This is my response to the question, “If someone says he is tone-deaf or can’t carry a tune, is there any way to encourage him or teach him otherwise?” Anytime we respond to someone who says they are tone deaf or can’t carry a tune, we should use language very carefully. For starters, very few … Read More
Notes
Be Still, My Soul – Full Score Video
Here is a full score video of “Be Still, My Soul” sung by The 17.
Key Signature Cheat Sheet
Here are two cheat sheets for singers who are unfamiliar with finding a key and starting pitch. One sheet explains how to find keys and starting pitches, and the other sheet gives all the key signatures without explanation. Why use cheat sheets? In a perfect world, we wouldn’t. But I’ve directed enough amateur choirs to … Read More
Basics of Music Video Series
Shenandoah Christian Music Camp is offering a free video series for people who have little or no experience reading music. The video series has six parts: 1. Introduction2. Pitch Basics, Part One3. Pitch Basics, Part Two4. Rhythm Basics, Part One5. Rhythm Basics, Part Two6. Putting It All Together Do you know people who are interested … Read More
Prayer for Strength – Full Score Video
Here is another full score video. Sing along while you follow along with this Oasis Chorale recording.
New Music for “All the Way My Savior Leads Me”
I grew up singing hymns and gospel songs, and some of them are so familiar they have become virtually meaningless for me. It feels like I could sing them in my sleep. Backwards. In four-part harmony. For me, this especially applies to the nursing home gospel songs. If you’ve sung at a nursing home very … Read More
A Free Piece by Daniel Gawthrop
Daniel Gawthrop, composer of the wildly popular song, “Sing Me to Heaven,” is offering a free song on his website in hopes that you will sign up for his email list. Since he’s a self-published composer, and since I like free music, I’m telling you about it so you can go to his website and … Read More
Was it the Garlic?
I find it amusing when people talk fervently about whether some food or drink is good or bad for the voice. If they ask me, I usually tell them it’s probably not too big a deal. When I eat it or drink it, it goes down to my stomach and not past my vocal folds. … Read More
Joy Medley – Full Score Video
As promised, here is another full score video for you to sing along with while you listen. May joy be released!
Shout for Joy – Full Score Video
Over the next several months, I plan to release a number of full score videos that will allow you to sing along while you listen to the songs. I will be posting them here periodically, but you will also be able to find them on the listening page. I hope you enjoy listening and following … Read More