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!
.
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.
.
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.
.
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
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
  .
• 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.

Renew My Heart Today

Songwriting is deeply personal. Though most of the songs I write are meant to encourage others, they are written out of my own experience and often come around to lift my spirits time and time again. The song Hold Me, from my new album Encore, has been a powerful prayer for me recently. I thought I’d share it with you.
.
Hold Me
.
(Verse 1)
Early in the morning
I turn my thoughts to You
Empower me to follow in Your ways
You know all the hard things
I’m facing to get through
Revive my soul to trust in You today
.
(PreChorus)
Caring for the world that You love
Sharing with them healing from above
.
(Chorus)
Hold me, Hold me
Create in me a clean heart O God
Renew my heart today
.
Give it a listen on YouTube or use your favorite music app (like Spotify). You can purchase a digital copy of my Encore album at Gumroad.com.
.

The photo above is a recent picture of the VCS high school Introduction to Guitar and Electric Bass class. I’m so proud of them and I’m grateful to be working with them.
.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! My you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. There’s so much to be thankful for!

Coming Events

November 19 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. This is my last Sunday as their interim Worship Pastor. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am. https://www.sjcrc.org/

My Music on CDs and Streaming

Listen to my music for free on my YouTube channel. To purchase physical albums or CDs, go to our website at HeartfeltMusic.org. To purchase digital albums or CDs, go to my page at Gumroad.com. Also, HearNow.com will point to other listening options like Spotify.

Thanksgiving & Gratitude

May this Thanksgiving season be filled with celebration and gratitude for all that God is doing in your life! I am so thankful for my family, for Heartfelt Music Ministry, and for you! I appreciate the many years you have been following me and this ministry. Thank you!

Contributions to Enhance Ministry

Would you consider a year-end gift to enhance the impact or our ministry? We are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit ministry (for your tax write-off purposes). You can donate to Heartfelt Music® Ministry through Pay Pal Giving Fund with no fees taken out.

Building Relationships

Last month, I highlighted Living a Balanced life with the idea of making choices to enjoy all you do and not get burned out. This month, I’d like to touch on how to build and maintain relationships that are positive and mutually beneficial. God wants us to love everyone as He loves them. But, Jesus demonstrated that it’s only natural to be closer to some people (such as the 12 disciples) and recognize some people are toxic and should be handled carefully (such a some Pharisees). In general, it’s best to be inclusive and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Maneuvering through the world of relationships can be complicated and frustrating as well as rewarding and encouraging. Stephen Covey, in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (and his book on the added 8th Habit) gives 4 interpersonal habits for us to keep in mind to help us nurture our relationships with others. These have been very inspiring for me. Building relationships is not something we arrive at. It’s ongoing and must be intentional. We make plenty of mistakes along the way. May the following principles help you on your journey.

.

1)  Think Win-Win [Habit 4]
Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a “win” for all.

.

2)  Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood [Habit 5]
Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you.

.

3)  Synergize [Habit 6]
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could do alone.

.

4)  Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs [Habit 8]
Out of your uniqueness and strengths, find your influence.  Then help others find theirs. Watch out for the 5 cancerous behaviors:  criticism, complaining, comparing, competing, & contending.

.

Thank you so much for being a part of the Heartfelt Music Ministry community. It’s because of your prayers and support that we are able to continue to lead others toward intimacy with God and toward excellence in artistry.

.

Since it’s still summer, you may want to watch my Summer Home Concert on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/dpx16y_XN6o. I played all the songs on my latest album, Encore, and wrapped it up with My Prayer for You. I hope it encourages you!

Valley Christian School Begins

I’m continuing to teach music, guitar, worship and video at Valley Christian Schools with both junior high and high school. Last week, I played bass guitar for our first worshipful Convocation.

Summer Concert Series Recap

The Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series was such a blessing. Each concert brought in more people than ever! The last concert with Phillips, Craig & Dean had almost 700 attending.

Encore Summer Concert

Watch last month’s Summer Home Concert on my YouTube channel, with songs from the new album, Encore, (and My Prayer for You). You can hear clips of each song on the album Encore at HearNow.com.

Stay in Touch on Social Media

Follow and share your thoughts on:
 

Jesus Has Risen!

