up being used. By the way, whoever does put Lastly, think through ‘disaster scenarios’ and music into my keys playing’ or ‘I learned a
together that dubstep “Oceans” remix, make how you’d like to handle them during a live new sound design technique after studying the
sure to share it with me! performance. For example, ask yourself, “What synth sounds on this album.’ Make sure that
would I do if my computer crashed during a you don’t set overly ambitious goals here (‘I’m
FINE-TUNE AND DISASTER PREP worship song” and then come up with a plan going to master the entire dubstep genre’ can
Another great practice for the Summer season for that exact scenario. If you’re not sure how feel a bit paralyzing) but rather think intentionally
is to fine-tune your process for preparing a to handle a scenario you foresee as a possibility about what inspires you the most and dig into
worship keys set. Since you may find yourself ask your worship leader, fellow keys players, or that inspiration a little bit at a time.
with less time than usual to prepare due to the tech team for input so you can put a plan other commitments, any and all optimizations in place.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
you can make will have a real impact during the
As a worship musician with a lot of blocked
DISSECT AND EXPLORE out dates on my own Summer schedule this
For me it’s a real challenge to get “better” year I know that the struggle to keep growing
Take the time to make sure you have a good without a clear, measurable goal in mind. This during busy seasons is a real one. I pray that
system in place for saving and backing up your is why having no new songs and smaller bands you’ll find new inspiration and creativity through
work in your keys software. Figure out how to to work with can be my kryptonite. I’ve found this Summer that will propel you through to
name your files so that you can easily search for that in those seasons I can maintain a level Autumn. If you do get some time off, enjoy
and locate them and if you’re one of many keys of inspiration and creative output by picking and embrace the rest and know that you are a
players at your church start conversations with albums, artists, or genres of music that resonate blessing and asset to your local worship team
your peers about this too. with me and taking some time to deep dive into and that your efforts to bring your best make a
them. I’ll listen to songs on repeat in front of my huge difference!
leaner months of Summer.
If you have the time and authority to do so, you keyboard to dissect the melodies, sounds, and
can even map out guidelines for gear set-up and voicings used and then explore how I can apply
tear-down, avoiding unnecessarily repeated those concepts to my own creations.
sound design, and improving communication
pre-rehearsal between the band director and Taking things apart to see what they’re made
the keys players so you or your keys volunteers up of gives me a concrete starting point and
can come prepared with the right sounds and I can measure success in practical takeaways
parts ready to go. like ‘I learned how to integrate this style of
August 2019
David Pfaltzgraff
Founder
and
Lead
Sound
Designer
at
SundaySounds.com, a site that resources worship
keys players and guitarists around the world.
David currently resides in Des Moines, IA with his
wife and two boys. He enjoys volunteering in his
church’s worship ministry, old synthesizers, and a
good super-hero movie.
SundaySounds.com
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