MUSICIAN TRACK
Ah, the joy and power of music! Music has dynamic, universal elements which we will all look at together in full group and break out sessions. Each day your Focus Path area of study will help you hone and enrich your specific musical craft. Specialized breakout sessions from which to choose offer enhanced areas of exploration and study.
FOCUS PATHS
First, pick a focus path with professional musicians and coaches, courses of study and discovery perfectly suited for your interests and talents! Choose from: Worship: Leading or Collaborating in Worship; Producing and Recording; Songwriting; and Vocals or Instrumentals. Select additional breakout sessions of interest when you register.
WORSHIP: LEADING OR COLLABORATING IN WORSHIP
One of the highest purposes of music in the Biblical worldview is to worship through music and to lead others in worship. This Focus Path explores worship as modeled in the Bible and throughout the centuries. How do we worship personally? And how does current church worship align with Biblical theology? What makes great worship music? Is there a place for hymns and smoke on the stage? How do worship teams of musicians and vocalists work effectively together? How do you prepare spiritually and musically to lead worship? How do you choose an appropriate set of songs, and what is the criteria to effectively usher others into the worship and praise of God. How can you best perform to model and encourage others with humility and power? Join instructors and experienced worship leaders Sam Peck, Michael Bahn, Jeremy Oliveria, Joshua Jones to lead these relevant and pertinent issues related to excellence and effectiveness in worship.
RECORDING AND PRODUCING
Experience hands-on learning with long-time producer Jeremy Oliveria. In the recording/producing FOCUS PATH you will get the chance for a deep dive into the fundamentals of modern recording, vocal production, mixing, arranging, and the strength of collaboration. There will be are multiple workstations on site for a true hands-on experience.
SONGWRITING
Whether for worship or for personal expression, songwriting is and has always been one of the most powerful communication tools on the planet. This focus path will explore what makes a really great song. What are some characteristic examples from songs we all love? Why have many hymns stood the test of time and are still being sung in churches today? . And, how do you compose a song that is compelling and evokes the meaning and purpose for which it is intended that moves the hearts and minds of listeners? Join Michael Bahn, Jeremy Oliveria, for music theory and more in this hands-on session to create your own composition, with optional overlap for recording.
VOCALS—VOICE TRAINING
This workshop will engage participants in vocal technique and improving the quality and clarity of your singing voice with coach Jen Davis Abdo. Sessions will focus on aspects such as vocal function exercises and note patterns and single notes designed to refine your ability in a particular part of your range, how to develop vocal stamina, song choice, etc. for excelling in your vocal performance and using your voice for the glory of God.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS - INSTRUMENTALS
KEYBOARD/PIANO
For those with basic skills in keyboard knowledge and notes, this workshop will expand your chording to include a great richness and diversity of sound. Join our coaches to play piano or keyboard with a chord-based, rhythmic approach, similar to the way a guitarist plays their instrument. There will be a focus on playing piano in a worship environment both as a soloist and with a band. Previous musical experience, especially on the piano, will allow students to get the most out of this course. If you have your own keyboard and are able to bring it for the days of the workshop, please do. Otherwise, a few practice keyboards will be available.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED GUITAR
Whether it's playing and perfecting chords, fingering, runs, or sonic possibilities on a guitar, this focus path workshop can expand your repertoire of skills. For those wanting to learn new possibilities and expand their guitar horizons, coach/instructor Joshua Jones and panel of other seasoned guitarists will enhance your skills and broaden your vision.
Other instrumental inspiration forums for Saxophone, Cello and Violin and Flute
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION GROUP FORUMS:
Every participant may also choose from sessions each day from topics like: