Pure Worship: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship
When Jesus began His earthly ministry, one of His first actions was to cast the moneychangers out of the temple: “Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise” (John 2:16). He removed the businesspeople from the temple because they were bringing things into worship that shouldn’t be there. In the same way, our challenge and calling as worshippers is to maintain the purity of worship without mixture – without attitudes of self-promotion or pride or personal gain.
Songs for His Heart: How to Write Worship Songs for Jesus
How do you get inspired to write a song? Most songwriting books will tell you to write about what you are passionate about, what interests you at the time, or what people will resonate with. But as we established previously, worship isn’t about us and it isn’t about the people either. Worship is unto Jesus.
5 Sources of Inspiration when Writing Worship Songs
Where can you find inspiration to write worship songs? How do you find the topics to write about? What if lyric writing is challenging for you? Here are a few sources of inspiration as you begin writing for worship.
How to Find Chords When Writing a Worship Song (Even If You’re a Beginner)
As you write the lyrics and melody of your worship song, you will want to begin finding chords for the song. If you do not play an instrument, you will probably want to get advice from someone who does. However, if you do play piano or guitar - even if you are a beginner - you will most likely be able to find chords that fit perfectly in your song! Here are a few tips.
How to Prepare Spiritually for Leading Worship on Sunday
Leading others into the presence of God is a privilege and honor, and it is something not to be taken lightly. If the Lord has given you the position of leading worship, He has given you a sacred responsibility - as well as the authority to stand as a Levite and minister to Him. Here are a few tips to prepare spiritually for leading worship.
Top 6 Mistakes Worship Piano Players Make (and How to Fix Them)
As a worship keys player and piano teacher, I have observed that several common mistakes that are easy to make - but the good news is that they are also easy to fix!
Worship Songwriting 101: Foundations of Writing Songs for Worship
What is worship songwriting? Worship songwriting is writing songs unto Jesus from a heart of worship. Worship isn’t a genre or a style of music. Worship is a holy calling. It is to stand before God and adore Him – to say You are wonderful and I love You.
How to Structure a Worship Song: Verse, Chorus & Bridge Explained
As you begin writing worship songs from a place of prayer and worship, the Holy Spirit will begin giving you ideas. In this process, you will naturally begin wondering where each idea fits in the song. This concept is called song form, or song structure. Song form or structure typically consists of 3 building blocks: verse, chorus, and bridge.
How to Write a Worship Song: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Would you like to write songs for worship? Perhaps you would like to write songs that your church can sing, or maybe you would prefer to write simply for your own personal times of worship. Whether or not you play an instrument or sing, you can write a worship song! Here are a few tips to get you started.
Efficient Worship Piano Practice: 4 Tips to Improve with Limited Time
Whether you are learning worship piano for personal worship or playing on a team, chances are that you have an already-busy schedule. Fitting practice time and/or lessons into your week can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your weekly practice.
3 Tips for Playing Spontaneous Worship Moments on Piano
Spontaneous worship is a great way to sing and play whatever the Holy Spirit may be giving you in the moment. Here are a few tips to succeed musically in spontaneous worship.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Worship Piano? (What to Expect)
Playing the piano is a skill. Like other skills, it takes some time to fully master. However, having taught many students of all ages and aptitudes, I can confidently say that anyone can learn to play worship piano!
The Difference Between Performing and Worshipping: A Heart Check for Musicians
We are worshippers; we are not performers. As worship musicians, this means that we are called to point people to Jesus, not to ourselves.
How to Hear God's Voice While Playing Worship Piano
The Holy Spirit is the true worship leader. As we are playing piano or singing, our goal is to hear and follow His voice as we play, sing, and lead. Before we discuss how to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit in worship, we need to establish that God still speaks today and we can hear His voice.
What Makes Worship Piano Different from Classical Piano?
When I first started teaching piano after college, I discovered that the skills needed to play worship piano are MUCH different from the skills needed to play classical piano. So what makes the two styles of music different?
How to Play Worship Songs by Ear on Piano
Ear training is one of the most rewarding aspects of learning music… when you are actually able to hear what the next note or chord should be, and then play it - all without referencing any sheet music or chord charts!
Worship Piano Transitions: How to Flow Smoothly Between Songs
How do you transition naturally from one song to the next in a worship set? Here are 3 of my favorite choices to use when transitioning between songs.
6 Tips for Improvising on Piano During Live Worship
Whether you are playing on a worship team or for personal worship, there will be times when you need to improvise, or play an instrumental part. Improvising may seem daunting at first, but with practice and a few basic pointers, it can actually be quite enjoyable. Here are 5 tips to get you started improvising for worship.
Music Lessons as Worship | Why Take Piano Lessons with Makayla?
Music lessons can be worship unto Jesus, and this is one of the aspects that makes Adoration Music Academy unique. If the purpose of life is to know Jesus and worship Him, then everything we do must flow from this heart of worship.
My Alabaster Jar: A Life Broken and Poured Out unto Jesus
Mary of Bethany was one of Jesus’ dearest friends and most radical lovers. Her lavish worship has inspired songs, books, and works of art for centuries; and her unrestrained adoration has shown the way of love to millions. In her story, we find an allegory of each of our lives.