Before and After: The Evolution of a Song
Before and After: The Evolution of a Song
Mark Altrogge, Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2011: The Gathering
Audio, PDF
Despite some great songs being written almost “spontaneously,” most great songs don’t start out that way. Humble and wise songwriters know that in the writing process any part of a song can be rewritten. In this seminar, you’ll learn what that process looks like along the way and develop faith for making radical changes to your songs that make them stronger.
Editing Your Song
Editing Your Song
Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2013 East: Called to Be Faithful
Audio, PDF
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 lyrical, melodic, and harmonic approaches, remaining open-handed with your song, perseverance, and more.
Melodies that Sing
Melodies that Sing
Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2017 Midwest: Human & Holy
Audio, PDF
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.
Overcoming Songwriter’s Block
Overcoming Songwriter’s Block
Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2015 East: Triune
Audio, PDF
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.
Practicing and Planning Creativity
Practicing and Planning Creativity
Mark Altrogge, Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2011: The Gathering
Audio
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 for becoming a more faithful and skillful songwriter.
Retuning Hymns
Retuning Hymns
Kevin Twit | WorshipGod 2013 East: Called to Be Faithful
Audio, PDF
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 to a new melody. He will also inspire you to consider starting a hymn movement at your own church.
Show, Don’t Tell
Show, Don’t Tell
Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2017 Midwest: Human & Holy
Audio
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.
Song Publishing in the Digital Age
Song Publishing in the Digital Age
Brock Shinen, Malcolm DuPlessis, Steve Cook | WorshipGod 2013 West: Called to Be Faithful
Audio
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?
Songwriters and the Church: Navigating the Legal, Ethical, and Practical Issues of Music in the Church
Songwriters and the Church: Navigating the Legal, Ethical, and Practical Issues of Music in the Church
Brock Shinen | WorshipGod 2014 West: Triune
Audio
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 CCLI and the PROs.
Songwriting for Congregations
Songwriting for Congregations
Dustin Kensrue | WorshipGod 2015 East: Triune
Audio
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.
Songwriting Panel
Songwriting Panel
Jordan Kauflin, Steve Cook, Vikki Cook, Adam Wright, Matt Boswell, Nathan Stiff | WorshipGod 2019: The Glorious Christ
Audio
In this seminar, you'll have the opportunity to listen to a panel of seasoned songwriters talk about the challenges and joys of writing songs for the church. There will be time for Q&A at the end.
Songwriting Panel
Songwriting Panel
Michael Bleecker, Matt Boswell, Caroline Cobb, Steve Cook, Vikki Cook, Adam Wright | WorshipGod 2018: Extraordinary
Audio
Songwriting Panel
Songwriting Panel
Jon Althoff, Jordan Kauflin, Adam Wright, Nathan Stiff, Lacy Condy, Johnny Robinson, Scott Lavender | WorshipGod 2022: Unchanging
Audio
In this seminar, you'll have the opportunity to listen to a panel of seasoned songwriters from Sovereign Grace Music, CityAlight, and Corner Room Music talk about the challenges and joys of writing songs for the church. There will be time for Q&A at the end.
Songwriting Panel
Songwriting Panel
Daniel Renstrom, Caroline Cobb, Adam Wright, Steve Cook, Vikki Cook, Ryan Foglesong | WorshipGod 2017 Midwest: Human & Holy
Audio
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.
The Business of Songwriting: The Legal, Practical, and Business Methods of Writing, Protecting, and Promoting Worship
The Business of Songwriting: The Legal, Practical, and Business Methods of Writing, Protecting, and Promoting Worship
Brock Shinen | WorshipGod 2014 West: Triune
Audio
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 designed to answer specific issues faced by songwriters.
Thoughts on Songwriting (Part 1)
Thoughts on Songwriting (Part 1)
Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty | WorshipGod 2009: From Generation to Generation
Audio
Thoughts on Songwriting (Part 2)
Thoughts on Songwriting (Part 2)
Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty | WorshipGod 2009: From Generation to Generation
Audio
What Makes these Songs Great?
What Makes these Songs Great?
Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2013 East: Called to Be Faithful
Audio, PDF
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.
What the Psalms Teach Us About Songwriting
What the Psalms Teach Us About Songwriting
Mark Altrogge, Steve Cook, Vikki Cook | WorshipGod 2008: Rediscovering the Psalms
Audio, PDF
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.
Writing Songs for Congregations
Writing Songs for Congregations
Ben Shive | WorshipGod 2022: Unchanging
Audio
Drawing upon decades of experience in Christian music and his involvement with his local church, songwriter and producer Ben Shive will help you see more clearly what elements go in to writing songs that truly serve the church and bring glory to Christ.