I hope you have been enjoying the build-up to tomorrow’s celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Join me at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle at 6:30am for their Sunrise Service (our usual gathering at the Ponderosa Lodge Cross is closed for reconstruction). This week has been a reflection on what drove Jesus to the cross, our seperation from God. We need a Savior. I led worship for a gathering of four churches last night in Santa Clara during Good Friday and it was sobering to share communion as Jesus did before he went to the cross. “Remember me, my life given for you, and the New Covenant of my life in you.” On Easter, Jesus conquered death and, not only completely forgave us of our sin, but empowers us to live in His resurrection victory. May you experience His life in you today and everyday!

The ministry momentum for Heartfelt Music Ministry is creating an astounding influence in keeping with our Mission Statement: Leading others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry. We have just selected the worship team for next year at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose. What a joy to train these students to encourage 2300 students in worship during chapels. This winter and spring, I have been training musicians and leading worship for San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church. I’m continuing to mentor through private lessons in-person and through Zoom. I’ve been preparing and producing the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, which is shaping up to be an inspiration for those who attend. We’ll have seven concerts this summer. Mark your calendars and join in the fun!

• 6/24 – Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor and Ron Block
• 7/1 – Southern Raised
• 7/8 – Veritas
• 7/15 – Nicole Nordeman
• 7/22 – The King’s Brass
• 7/29 – Michael O’Brien
• 8/5 – Phillips, Craig & Dean

I hope you have been able to enjoy my new album, Encore. Visit the HearNow.com website to access links to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, etc. Check out all my products available at the Heartfelt Music website.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

Family Time

I was able to spend a few day in Oregon visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and grand-daughter a couple of weeks ago. It was fun being together amidst the combination of snow, rain, and sunny days. They are so precious. I was able to be a handyman for a few days.

Private Lessons

If you are interested in private lessons/ coaching this summer, email me at [email protected]. “Reggie is an amazing teacher with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and love for music and the guitar. His knowledge is vast. My son loves Reggie and waits for his lesson.” ~ Nadiya

Encore Album

Listen to my newest album Encore at HearNow.com as well as my other 7 available albums: Heartfelt Worship, Heartfelt Celebration, Instrumental Guitar – Volume I, Instrumental Guitar – Volume II, Here & Now, Intimacy, and I Wish You a Mary Christmas.

Upcoming Events

• April 9 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service. It is at 6:30am. It will be located at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle. [It will not be held at the cross due to Ponderosa Lodge being temporarily closed for remodeling.]
• April 16 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
• April 23 (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.

Stay in touch through Social Media

Follow and share your thoughts on:
 

Designing Ministry for 2023

I hope you are healthy and enjoying the start of a new year. Heartfelt Music Ministry is beginning 2023 with a great sense of anticipation! Ministry is continuing through mentoring young musicians at Valley Christian Schools, teaching private lessons, helping churches with their worship ministries, doing concerts, and organizing summer concerts for Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. I’m specifically working with San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church in leading worship and encouraging their musicians.

.
My new album, Encore, is out with new songs to inspire your faith in Christ. There was a delay in getting the album out because my voice wasn’t very strong in November and December, but finally it’s ready. It is now available to stream through Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and many more. Check out this page: https://reggiecoates.hearnow.com/encore.

.
The music notation and guitar tablature is available for the first song on the album I’ll Worship with My Life. Visit my Gumroad page at https://reggie.gumroad.com/l/worshipwithmylife.

.
Heartfelt Music Ministry is looking ahead to do more concerts both live and online, more training both individually and in groups, and more ministry with churches to lead others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry.

.
Thank you for your encouragement for me to continue creating uplifting music and investing in others. It’s exciting to see how music can touch people’s lives. I appreciate your prayers!

Encore is Here!

The new album is out! Relationships are at the center of this new musical expression. It is now available to stream through Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, and many more.

Generous Support

A huge “Thank you!” to those who gave so generously to help the new album come to fruition. Your gifts totalled $500, which was the goal! It’s so fulfilling to serve the Lord with you!

Music & Tab

My song I’ll Worship with My Life, from the new album Encore is now available digitally to purchase for only $2.99. It’s fully written out in music notation and guitar tablature.Go to my Gumroad.

