School of Worship
Course #:
Division:
Fine Arts
Department:
Music
Suggested Age:
13-18
Prerequisites:
Minimum skill requirements:
--Guitar players should be able to play basic open chords as well as E and A form bar chords and be able to strum in time.
--Bass Players should know the names of the notes on the fret board and be able to play in time.
--Vocalists should be able to sing in tune.
--Drummers should be able to play a basic rock beat and fill out of a phrase in time.
--Keyboardists should be able to play basic chords, understand chord inversions and read basic chord charts.
--Other instrumentalists should be able to play at least 6 major scales and read simple parts.
Course Description:
Purpose
The concept of School of Worship was born several years ago out of an apparent need for young musicians in the church to learn how to develop and use their gifts in worship, and in wider Christian music ministries. For this reason a small group of Christian musicians started a worship/music school aimed at teaching young musicians how to play together in a band and lead in a corporate worship setting. After the students develop their skills in class, an opportunity to lead worship at a local church is provided.
What does School of Worship teach?
School of Worship teaches a wide variety of subjects including; Basic music theory, rhythm and groove, stage performance, studio recording, spiritual expression, musical expression and dynamics, songwriting, use of sound equipment, worship in the Bible, and many more topics. Guitar and Bass players will have some focused instruction on their instrument, as well as keyboardists, drummers, and vocalists. After sectionals the band is put back together to play through what they have learned.
About the instructor: Mark Ramsey
"I have been leading worship in some capacity in the Austin area since 1985. For the last 8 years I have been part of the Austin Vineyard where I trade worship leading duties with two other leaders. In the mid 1980's and early 1990's I traveled around Texas in two different Christian bands. We were invited to lead worship in many different types of churches so I got a pretty good overview of the differences between several denominations. I have spent a considerable amount of time over the decades in various recording studios both on secular and Christian projects. Part of the class is "thinking like a producer" which comes from my experience arranging and producing bands in the studio."
Curriculum/Materials:
Drums, keyboard and PA provided. Other than drums or keyboards, everyone bring their own instrument.
Curriculum provided by instructor in the form of the songs we work on and the mini lectures