Choosing good keys for your worship set is a big issue nowadays. I remember in the 70′s everything was mid to low range and simple chords (though hymns typically are pitched high with a high ‘E’ being very common).  In our small church with mostly guitars, this mid-low arrangement worked fine for us. Then we moved to City Bible Church in Portland in the 80s and everything went soaring (high sopranos were the big thing then – with big hair!) But still we generally had one common key for any given song. Our lists of songs and their keys were standard and worked for most of our congregation (except the low-voiced men in the back who couldn’t sing the high stuff – they usually ended up mumbling a lot). We did a lot of spontaneous modulations (again because the songs were simpler back then)higher and higher the songs would go until everyone’s screaming. Weird times!

Integrity’s Hosanna became the main source of songs and helped standardize keys for their songs, along with lead sheets written out for everything! (gasp!) Most songs were mid to high with them. Then Vineyard Music came in with generally lower range songs, more intimate and guitar driven – hard to be intimate when you’re screaming at God. Then came Hillsong Music with usually a couple of key options in their books – but Darlene Zschech is an alto so everything was low to mid.

Now most songs are written by tenors (Tomlin, Redman, etc.) so the original keys are good for them. Not generally for your average congregation. When choosing the key for a song, I think the main consideration has to be the success of your main group of people in the congregation – not your leader.

We led at The City Church in Seattle for a few years and every song had options (lower for female leader – higher for male leader – I chose the lower since I am a bass) But I noticed if the song was too low on a big opening song – it was not successful in the congregation. If it was too high in a softer meditative song – it was not successful in the congregation. My experience is the original key is generally not the best singing key for an average group. So taking it down one to two whole steps makes it singable – and singability trumps cool.

1. Find the range: I try to look at each song individually and its tessitura (range). Play the chords and sing the song. Find the highest note and the lowest note and identify them.
2. Fast songs: For fast, big loud songs the upper range can easily go to E-F-even G if you aren’t sustaining it too long. Don’t hang on high notes (E,F,G)ever. And the lower range shouldn’t go below middle C.
3. Medium and slow songs: For medium to slow songs I might tap an ‘E’ occasionally up high, but stay mid-range mostly with a low A being acceptable if not sustained. I think this will help most congregations be successful in their worship.
4. Overall: You will notice most songs don’t have more than an octave and a half range (low A to High E; or low C to high G) So my system generally works. But it does take time to figure out the best range for each song. I do it in my head now, knowing the high note of the song and its relationship to the key (ie the 3rd of the key) then finding the key where that would work (key of C would give me a high E).
5. Review: so, in summation: no screaming, no low rumblings, mid-range is best for most congregations.  One exception I have found is a woman leader who is a low alto who sings everything real low with power, and the men sing up high matching the same pitch with intensity. It works and has a great sound to it.

• Note: SongSelect (from CCLI) now has the feature to transpose any song (with chords in their database) into any key that you want. This is a great help especially to those who don’t understand music theory or key changes.

God bless you as pursue excellence in worship. Hope you find the right key to your worship!

Dr. Tim

Friends and fellow-worshipers  August 17, 2010

Maryl and I give thanks to an amazing God for another incredible year at Worship Without Borders. From Mexico to India, Alaska to Washington DC, we have seen God move powerfully in worship around the world. We want to give you a taste of the last year at WWOB as well as our vision and goals for the future. Here are some highlights:

In four years Worship Without Borders has touched nearly 300 churches, in six nations, three continents and held 36 local church worship seminars. We have seen the power of God come forth and touch countless lives as His worship is released in city after city and nation after nation. New songs are being birthed and prophetic worship is being released as His Spirit moves among His people. Even more exciting are the churches being planted with new worship ministries being freshly trained and growing numbers of people getting saved at all of our meetings.

We are thrilled to be involved with the International School of Worship in Lucknow, India. This school is associated with Pastor August Anthony (Assembly of Believers Church) whose vision and strategy has planted over 450 churches with more than 45,000 believers throughout India, seeing Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs coming to Jesus by the thousands. We are honored to work with them on a comprehensive strategy to train worship leaders and pastors throughout this great nation. We believe God has connected us with them to serve as a vital part of this vision to help further their work, planting new churches and encouraging the growth of evangelism everywhere. Along with our great on-going relationship with Pastor David Prakasam and Bethel City Cathedral in Coimbatore, India, it looks like India is a significant nation that God has given us to impact in worship.

I am honored to be teaching at a worship conference in Moses Lake, WA in September with my friend and mentor, Pastor Mike Herron and our good friend Liz Dugger. Watch this site for details. I will also be teaching the worship segment in Pastor Mark Strong’s new Leadership Institute (affiliated with George Fox University) at the LifeChange Christian Center in Portland for the fall session.

2011 is looking like ‘first-returns’ year with our first return to Uganda in January, our return to Lucknow, India and the International School of Worship in March and our first return to Coimbatore, India. I think God has some good plans for these nations!

Worship Without Borders 2010-2011 plans:

• July/August 2010 – We are developing more materials and resources for worshipers around the world. Books, pamphlets, videos and cds as well as online resources in conjunction with Mike Herron and study materials for the Leadership Institute with Pastor Mark Strong in the fall of 2010.
• September 2010 – ‘Heart of a Psalmist’ Worship Conference with Mike Herron in Moses Lake, WA
• September/October 2010 – teach worship classes at the LifeChange Leadership Institute in conjunction with George Fox University(TBA)
• October 2010 – MFI International Conference
• January 2011 – Life Church, Kampala, Uganda & Islands of Lake Victoria – Pastor Bob Wagar/Brent Earwicker
• February 2011 – Worship conference in West Palm Beach, FL, Pastors Danny and Giselle Bonilla
• February 2011 – Worship Northwest Conference, Salem, OR
• March 2011 – Lucknow, India, Assembly of Believers Church, Pastor Augustus Anthony
• November 2011 – Coimbatore, India, Bethel City Cathedral, Pastor David Prakasam

Maryl and I want to extend our deep gratitude to the pastors and leaders and friends everywhere for supporting us during this vital time in our lives and in our ministry.  Thank you for your time, support and especially your prayers as we labor and worship together.

Transform the world in worship with us,

Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith

Your Worship Missionaries

503.327.4808/timsongsmith@gmail.com / wwob.org

Rom 1:10 Lord, we are making request that if, by some means, now at last we may find a way in the will of God to go to the nations. 11 For we long to see them, that we may impart to them some spiritual gift, so that they may be established—12 that is, that we may be encouraged together with them by the mutual faith both of them and us. 13 for we have planned to go to them  that we might have some fruit among them also, just as among the other countries that you have sent us. (paraphrase by Tim Smith)

Lift it Up – Be not afraid

I love working with vocalists. People who want to sing well and glorify God in the process are wonderful to work with generally. The singers in the worship band are the greatest physical representation of the worship experience. They are generally the first to be heard and seen as people walk into your church, and often the last to be heard as people leave the sanctuary.

Here are a few thoughts to consider when working with singers in worship:

1. Move them forward This might seem elementary, but I find a lot of singers stand way back on the platform unnecessarily. I especially like the singers forward in the configuration on the stage so they can see the ‘whites of their eyes’. If you have a choir, line them up behind you.
2. The more the merrier Some prefer one or two singers, but I think in larger scenarios, a larger group of singers is more engaging for the congregation. It gives you a lot of vocal presence as well as a visually active stage.
3. Keep eyes open whenever possible I know this is controversial on both sides of this thought, but there is much to be said for the singers that are aware of their surroundings – see and communicate with one another for transitions and changes in the set, know what is happening in the congregation, anticipate the response of the congregation, etc.
4. Make eye contact ‘The light of the body is the eye’ – there is something about looking into someone’s eyes with faith and assurance that encourages and stirs people. I encourage my singers to have a pleasant expression at all times and use their countenance to persuade the hardest of hearts to look to Jesus. Much of our worship expression can become either distant and impersonal, or professional and unauthentic. Stay in touch with the people as we worship together!
5. Reference the whole church Keep positive in everything, but make sure everyone is being addressed, not just the front row or ‘preaching to the choir’. I tell my singers to sing to the back row and anticipate some amazing moments of interaction.
6. Fill the house Keep the vocal mix strong and above the rest of the instruments in the house mix. The words are everything! No matter how cool the guitar lick is, if you can’t hear or understand the words, you’ve lost the whole purpose of corporate worship.

Okay, that’s just a few thoughts for singers. Later I will give you some more vocal ideas.

Be creative, and rejoice in the freedom of Christ!

Dr. Tim Smith

©2010 SongSmith Ministries

On Friday morning of the Come Be With Me Prophetic Worship Conference in July, 2000, after the worship, the cello got tipped over and suffered a nasty crack (18 inches long) on the front. I was generally at peace about it, but was disappointed that I wouldn’t be playing for a while until I could get it fixed. [God has just recently released me on the cello again especially for prophetic worship] That afternoon, an intercessor in our church heard about the crack and felt impressed by God to go to the bank and write up a cashier’s check for $100 for the repairs. As she was explaining it to the teller, the person in line behind her, a complete stranger, was listening and became very interested. This person decided to match what the lady was giving – thus another $100. The third person in line said, ‘Well, I’m a cellist, and I know it will cost more than $200 to fix a cello. It’ll cost at least $500!’ So this stranger threw in $300!

So this $500 cashiers check was presented to me on Friday night at the conference with great celebration in the middle of the service. We cheered and shouted for the miraculous provision of God in His love for us. A couple of friends had already given $200 and another $100 came in the offering. And then a kind, older gentleman came up to me at the end of the service with $300. So, $1100 for my cello’s repair was miraculously provided in one night! [The immediate thought came to my mind: He breaks us before He blesses us]

The first estimate I received for the repairs was between $4000-$5000! Ouch! This was definitely more than the cello was worth (app. $3500 at the time). So I thought, ‘God, did you do all this so I could go into debt?’ The first repair shop felt given the value of the cello, that it really wasn’t worth their time repairing. But they graciously gave me a referral to a wonderful repairman, Ed Geesman, in downtown Portland. This gentleman was able to do the same work and more for half the cost: $2000!

