and integrity are not merely abstract concepts. They are values that are lived out and permeate every interaction we have, both personally and professionally. As individuals who create and inspire through our artistic expressions and daily lives, fostering a commendable character and unwavering integrity becomes essential not only for our development but for the positive influence we can have on others.

Character encompasses the collection of traits that define a person. These attributes can span various domains such as the physical, emotional, mental, and moral. Together, they serve as a framework through which others perceive us, determining whether we are seen as having a commendable character or a reprehensible character. A person characterized by commendable qualities displays honesty, helpfulness, and respect for others. Such individuals are often viewed as reliable and trustworthy, making their presence uplifting and inspiring. The moral and personality traits that contribute to good character act as guiding principles, directing behavior in a way that is aligned with ethical standards.

Integrity represents a commitment to honesty and maintaining consistent moral principles. It is a trait marked by the ability to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Integrity demands a convergence of one’s actions, values, and character, reinforcing reliability and ethical behavior. Integrity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being whole (the word actually comes from the Latin integer, meaning “intact” or “whole number”).

May you experience “wholeness” and integrity in your life and character.

Private Lessons & Coaching Online

Would you like to take your guitar playing to the next level? I am teaching both children and adults online and in person, both acoustic and electric guitar and electric bass guitar. Do you know a friend or family member who would like to take lessons? I am teaching on Tuesdays through May and would love to help you in your music endeavors. Email me if you have any questions.

Devotionals to Encourage You

One of my responsibilities with Valley Christian Schools is to coordinate and create online devotional videos for those who can’t make the devotions in person. There are about 75 of these faith building videos on a YouTube Playlist open to the public. From topics like “Identity in Christ” to “Meaningful Interruptions,” you can be encouraged too.

Vocal Workshop for Singers

Working with musicians who either lead singing in churches or love to sing while playing guitar, there’s always a desire to improve. I recorded a vocal training workshop for a church and now I’m making it available for everyone. I explain the elements of great vocal production, problems to avoid, how to sing with confidence, and more. I majored in Vocal Performance in college and love to sing!

Coming Events

• 6/20 – The Katinas
• 6/27 – Heritage Singers
• 7/11 – Nicole Nordeman
• 7/18 – Phillips, Craig, and Dean
• 7/25 – Fernando Ortega
• 8/1 – Sandi Patty

Partner with Us in Ministry

I hope you’ve been enjoying the summer? Sherri and I celebrated our 41st Wedding Anniversary last week with an afternoon on the beach in Capitola enjoying the warm sunshine and cool ocean breeze.

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Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. We would not be able to do what we do without you. We are continuing our crowd-funding opportunities to help enhance our message of hope. Your support helps us continue this mission:

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– To train and equip the next generation of worship leaders and musicians.
– To bring music ministry to churches, prisons, shelters, hospitals, and others.
– To produce Spirit-led music that inspires faith and uplifts weary souls.
– To lead worship where it’s needed most—without worrying about finances.

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One family who has been supporting Heartfelt Music Ministry every month for years wrote me last week:

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“Reggie, for many years, you and Sherri have been continuously family friends. You sang at our wedding, which made our day very special. We have lost both our parents and a brother within the last few years and Heartfelt Music has uplifted us and helped us through our sadness. Two of our favorite songs that you wrote are Stand Firm and Be Strong and Slow Me Down. We pray that Heartfelt Music Ministry, through you, will continue to grow and bring people closer to the Lord.”
~ John and Karen Mobley

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Will you partner with us in ministry and make a donation today? You can contribute with confidence knowing your funds are being used for ministry purposes. Every dollar will be going to Heartfelt Music Ministry.

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Anticipating Hope

Thank you for taking time to read this Newsletter, celebrate our successes, and consider how you can help us spur on hope through music. Heartfelt Music Ministry has been inspiring bright hopefulness for over 25 years. Lives have been transformed eternally because of the message and music we share in so many ways. This Sunday, we will be kicking off a remarkable fund-raising campaign to enhance Heartfelt Music’s effectiveness in reaching a world swimming in hopelessness. We live in a very discouraging time. So, we are rising up to turn despair to hope and broken faith to confident assurance in Jesus. I make it a habit to regularly memorize Scripture to keep me focused on following Christ and Psalm 71:5 is the verse for this week, “Oh Lord, You alone are my hope.”

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This summer, we’ve already seen hundreds of people encouraged through Heartfelt Music producing the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series (come see the Katinas this Saturday night for free!). I’ve been leading worship for a small fellowship, here in Mount Hermon, which has been a meaningful and renewing gathering of believers. I’ve started several projects that will have a global impact on our Mission Statement: Leading others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry. I took a break from teaching private lessons since December, but I’ll be starting back up in August. Let me know if you are interested. I’ve had a dream for many years to create a dynamic guitar method that will take guitar players from beginning to advanced. I’ve been spending most of my time this summer creating this curriculum. I’ll be continuing at Valley Christian School as head of their Guitar Studies. This new curriculum and the new material in it will also help these guitar classes.

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By the way, Doyle Dykes is coming to Mount Hermon next Saturday, July 19. He is a master guitarist with a shepherds heart. Don’t miss it.

