Understanding the Mixer
Confused about knobs, faders, decibels, EQ, and speakers? Doug Gould has had years of experience helping not only newbies understand mixers better, but seasoned engineers as well. In this practical seminar you’ll gain skills that will help you do a better job in any mixing context.
Microphone Primer
This seminar will cover the differences between various microphones types, where to point a microphone, frequency response, how many mics to use, applications, tips, techniques, and more. Also included at no additional charge will be the Ten Things You Need to Know about Wireless (or more things if there’s time). No need to bring your slide […]
Microphone Applications
This is where it all begins in live sound reinforcement. Limit your potential problems and maximize better audio for your church by gaining valuable insight to how choose the right mic and put it in the right place. Topics will include increasing the level of desired sound and reducing the effects of undesired sounds, reducing […]
Lowering Stage Volume
How do you fix the problem of too much volume? Wear ear plugs? Fire the drummer? Put sheet music in front of the guitar player? There are better ways. In this seminar, Doug will explore options that don’t require any additional equipment, as well as suggest various ways technology can serve you. We’ll look at […]
In-Ear Monitors
Fighting a losing battle against excessive stage noise? Thinking about switching to in-ear monitors? Want to understand more about their advantages and uses? This seminar will help you understand the purpose of in-ear monitors and how to benefit from them.
Caring for Your Sound System
What should churches consider when faced with growth or a broken piece of equipment? How do you pursue quality without breaking the bank on audio equipment? If some extra money is found in the budget, what should you spend it on? How do you encourage musicians and other sound team members to care for equipment? […]
Building and Caring for a Tech Team (Part 2)
Peaceful and joyful service on the tech team comes when the right people are serving in the right place with the right training and the right information. In this seminar Dave will discuss ideas and practices to most effectively recruit, train, and deploy people on your team.
What the Psalms Teach Us About Songwriting
The Psalms are a wealth of resources when it comes to learning to write honest, faith-filled songs that glorify God and serve his people. Mark, Steve, and Vikki, three veteran song writers, will share how the Psalms have inspired them in their own songwriting and communicate principles that will help you in your own craft.
What Makes these Songs Great?
Ever wonder why more people aren’t singing the songs you write? Maybe your songs are missing some of the key elements that most great songs have. Steve & Vikki Cook will take an in-depth look at a number of well-known worship songs and talk about what makes them so great.
Thoughts on Songwriting (Part 2)
Thoughts on Songwriting (Part 1)
The Business of Songwriting: The Legal, Practical, and Business Methods of Writing, Protecting, and Promoting Worship
This seminar will cover all of the legal and business basics of songwriting, including ownership, splits, copyright protection, royalties, CCLI, the PROs, Sound Exchange, The Harry Fox Agency, and church-based publishing companies. It will also cover proper ways to use outside songs and avoid claims of infringement. The seminar will culminate in a Q&A session […]
Songwriters and the Church: Navigating the Legal, Ethical, and Practical Issues of Music in the Church
This seminar will cover the legal, ethical and practical issues associated with songwriting in the church context, including employment and work for hire issues, expectations, compensation, liability risks, and income streams. We will also cover how to establish a publishing company, including the basics non-profit issues, royalty accounting and third party business relationships, such as […]
Songwriting for Congregations
In this class we will seek to uncover and hopefully learn to avoid the major shortcomings in most modern worship songs, and more importantly, discuss what the gospel has to do with writing and selecting songs for gathered worship.
Song Publishing in the Digital Age
What do you need to know about the ever-changing world of song publishing? What’s are some of the ways to get your songs heard? How important is song publishing if you’re just writing for your local church? What heart issues do you need to be aware of as you publish your own songs?
Retuning Hymns
Kevin Twit has been involved for over ten years with Indelible Grace, a group of musicians that have sought to revive theological depth in the church’s songs by setting old hymns to new music. In this workshop he will cover where to find texts, how to evaluate texts, and how to go about setting them […]
Practicing and Planning Creativity
Is waiting for God to give you a moment of inspiration the only way to write a song? Are there practices we can develop as songwriters that will foster and cultivate the creative spark? Based on a combined experience of 50 years of songwriting, Mark Altrogge and the Cooks will share practical ideas and methods […]
Overcoming Songwriter’s Block
As songwriters we’ve all had our times of writer’s block, when it seems like the heavens have closed and the creativity has all dried up. What can be done? Well…plenty! Join Steve and Vikki Cook as they share a number of insights and exercises that are sure to help you break through writer’s block.
Editing Your Song
The hardest part of writing your song may be when you think it’s finally done. In this workshop Steve and Vikki Cook (Before the Throne of God Above, I Will Glory in My Redeemer, Mighty Fortress) will discuss different ways you can turn a good song into a great one. Topics will include developing different […]
The Contemporary Keyboard
Solo Instrument Workshop
What do you play if you’re not a guitarist, keyboardist, bass player, or drummer? In this workshop Gabe Lewis will cover practical considerations for ways an “extra” instrument can add to a band context in meaningful ways.