be. For example, are there times you’re the one
who plays some music that connects songs?
Are there ways you can be well-prepared for
those moments so that the music you create
isn’t distracting from the mood your team is
creating?
Gather the details you need. Find out the key
of the song you’ll be leaving and the key of the
song you’re headed toward. Are the songs
being played at similar tempos? If so, you can
create similar keyboard activity to make this
transition. Is there a recognizable instrumental
hook played as the intro to the song you’re
approaching? You could use that hook during
your transition music, even if you’re not yet in
the next song’s key.
How about being prepared by having the right
palette of sounds ready on your keyboard
or your laptop for the set of songs you’re
playing? If you’re like me you’ve had moments
in a rehearsal when you’re trying to remember
where that great piano sound was or where that
super rich pad sound was but all you’re finding
in your search is tuba and kazoo sounds. And
the rest of the team is waiting for you to get the
intro started. Awkward for sure.
What tools do you need to come through those
moments? Make some notes on your phone or
your computer or somewhere handy reminding
you where particular types of sounds are.
Learn how to store sounds in your keyboard or
software so that they can be tagged by song
title or service date. Put your sounds in the
same order as the set list. Another important
detail for choosing sounds is finding out the
tempo marking you’ll use for the songs. This
matters because you’ll want to set delays or
arpeggiations in advance to save you some
frantic button pushing when you realize your
playing isn’t matching the click track.
What tools can help you become more
comfortable singing as you play your instrument?
Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. Be kind to
yourself and don’t expect to feel completely
relaxed if the first time you try and sing as you
play is with several hundred people gathered in
a service. Sing a lot at your instrument. What
can seem daunting and beyond challenging
right now can become effortless with time. Get
a mirror and position it where you can watch
yourself singing and playing. Ask friends or
family to be your “audience” so you can sing a
bit as you play.
Some of these things aren’t physical tools
that you’ll hold as you serve on your worship
team. But they are all things that contribute
significantly to how effective and confident you
can feel in what you do. Prepare well. Practice
your craft. Work with the tools you have and
become proficient using them.
Ed Kerr
Ed Kerr lives in Seattle with his family. He serves as
worship arts director at First Free Methodist Church,
teaches keyboards in Paul Baloche’s leadworship
workshops and is a clinician with Yamaha’s House
of Worship. He also manages the Yamaha Worship
Facebook group and invites you to join the group.
www.KerrTunes.com
July 2020
Subscribe for Free...
115