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.
Piano in Contemporary Worship (Part 3)
In this three hour workshop, geared towards intermediate to advanced pianists, Bob will be covering a wide variety of techniques relevant to playing the piano in a band. Drawing on thirty years of experience, he’ll cover topics including starting and ending songs, voicings, effective modulations, the use of the left hand, modernizing hymns, individual vs. […]
Piano in Contemporary Worship (Part 2)
In this three hour workshop, geared towards intermediate to advanced pianists, Bob will be covering a wide variety of techniques relevant to playing the piano in a band. Drawing on thirty years of experience, he’ll cover topics including starting and ending songs, voicings, effective modulations, the use of the left hand, modernizing hymns, individual vs. […]
Piano in Contemporary Worship (Part 1)
In this three hour workshop, geared towards intermediate to advanced pianists, Bob will be covering a wide variety of techniques relevant to playing the piano in a band. Drawing on thirty years of experience, he’ll cover topics including starting and ending songs, voicings, effective modulations, the use of the left hand, modernizing hymns, individual vs. […]
Keyboard: Maximizing Your Contribution
We live in a time in which endless technological possibilities are available to keyboardists when it comes to their musical contribution to the corporate worship gathering. Have you ever asked yourself, “Where do I even begin with all there is to choose from?” With so many keyboard, synth, and software options this can be a […]
Electric Guitar: Introduction to Loops, Multitracks and Tech: How and Why?
Using loops, multitracks, and programs like Ableton Live can help keep your musicians together, fill out your sound and even offer creative opportunities for arranging and writing. But used too much or in the wrong way they can be unhelpful. Come and learn about how you can use new technologies in your weekend services while […]
From Notes to Charts: Keyboards
The goal of this seminar is to help classically trained pianists interpret guitar charts effectively and find a part to play within the context of a contemporary band sound. Topics will include chord structure and voicings, harmonic and rhythmic options, different uses of the left and right hands, deciding when to play melody, and the […]
Essential Skills for Guitarists
Essential Skills for Electric Guitar
The electric guitar is a powerful, versatile tool and yet many guitarists struggle to break beyond box positions and a collection of favorite chord voicings. This session is designed to provide you with practical resources for creativity and greater expression across the entire length of the fretboard. We’ll explore a wide range of topics that […]
