Songwriting Panel
In this breakout you’ll hear various seasoned writers discuss methods, practices, and attitudes they’ve developed over the years that have helped them write both congregational and performance songs.
Show, Don’t Tell
What does Psalm 23 and great songs have in common? Sensory language! In this workshop we’ll explore the value of sensory language in Christian Worship Songs and give practical ways to generate fresh lyric ideas for your songs.
Worship Leader Panel
Preparing Your Heart
For many of us, Sunday morning preparation focuses on practical and musical aspects: arranging, scheduling, printing charts, sending emails, and a host of other details. But we often miss the crucial component of preparing our hearts to meet with God and his people. Christians throughout the centuries have valued the importance of spiritual preparation for […]
Melodies that Sing
Great melodies often come in a moment of inspiration, but what makes them great? And how can you incorporate those characteristics into your own melodies? Steve and Vikki Cook will be answering those questions, plus looking at the impact that harmony, groove, tempo and hooks have on your melody.
Electric Guitar: Your Heart and Your Part
AW Tozer said, “The essence or art is self expression but the essence of Christianity is self denial. Balancing the two is very hard.” Inspired by this quote, Josh Scott will lay a foundation for the role of the electric guitarist in the church, detail what attitudes are crucial, and cover specific techniques and styles […]
Electric Guitar: Your Gear
In this breakout Josh Scott, president of JHS pedals, will discuss the many ways pedals can serve you. He’ll also look at the advantages of different amps and how to make wise decisions in the use of your gear.
Arranging to Serve
Leaders and musicians spend multiple hours, even days preparing for a Sunday morning or an event that is meant to lead people in worshiping God in song. But when the time comes, it often ends up being more a crowd watching a performance than a congregation participating in worship. How do we prepare for a […]
Acoustic Guitar: Tips for Your Best Playing
While the best way to improve your skills are through hours of deliberate practice, sometimes the most effective changes you can make in your playing are simple ones. In this breakout, you’ll learn a variety of practices, patterns, and tools that will help you take your playing to the next level.
20 Steps to Better Sound
You don’t necessarily have to spend money you don’t have to improve your sound. Sometimes the small things can make a big difference. In this seminar we’ll walk through some very simple changes you can make that will have a positive impact on your mix.
Advanced Piano Techniques (Part 2)
This class will be geared towards pianists who play by ear and are looking for ways to develop their skill. Topics to be covered include transitions, voicings, accompanying, and different styles.
Advanced Piano Techniques (Part 1)
This class will be geared towards pianists who play by ear and are looking for ways to develop their skill. Topics to be covered include transitions, voicings, accompanying, and different styles.
Advanced Keyboard
Last year John led a seminar for pianists who wanted to learn how to play charts. This year’s class is geared towards more intermediate to advanced keyboardists. John will cover a variety of techniques specifically for playing the piano in a band. Topics will include starting and ending songs, voicings, rhythmic variety, modulations, stylistic nuances […]
Advanced Electric Guitar (Part 2)
Following up on what he covered in an earlier electric guitar workshop, Ben Gowell will spend time in this session discussing topics that include voicings, song structure, rhythmic patterns, and more.
Advanced Electric Guitar (Part 1)
There’s a difference between an individual playing an electric guitar and someone actually making music. Ben Gowell, who plays on his worship team in Minneapolis but also has years of experience on the road and in the studio, will take this session to cover topics including choosing the right gear, getting the right tone, and […]
Advanced Drumming: Craft and Creativity
A great drummer does more than keep time for a band. He or she thinks carefully about how drums can make a song more cohesive, flow, build, relax, move forward, etc. It’s a combination of developing carefully honed skills and using them with imagination. This seminar will help you do both.
Advanced Bass Guitar: Craft and Creativity
A competent bassist understands how harmony, melody and rhythm can enrich even the simplest of arrangements. To that end, this seminar will cover techniques such as open and closed chord voicings, counterpoint, scales, modes, and inversions. Of course, the challenge every musician faces is how to take technical skill and apply it in a way […]
Worshiping the Triune God
The doctrine of the Trinity has been the object of opposition, neglect, and confusion for centuries. That may be because few doctrines are so foundational to Christianity. Come learn the biblical basis for the Trinity, and how to better understand, love, and worship the God who is forever Father, Son, and Spirit.
Worshiping God When Your World Is Shaking
How do we worship God when our lives are falling apart? What does it mean that God is sovereign? What’s the difference between trusting that God is in control and being fatalistic? Craig Cabaniss will address these questions and more as he seeks to help you cultivate a greater appreciation for the great and awesome […]
Worshiping a Big God in a Small Church
It can be discouraging to come to a worship conference where everyone seems to assume your church has a large staff, several music teams, and an unlimited budget. For most of us, that situation is far from reality. After serving on staff in large churches, Pat Sczebel has spent the last ten years helping to […]
Worship Team Check-up
Ever wonder if you’re contributing all you can to your team? This seminar will give you five core values to evaluate: godliness, expressiveness, humility, church involvement, and stewardship of your gifts. An excellent seminar for anyone wanting to strengthen their involvement in a team.