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.

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.
.
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
.
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

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

My hope for this Christmas is for you to be full of joy and wonder during this wonderful season! There are a number of ways to enjoy this Christmas season by listening to my music. I performed a Home Christmas Concert last year you can view on my YouTube Channel. On a previous video, you can sing-a-long to Christmas carols a while the lyrics appear on the screen. My album I Wish You a Mary Christmas includes familiar and worshipful Christmas carols. CLICK HERE to hear the songs on the album and where it’s available. You can purchase this album digitally through Gumroad – CLICK HERE. You can purchase physical CDs though our website – CLICK HERE. You can add Mary Christmas to your YouTube Playlist with this link from my Home Concert last month (CLICK HERE).

Recent Events

There’s been significant ministry throughout November: Training worship musicians through a private workshop with Cornerstone Evangelical Baptist Church; Leading worship music with the Shalom Gathering at Mount Hermon; Weekly private lessons in person and online; Being interviewed on Alden Olmsted’s Podcast regarding my songs written for Mexico Outreach; and teaching guitar at Valley Christian Schools.

Your Donations Make a Difference

It would be an honor if you would consider contributing to Heartfelt Music® Ministry, under-girding and supporting the meaningful and transformative work we are doing. CLICK HERE to make a donation. No fees will be taken out and your gift is tax-deductible since we are a nonprofit 501(c)3, no matter how much. We are so grateful for your continued prayers for our Ministry.

Home Concert November 2025

If you missed the concert I performed at my home last month online, it is available now through my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFj3zACCORA. I’m excited how this turned out with stories behind each song and sharing my music in a cozy setting. The concert is 45 minutes long with 10 original songs.

New Book Release by Lynn Fox

I wrote the Preface to this book by one of my favorite Bible School instructors Lynn Fox, Psy.D. This book is about the Presence of Intimacy, Passion, and Pleasure from a Biblical perspective. “In a world increasingly captivated by both the complexities of human connection and the search for spiritual fulfillment, it is rare to find a work that so boldly addresses the intersections of two profoundly significant aspects of our lives: sex and worship. Sex and Worship is probably one of the most provocative book titles to grace the pages of contemporary literature, yet Lynne Fox does not shy away from the challenge. Through her insightful prose, she masterfully interweaves these critical topics, creating a tapestry that speaks to both the heart and the spirit.” (from the preface) CLICK HERE to order a copy.

Follow on Social Media

Passion & Tenacity 

Autumn is here and the color of the leaves are beautiful! I hope you experience fulfillment and joy during this season. Thank you for your continued engagement with me and Heartfelt Music® Ministry. You help this ministry stay vibrant and productive.

There’s been a lot of things happening with me over the last month. I’m still developing The Complete Guitar Course with 49 lessons; I just added 30 videos of me playing and singing individual songs on YouTube so you can find specific ones for encouragement; I’m performing another Home Concert November 9th with a personal Live Stream just before it; We just had our annual Board of Directors & Officers dinner (What a joy to serve with these folks!); I’m also teaching guitar and bass classes at Valley Christian School and private lessons both online and in person. It’s a full schedule, but I still have plenty of time to be with Sherri and balance family life. I’m thankful to be doing what I’m passionate about.

On our website, there’s a section called Think About It with helpful ideas to spur us on to excellence and motivation. The recent post is a focus on Passion and Tenacity.

Genuine passion is a deep, authentic commitment to something that matters to you, characterized by focused effort, enduring commitment through challenges, and integration into your identity, rather than just a fleeting interest or a pursuit of pleasure. It involves investing significant time and energy, a willingness to make sacrifices for it, and a deep, often unspoken, internal drive.

A tenacious person is someone who is determined, persistent, and does not give up easily when pursuing a goal. They are resilient in the face of obstacles, with a strong work ethic and the resolve to see things through, even when they are difficult or progress is slow.

How about you? What are you passionate and tenacious about? Our website post goes into more detail.

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.

.

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:

.

– 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.

.

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

.

“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

.

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.

.

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!

Spiritual Grounding

Spiritual maturity and strength is of utmost importance at a time when there is so much confusion and uncertainty. Many of God’s biblical truths are being twisted and ignored. Growing in biblical understanding and spiritual wisdom is a practical way to get grounded in truth. Valley Christian School (VCS) gives each faculty member an incentive to learn more about biblical and relational truths by requiring us to earn Bible and Educational unit credits. Last month, I watched three video series on The Book of Job by Francis Chan, The Book of Romans by J.D. Greear, and Winning With People by John Maxwell. Each of these were so encouraging and motivational for me. Other avenues I have for personal spiritual growth is daily reading the Bible and creating devotionals for the Conservatory of the Arts department at VCS (see below). Are you taking time to nurture your faith and ground yourself in God’s Word?
.
A noteworthy event is happening this Sunday through my YouTube Channel. I’ve been working on an inspirational video which includes a performance at my home of nine significant songs with meaningful introductions to each song filmed at the Mount Hermon creek close to my house. Join me at 5:00pm to watch this new Home Concert Video and share comments with real-time interaction. If you can’t make it Sunday, once it opens at 5:00pm, you can watch it anytime after that. My goal is to enrich your relationship with Jesus and inspire you to live confidently in Him.

Home Concert Sunday, March 16

I am sharing significant songs of mine through a Home Concert Video at Mount Hermon, Sunday, March 16, beginning at 5:00pm through my YouTube channel. One new song is called Partly Cloudy reflecting on how life doesn’t always bring us sunshine.

VCS Encouraging Devotionals

One of the online devotions used to inspire the faculty at Valley Christian School is a short message by Francis Chan on having Jesus as the center of our life. I encourage you to watch it! He explains how a Christian is not just someone who goes to church.

Help Support Heartfelt Music

You can contribute to Heartfelt Music Ministry through Pay Pal Giving Fund with no fees taken out. We are a Non-Profit 501(c)3, which gives you a tax write off. You can give a one-time gift or a monthly reoccurring gift helping us with ongoing ministry. Thank you for your support!