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!

Truly Grateful

There’s a lot to be thankful for! Relationships are at the top of the list. I’m truly grateful for my family & friends! I’m glad to be influencing all ages through Heartfelt Music Ministry, working with the students and faculty at Valley Christian Schools, presenting talented artists to bless others at the Summer Concert Series at Mount Hermon Conference Center, and walking alongside the Mount Hermon Community for over 20 years.

The Thanksgiving holiday is right around the corner, but it’s never too early to be grateful. It does something to calm your soul and inspire joy. May this Thanksgiving be especially meaningful for you!

I’m looking forward to doing an online concert December 15 at 5:00pm through my YouTube Live channel at https://youtube.com/live/4uHKLEE70q0?feature=share

On behalf of the Heartfelt Music Board, we want to thank you so much for your prayers and support. We are so appreciative of your words of encouragement, generous contributions, and caring prayers. Happy Thanksgiving!

Home Concert YouTube Live

I’ll be doing an online Home Concert through YouTube Live on Sunday, December 15, 5:00pm-6:00pm. Here’s the link: https://youtube.com/live/4uHKLEE70q0?feature=share

A Thankful and Grateful Heart

I hope you have a meaningful Thanksgiving this year! Take advantage of special gatherings of family and friends. Take nothing for granted. Let’s be truly grateful for what we have.

End of a Season at Mount Hermon

I just stepped off the Executive Board of the Mount Hermon Community after serving for 20 years. The people here are a joy to work with and I’m so glad for the new leaders who continue to care for this community.

Ministry & Family

I hope you’re having a great summer and making time to get renewed and refreshed. It’s so important to balance ministry endeavors with family priorities. Navigating through them can be very hard sometimes. I want to balance doing God’s work with others and keeping family relationships strong.
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As far as ministry, the Mount Hermon Concert Series has been inspiring hundreds of people every weekend this summer. Last weekend, we had such a meaningful time with Phillips Craig & Dean. This weekend is Nichole Nordeman and next weekend the series closes with Point of Grace. Tickets are still available, so if you’re in the area we’d love to have you attend! I am leading worship for churches like San Jose Christian Church and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Keeping my creativity flowing, I’m writing a new guitar instrumental called Partly Cloudy. I’m also preparing for my classes to begin again in a few weeks at Valley Christian School.
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Family has been a main focus recently. Some difficult things have happened this summer like my brother, Steve, passing away from a courageous battle with cancer. Also, after 8 1/2 years, we had to put our sweet dog to sleep. Many of you can empathize with these difficult circumstances. On a happier note, our boys, their wives and our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter went to Disneyland and Universal Studios. We had a blast! Also, Sherri and I look forward to celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary this summer. What a wonderful journey with the love of my life!
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I’m so thankful that there are people all over the world opening my newsletter. And shout out to Massachusetts! I notice that there are a number of people opening my eNewsletters in Massachusetts! I’m thrilled and maybe should set up a concert with you! 🙂

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The Heartfelt Music Executive Board and I are so grateful for your continued involvement with Heartfelt Music. You can greatly underscore and support this ministry with a financial gift. PayPal Giving Fund will give you tax exemption and not take out any fees. Your generous donations are such a practical way to help. Thank you!

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Upcoming Events

July 21 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am and you’re welcome to join us. https://www.sjcrc.org/
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August 4 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. It is located at 121 South White Rd, San Jose CA 95127, (408) 729-7563. The service is at 10:00am and you’re welcome to join us. https://www.gdlcsj.com/

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Follow on Social Media

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Music in the Redwoods

This Saturday begins the Worship in the Redwoods Mount Hermon Christian Conference Summer Concert Series with popular and encouraging artists over six consecutive Saturdays. This Saturday is with Buddy Greene and friends! The concerts are free, but you’ll need to get tickets through iTickets. Each concert is at 6:30pm with indoor and outdoor seating. The Phillips, Craig & Dean concert is sold out, but there is room at all the other concerts. Visit the Mount Hermon concert website for more information. Here’s the line-up:

• June 22 – Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, and Dave Dillard
• June 29 – Steve Green and Dick Tunney
• July 6 – Doyle Dykes
• July 13 – Phillips, Craig and Dean
• July 20 – Nichole Nordeman
• July 27 – Point of Grace
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Thoughtful Prayers & Support

I am so grateful for your prayers and support for Heartfelt Music. Giving to Heartfelt Music is easy. PayPal Giving Fund will give you tax exemption and not take out any fees. Thank you for your thoughtful donations!

Anticipating Summer

Summer is here and both the weather and upcoming events are bringing in the season with warm anticipation. I just finished an amazing year at Valley Christian School and will now have time to work on exciting Heartfelt Music® projects like new online guitar lessons and training events.

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Join the music in the Redwoods this summer at Mount Hermon with popular and encouraging artists over six consecutive Saturdays. The concerts are free, but you’ll need to get tickets through iTickets. Each concert is at 6:30pm with indoor and outdoor seating. Visit the Mount Hermon concert website for more information. Here’s the line-up:

• June 22 – Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, and Dave Dillard
• June 29 – Steve Green and Dick Tunney
• July 6 – Doyle Dykes
• July 13 – Phillips, Craig and Dean
• July 20 – Nicole Nordeman
• July 27 – Point of Grace

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I am so grateful for your prayers and encouraging comments as I work with Heartfelt Music® Ministry to draw others closer to Christ! If you would like to help support Heartfelt Music, 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!

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Year’s End at Valley Christian

May 31 is the last day of Valley Christian School for 2023/2024. It’s been a year full of ministry and music, teaching and mentoring junior high and high school students in significant ways.

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Mount Hermon Summer Concerts

This summer, Mount Hermon Conference Center will hold six Saturdays filled with amazing music artists. The concerts are free, but you’ll need to get tickets through iTickets.

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Hear Reggie’s Music for Free

It’s easy to hear my music on eight of my albums including Encore at HearNow.com. There are links to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube and more.

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Upcoming Events

July 21 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am and you’re welcome to join us. https://www.sjcrc.org/