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

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!

Summer’s Here!

I hope this update finds your summer off to a good start! After the month of May being a long stretch for me at Valley Christian Schools, waking up daily at 5:00am, I’m now able to relax a little and sleep in. Of course, I’m still staying busy teaching private lessons, leading worship at various churches, and working on writing new songs. But, I also get time with family, gardening, fixing things, watching movies, playing games, playing tennis, and even doing more exercise. I thank God summer’s here!

During this month,  I held my student recitals, led worship at Bayside Church Woodland, and taught a Guitar Clinic for Bayside Church as well. What a great group of encouraging people. Peter Neumann is doing a great job as the worship pastor there. During the last week of June, I’ll be leading VBS music with a band for Community Presbyterian Church in Danville. With 400 kids and 280 volunteers, it’s quite a big production with lots of energy!

In July, I’ll be teaching summer guitar lessons which is great for anyone who would like a one-time lesson shot-in-the-arm (see below).

You gotta come to one of my concerts in July! I have some new songs which are going to be on my new instrumental album, Instrumental Guitar Volume 2, coming out the end of summer. I’ll be in Los Altos July 7 (Mon), Felton July 9 (Wed), and San Jose July 13 (Sun). Looking forward to seeing you there!

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One-Time Guitar Lessons in July

This summer, I’ll be teaching one-time discounted lessons throughout the Bay Area July 7-13 (Mon-Sun). All the available lessons are found on the Heartfelt Music Smart Events site. Sign up soon to spur you on to greater ability and skill. I’ll be teaching in Los Altos both Monday and Tuesday (Bridges Community Church), at my home in Mount Hermon on Thursday (20 Pine Ave.), and at in San Jose on Sunday (Valley Christian High School). Each lesson is 40 minutes long for only $50.00.

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Reggie in Concert

I will be performing a series of free concerts throughout the Bay Area in July. Entertaining guitar work, meaningful lyrics, and clear vocal tapestry add to the evening of encouragement and empowerment. The first one will be in Los Altos at Bridges Community Church, July 7 (Mon), 7:00pm. The second one will be in the Santa Cruz area at Felton Bible Church, July 9 (Wed), 7:00pm.  The third one will be in San Jose at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, July 13 (Sun), 7:00pm. Hope to see you at one of these!

Spring Recitals

The Spring recitals for my guitar students were held June 3rd at Bridges Church in Los Altos. Each student performed in front of fellow students, parents, and friends. Click HERE to see the YouTube video summary with some of the students. It is remarkable to see how each student continues to improve in their playing and performance ability. Student ages range from 10 to 65. The recitals are non-threatening and very encouraging!

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Get Connected

Keep in touch and share your thoughts on:

I’ve been teaching private lessons in guitar, voice, songwriting and worship leading in Los Altos for over 2 years and find it both fulfilling and a powerful avenue for students to become what God is leading them towards.
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I’ve upgraded the lessons/coaching to include:

• A new notebook for helpful handouts and song chord charts.
• A Lesson Video Summary to download and see the techniques from each class.
• A Private Assignment Page which I communicate with each student their individual assignment and resources.
• More DVD and audio/visual examples to spark new ideas and rivet a particular technique into memory.
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I’ll be teaching once a month in four locations:  Los Altos, Danville (my home), Mount Hermon, and Sacramento.  Let me know if you’re interested or you know someone who is.