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Hope you have a fantastic summer! Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. We would not be able to do what we do without you.

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Support through Prayer & Giving

On Sunday, the Officers and Board of Heartfelt Music Ministry will be launching our fund-raising project, which has opportunities for you to help enhance our message of hope. You can contribute with confidence knowing your funds are being used for ministry purposes. PayPal Giving Fund will give you tax exemption and not take out any fees. Thank you for your support in prayer and gifts! Learn more at our Donation Page.

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Guitar Playing Method Course

I’m creating a world class guitar training curriculum, equipping people young and old with the tools to master guitar playing and dramatically impact contemporary culture for good. Through 7 Levels and 49 Lessons, guitarists will systematically go from beginning to advances learning songs, fun guitar techniques, colorful chords, music theory, different music styles, highlighted guitarists throughout history, and much more.

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The Katinas in Concert Saturday

The Katinas are a contemporary Christian music group. They are a family of five brothers. The group’s members sang in church as children, and began playing fairs, soon moving up to nationwide slots opening for artists like DC Talk, Amy Grant. These vibrant singers are both positively inspirational and delightfully entertaining. Come this Saturday at Mount Hermon, July 12, at 6:30pm. Here them sing How Great Thou Art.

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Upcoming Events

Summer Concert Series at Mount Hermon

For the past eight years, Heartfelt Music Ministry has produced the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Summer Concert Series. I have thoroughly enjoyed selecting the artists with the Conference Center’s leadership. Our hope is for you to find encouragement and spiritual refreshment. These concerts greatly enhance our Mission Statement: Leading others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry.

June 21 begins the concerts with popular and encouraging artists over six Saturdays. The concerts are free, but you’ll need to register through iTickets and indicate whether you want to sit inside or outside. Visit the Mount Hermon Concert Series Webpage for information on each concert and links to register. Concerts start at 6:30pm. Click HERE to watch a promo video of the Concert Series. Here’s the line-up:

6/21 – Buddy Greene & Jeff Taylor
6/28 – Point of Grace
7/12 – The Katinas
7/19 – Doyle Dykes
7/26 – Foto Sisters
8/2 – Phillips Craig & Dean

Below are other links to uplift you and give you the opportunity to join hands with us in ministry. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Enjoy Listening to Reggie’s Music

You can check out the many ways to enjoy listening to my music at HearNow.com. There are links to Spotify and many more. The eight albums included are:
– Encore
– Heartfelt Worship
– Here & Now
– I Wish You a Mary Christmas
– Intimacy
– Heartfelt Celebration
– Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 1
– Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 2

“My peace I give to you” – Jesus Christ

This verse is so relevant today. We need His peace and a sense a well being. My song called Peace is right from John 14:27 and accents one of the main messages He gives to His followers, He gives us peace today! Not only does a close relationship with Jesus give us overwhelming love and joy, but he provides us His calming peace that permeates every aspect of our lives. Click HERE to hear my song.

Support through Prayer & Giving

I am so grateful for your prayers and encouraging comments as I draw others closer to Christ through Heartfelt Music Ministry! If you would like to help support Heartfelt Music Ministry, you can contribute with confidence knowing your funds are being used for ministry purposes. PayPal Giving Fund will give you tax exemption and not take out any fees. Thank you for your support! Learn more at our Donation Page.

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Music Education & Improving Singing

Earlier this month, I took my Guitar 2 & 3 class from Valley Christian School to Santa Cruz to perform on the street in public (busking). We had so much fun! You can see excerpts by clicking HERE. Music education doesn’t only have to be in a classroom. This year has been so meaningful and fulfilling teaching the guitar students and investing in their lives. One student wrote in my yearbook, “Thank you so much Mr. Coates! This year, I have gained such a fondness for guitar, especially through seeing your deep passion for it. You are by far the most joyful, kind, and encouraging teacher I’ve ever had. This is my first time going to a Christian school and it’s so refreshing having a teacher that visibly loves Jesus so much.”

Since training is a large part of what Heartfelt Music Ministry is all about, this month I’m making available for free a Vocal Workshop training video for the singers on your worship team. There are a lot of tips I’ve included from the seminars I’ve taught at the National Worship Leader Conferences. May these videos inspire skill and confidence as you worship.

Enjoy Listening to Reggie’s Music

You can check out the many ways to enjoy listening to my music at HearNow.com. The eight albums included are:
– Encore
– Heartfelt Worship
– Here & Now
– I Wish You a Mary Christmas
– Intimacy
– Heartfelt Celebration
– Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 1
– Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 2

Vocal Workshop Training Video

This is a vocal training workshop for singers on a worship team. It includes the six points to good vocal production, the five parts of the vocal instrument, the four elements of sound, and tips for increasing your confidence while singing in front of others. I can train your musicians in person as a worship band or as singers on a worship team. For more info, click HERE.

Upcoming Events

Beautiful Spring Backyard

I’ve been working on my backyard this Spring. It’s turning out so beautiful and is a haven to rest and reflect before summer begins. I’m wrapping up teaching at Valley Christian School for the year and finalizing the Mount Hermon Christian Summer Concert Series starting in June. Ministry is thriving, but it always helps to stop and smell the roses.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers!