What?? It's already the end of September?!   Has the pace of life picked up where you live?   It's been crazy busy here. I got to do one of my favorite things this month - help train a new worship team.

I'd like to share a few things for leaders and all church musicians to remember as we build our teams and leave a legacy of excellence.

I hope you enjoy this month's issue.

September Newsletter Topics

Make Training Your Legacy
Training Resources
Pass It On

Make Training Your Legacy

Many of us have learned our craft the hard way; through trial and error. Even if you've been trained in music, or in education, in performance, private lessons, played for years in a band, played professionally, none of these provide enough knowledge and skill to naturally impart your experience to others.   Training is hard work. To succeed, you must be intentional and have a plan.

This past month I had the privilege of passing on a little of what I know to other younger musicians just starting out in their church musician journey.   What makes it even more special is the invitation came from someone I mentored as a worship leader.  Since I always look for the right heart before making a commitment, this was a natural step from training one learner with a teachable spirit, to another.

For me, knowing who to train can be the most difficult part of the process.  As Proverbs says, "many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but a trustworthy man who can find?"   I've had many false starts over the years, due to not properly assessing the who before the what.   Once you know who to train, you need a plan.

Here are some suggestions.   Take a spiritual inventory.   This can be easy to forget, but oh, so critical.   Know before you have too many expectations your person is ready, or atleast, is on the right path to becoming a leader.   Next, build from the person's strengths.   Have them lead a song they know well.   Let them lead with an instrument, even you're a singer-leader.   Plan a feedback session.   Ask questions like, "how do you think it went?"   Make sure you spend more time listening than imparting your view only.   Make it a learning experience for both of you.

And don't forget to have fun!

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Training Resources

Bringing your finest means keeping up with training.   Whether it's a new skill, like songwriting, or one you would like to take to the next level, using the internet can really simplify your learning. Remember when about your only alternative to learning more about any area of music meant taking private lessons, or taking a night class at a the community college? Sometimes what works far better is if you can learn on your own schedule, and at your own pace.

What if you need to spend a little more help me on a concept that the rest of the class breezed through? That's where internet classes can really help. They give you the ability to be the driver - not the teacher, or the professional who is just auditing the class.

I found a site I really like and recommend every chance I get.   You won't have to spend a fortune and for most of the courses you will also get a book to keep.

If you happen to be a teacher, you might want to consider using this resource to supplement your regular curriculum.

MusicianUniversity.com Songwriting Courses
MusicianUniversity.com Piano Courses
MusicianUniversity.com Guitar Courses
MusicianUniversity.com Bass Guitar Courses
MusicianUniversity.com Drums Courses
MusicianUniversity.com Singing Courses

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Pass It On

If you enjoy the Church Musician Newsletter, why not pass it on? Just forward this email to someone else who would enjoy it, too.

If you're reading this because someone sent it to you, why not subscribe and join others who are improving "their heart and their art"?

It's easy - just fill out the form. (If you don't see a form, just copy and paste this link into your browser.)

http://www.church-musician-jobs.com/churchmusiciannewsletter.html

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Until next month, may grace and peace be yours,
Jim Snedeker
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