you ’ re getting started .
MAKING IT PRACTICAL Once you ’ re comfortable with the basics of the core four , how can you integrate these sounds into your worship team ? The good news is you can start with whatever equipment you have . Whether you ’ re using a physical synth , a keyboard with built-in synth sounds , or software on your computer or iPad , you will absolutely find synth presets that cover these four core areas of synth sounds , just give yourself time to explore .
But finding cool synth sounds isn ’ t the end , you must figure out the most effective way to begin to use them in your existing band . Communication is vital here , especially when it comes to explaining the kinds of sounds you ’ re prepared to provide . Your worship leader will love knowing they can ask for a warm pad , and get a reliable result , but you must put in the time to explain and demonstrate what your evolving keys rig is capable of before they can ask .
It ’ s best to make these changes gradually to avoid overwhelming your team or the sound engineer and most important to select the right sound for the right moment . Each sound has its own character and can bring a different mood or emotion to a song .
TIME TO EXPERIMENT With the basics coming together and your first steps successfully taken , it ’ s time to experiment . I find it helpful to approach this sonic experimentation with some clear goals and boundaries . At Sunday Sounds , we use the phrase ‘ taking safe risks ’ to contextualize what it looks like to try new musical ideas within a framework that makes it likely for those risks to pay off and ensures there is room for honest feedback when that ’ s not the case .
Communicate your intentions to your team , and always invite their feedback . It ’ s also beneficial to listen to different styles of music for inspiration . This will broaden your sonic palette and can lead to innovative ideas to guide your creativity .
Remember that these new synth sounds should be a tool , not the primary focus of your worship . When you use them well , they can help foster an environment that facilitates worship .
LET THEM COOK Exploring new synth sounds in worship isn ’ t a quick fix , it ’ s an ongoing process of discovery . It starts with understanding the basic elements of synthesis , building a foundation , and understanding of how sounds are made , so you can better guide your creativity . Next comes practical application - integrating these sounds into your worship team in a way that enhances , rather than overwhelms . Once you start to introduce new musical ideas , you can experiment within the context of your team , by regularly asking for feedback and taking those ‘ safe risks ’ I talked about .
While it might not hurt to invite yourself to as many backyard BBQs as possible , to increase your odds of uncovering your own treasure trove of vintage synth goodness , until then , keep exploring , keep learning , and begin using these amazing tools to bring something of excellence as you serve your worship team .
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
92 June 2023 Subscribe for Free ...