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.

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

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

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.

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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

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?
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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!

Empowering Youth for Ministry

Heartfelt Music Ministry has been investing in people for over 25 years. We’ve been touching lives through conferences, workshops, concerts, worship leading, private lessons, songbooks, recordings, and more. A recent emphasis has been on mentoring young people through guitar training and outreach classes. I teach Introduction to Guitar and Electric Bass, Guitar 2, and Guitar 3 classes at Valley Christian Schools in their Conservatory of the Arts program. I get to guide these amazing students toward intimacy with God and excellence in their music artistry. I also teach a junior high class called Community Outreach Fellowship, which is a wonderful opportunity for 26 students to go off campus to minister and help other organization. I’ve really enjoyed teaching this year and being able to encourage and influence students on a weekly basis.

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We would love to have you join hands with us in ministry through your prayers and contributions. You can donate 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. Thank you for your support!

Guitar Training Classes

Music and Guitar have been powerful tools to inspire young people to express their passions and faith! They are having so much fun learning worship songs, new chords, creative techniques, how to write songs, and play in front of their peers.

Community Outreach Classes

In the Community Outreach Fellowship class, the students become “the hands and feet of Jesus” by helping package food at Silicon Valley Second Harvest and Martha’s Kitchen in San Jose. They also work with elementary students to teach them computer coding.

Home Concert Sunday, March 16

I am sharing new songs and significant songs of mine through a Home Concert Sunday, March 16, at 5:00pm through my YouTube channel. One new song is called Partly Cloudy and is a reflection on how life doesn’t always bring us sunshine. I’ll add the link in the next newsletter.