How to Conduct a Music Seminar

[Mintdakid]

I dont even know where or how to Start, but I know it's something that I would love to do

Any ideas, advice, tips??

[trinatrine]

Hi sweetie!  I do these all the time and let me bless you with this.  Most people believe that music seminars/workshops/clinics mean "shed time" and it doesn't.  Use your personal experiences being a minister in the music ministry whether they be good or bad so that it may encourage others who might want to further or advance in the ministry but don't bash anyone...lol, teach some simple, catchy songs that choir directors or musicians are able to take back home to their ministries and if someone might have questions about your styles of music, settings of drawbars if you're an organist or melodies on keys, share!  Always have the Word of God as reference and reminder on why we do what we do and that we should live the call!  I also have printout sheets of music, my outline of what I'm teaching and an "icebreaker" at the beginning to get to know the people.  I end mine with teaching techniques with musicians and/or vocalists!  Hope some of this helps!  We're here for ya sweetie.....and so is Trina Trine!  LOVE YA!

[under13]

In addition to what Trina Said, you should have a Bass Player, A PnW leader, a Vocal Coach, Guitar Player, a drummer and a Keyboardist/Organ player.
They should all have a certain amount of time to demonstrate what they have to show.
They should also demonstrate how to work togather as a band.

I went to one this summer, and that how they did it, and it worked out great.

[Mintdakid]

Thank you  Trina and U-13    GREAT ADVICE!!!!    I  appreciate it and will incorporate it in my future seminars

[lorenz_j]

First, set some goals.  What would you like accomplish?
What do you think people need to learn?
What is your expertise?  What can you effectively teach people?

Be prayerful in assessing your skills and determining what you should teach.

First and foremost, make sure you seminar is Biblical/Scriptural and that there is some sort of prayer and Bible study in your seminar.  Folk really need to know who they are singing to and why they are singing.

Here are a few ideas for things that you can have a seminar about.  This isn?t an all inclusive list:

 

1.   Prayer
2.   Scripture
3.   Biblical Application to what you?re doing
4.   Warm up techniques/exercises
5.   Instrument techniques
6.   Breathing techniques
7.   Listening techniques
8.   Learning new songs
9.   Team building (How to work together)
10.  Conflict resolution
11.  Practicing techniques
12.  Singing techniques
13.  Directing techniques
14.  Choir communication
15.  Ministering
16.  Establishing a choir prayer and support group


There are many things to discuss; just make sure you keep it simple and don?t overwhelm people.  Don?t have too many topics in a seminar and teach what you are good at and make sure that you can easily explain what you do.  Some folk are good musicians/singers but aren?t good teachers; but an average musician/singer who is an excellent teacher is more effective. 

Keep things fun exciting and simple.  Consistently observe the folk you are teaching to see if they understand what they are learning.  Make it as interactive and possible and make it a lecture style only when necessary...keep people engaged.

Make sure that you have an agenda for what you?re doing so you?ll remain focused.  Make sure you have the necessary materials to give people ie, agenda, music, handouts, scripture references, etc.

Also, throughout the event, have the folk explain, play, and sing, etc. what they have learned to ensure that they are learning -- you want to make sure you?re an effective teacher.  Furthermore, after the event make sure you follow up with the person/group you are training to monitor their progress.

Throughout the event, continuously stress (in what you?re doing/teaching) that you and they are ministering in music for God and not for show.  Folk should focus on God and nothing else.

[Matt2008]

WOW this is all great material.

[2blessed]

Does anyone know about any good upcoming Music Seminars for Keys or vocals?  I am in Cleveland Ohio and would like to go to one.  It doesn't have to be in Ohio I can travel to surrounding areas.  If it is really worth my while I take off in a plane.  Let me know. Thanks!