Upcoming Events

• March 5, 19 (Sundays)
  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.
• March 12 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
• April 9 (Sun)
  I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service. It is at 6:30am. It will be located at Mount Hermon, CA 95041. It will not be held at the cross due to Ponderosa being temporarily closed for remodeling, but will be located either at Victory Circle (Conference Center) or the Pavilion (Redwood Camp).

Join Us on Social Media

Follow and share your thoughts on:
 

Merry Christmas!

On behalf of me, my family, and the Heartfelt Music® Ministry Board of Directors, we wish you a Merry Christmas and meaningful New Year celebration! May you feel refreshed and de-stressed during this holiday season.

.

Two years ago, I did a Home Christmas Concert and created a Christmas album for you to enjoy. This Christmas, may the songs lift you up and remind you of what this season is all about.

.

If you would like to watch it, here’s the link – https://youtu.be/MrUfoSszURM

.

As some of you know, I wrote a Christmas song with a unique slant, I Wish You a Mary Christmas. The song refers to Martha in Luke 10 who was so busy with her preparations that she missed the most important thing. Her sister Mary understood that worshiping Jesus is more valuable to Him than serving. God’s priority is to be intimate with us in a loving relationship, so let’s slow down and worship Him through all we do, in good times and bad.

.

• Hear how it sounds and where it’s available – https://reggiecoates.hearnow.com/i-wish-you-a-mary-christmas
• You can purchase it digitally through Gumroad – https://reggie.gumroad.com/l/GihjX
• You can purchase it physically though our website – https://heartfeltmusic.org/products/#Physical_Products
  .

I am almost done creating a new album called Encore, which will be released soon. This is a collection of six new songs and two medleys of my songs on the themes of God’s Love and Jesus in Me. I’ve finished recording all the songs and now I’m mastering them. What a joy to have new songs to share!

.

This year has been full of ministry. The first semester of Valley Christian School has come to completion. The Worship Teams, Guitar classes and video classes that I teach have been so fun! I am also leading worship and training twice a month with San Jose Christian Reformed Church. I’m continuing to teach private music lessons (guitar, bass guitar, and voice), some in-person and some through Zoom.

.

Thank you to those who generously donated to Heartfelt Music Ministry this last year! We appreciate you so much and definitely couldn’t do this ministry without you! Would you consider a year-end gift to enhance the impact or our ministry? You can donate to Heartfelt Music through Pay Pal Giving Fund with no fees taken out. If you buy anything on Amazon.com and go through Amazon Smile with Heartfelt Music Ministry as your cherity, we receive a percentage of your purchase without costing you anything extra. Same with eBay.com with eBay GivingWorks (listing Heartfelt Music as your Charity), we receive a contribution at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

.

Upcoming Events

Jan 1 & 15 (Sundays)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come. You can enjoy the service at home online at http://www.sjcrc.org/videos.

.

Follow us on Social Media

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you are enjoying some vacation and family time with rest and reflection. I am so thankful for Sherri and my family for the joy they bring me. I’m thankful for Valley Christian School where I can mentor youth through music and influence them toward Christ. I’m thankful for Heartfelt Music® Ministry and the opportunity to create and share my music to encourage others as well as train musicians in worship leading and artistic excellence. I’m so grateful for those who helped us reach our goal of $500 to finish the album Encore. I’m also thankful for you! It’s very encouraging to know you and others pray for me and follow what the Lord is doing through Heartfelt Music®. Thank you for your continued support!

Upcoming Events

Dec 4 & 18 (Sun)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come. You can enjoy the service at home online at http://www.sjcrc.org/videos.

Follow us on Social Media

New Album and You

New Album Entitled Encore

I’ve been writing songs this summer for a new album called Encore. I just finished the songwriting and arrangements, but now I need to record them and get them ready for publication. Hope to have it ready in time for Christmas.

.

Donate toward the Encore Album – Indiegogo

You can help complete the Encore album by donating through Indiegogo. All contributions go to Heartfelt Music Ministry toward the new album. Click on the thumbnail picture above and read all the details. Thank you for considering!
.

Singing to My Grand-Daughter

In September, Sherri and I visited our grand-daughter in Oregon as we helped my son and his wife move. It was so fun to sing to her the song I wrote for her using my son’s guitar. It’s called You Pick Me Up. The song will be on the Encore album.

.
Upcoming Events

.

October 30 (Sun)
Leading worship with the Valley Christian High School Worship Team at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come.
.

November 6 (Sun)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come.