I am thrilled at God’s provision. Ed told me when it was done that the cello would be comparable to a $6000-$10,000 cello in quality! Praise God. Well, you might say, God brought in $1100 and the bill was $2000-where is the other $900? I’m glad you asked. I felt all along that this was God’s miracle, His idea, and He would finish it. Driving home from the repairman after paying him the money up front with a check, I started praying: ‘Lord, You know You started this, and I can probably finish this in my own strength with some juggling of our money, but I would really prefer it to be You putting the capstone on Your project here. How about it?’  I got back to the church and lying in my mailbox was an unexpected check that was written while I was at the shop, for $898.83!!! Praise God! (By the way, for those who care and wonder if God came up $1.17 short here, my mom sent me a check the week before for my birthday for $25. ‘For your cello’ she wrote on it. God more than provides! And His impeccable timing once again amazes me.

So in a month, I had a fixed cello to the glory of God! Also, with extra funds that came in later, I was able to purchase a beautiful pernambuco wood bow for $450 (a great price). Now, it plays better than ever, and I hope to produce a CD with my wife, Maryl, on the flute and me on The Cello. I stand amazed at God’s love for me. But even more, a renewed trust in the provision of a loving God who does great wonders through His people.

For those who would like to hear it, go to my ‘Music’ page on this site. If you would like to see it played, go to my YouTube site (timsongsmith). God is amazing and does great things for those who trust in Him. Trust Him today!

BTW, I don’t take my cello on the plane with me for obvious reasons, so many of the churches in nations where we minister, now borrow or rent a cello for me (Kamchatka, India, Mexico, Canada, Japan, etc.) so I am able to play and minister through the cello around the world! Praise God!

Dr. Tim Smith

You can hear three versions of this with a Romanian translation at: wwob.org/music

And you can see and hear it in Romanian and Japanese on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/timsongsmith

Enjoy,

Tim and Maryl Smith, Your Worship Missionaries

Maryl and I were honored to minister in Washington DC in May 2010. Pastor Michael and Heather Giroux graciously invited us to come and work with the worship team at City Church DC. We flew in fresh from Puebla, Mexico, and proceeded to have a great time with the team. The church had just celebrated their 4th anniversary the week before with Pastor Bob Isabell and Pastor Tony Alward so they were primed and ready to go deeper in their worship experience.

Thursday night we gathered together for the first time and the team (lead by Jenny, Lizzie and April) had a short but solid time of worship. I stepped up in the middle of the last song and exhorted them concerning their part of what God was saying in the middle of worship. I saw them as lights on many hills over a valley, developing a canopy of praise and worship over a sleeping and bound up city. We stressed the importance of each voice and each instrument being a part of what God is saying in doing during the worship. Then we started to sing and worship again with that understanding, releasing some fresh songs and worship. It was a powerful moment of revelation for the team. Then I shared the Vision of Worship for City Church DC and the surrounding area.

Friday, Maryl and I toured the Washington Mall, viewing the many immense and inspiring memorials and museums in that city. A full day that left us breathless. The Korean War Memorial especially struck both of us (you must see it at night) as both powerful and haunting.

Saturday, we came back to the church for all-day marathon of teaching, worship and release for the worship team. Starting at 11am with the singers, we covered a lot of ground: singing, worship team in the flow, leaders in the flow, songwriting for worship and even got in a short rehearsal for Sunday. They seemed so eager and thirsty for all that we were teaching, it made it easy and enjoyable to speak for 8 hours! I was amazed at that!

Sunday, Maryl played her flute and I played the keys during a powerful set of worship led by Jenny Steele (the worship pastor) for both services. Pastor Tom Eyre delivered a great word for his first week as a licensed pastor at CCDC. This growing church nestled next to American University in DC, has great potential to make an impact on a vital city in the world.

Monday we were privileged to have a personal tour a la Erin Houg through the National Prayer Center (Pastor Ken Wilde) where prayer is being generated for our nation’s leaders, and the Nation’s Capitol building. We learned some of the the little dark secrets of governmental history and intrigue. Amazing what has gone on in that small area of the world.  Then, to celebrate of 36th wedding anniversary, we ended the day in an astounding Brazilian churrascaria, Fogo de Chao with Erin and Brian Houg. Wonderful and delicious meat to your heart’s delight. You really must try it when you go there!

After DC, we took a train to Edison, NJ, where Maryl spoke to health practitioners from all over New Jersey at a Perinatal Conference. She was amazing in her area of expertise in birth. I am so thrilled to be her husband! For 36 years!!!

Next time you are in DC, be sure to see the amazing sights, be astounded by man’s creations and ingenuity, enjoy the cuisine, but be sure to check out what God is doing in the city! He is the most amazing Sight!

in Him,

Tim and Maryl Smith

We had a wonderful time together on Saturday as I worked with the worship leaders on the flow of worship. Pastor Eric Jaquith was my main translator as we worshiped and learned together. In the afternoon, as I was starting to teach and exhort the worship teams – specifically the singers – a rainstorm arose suddenly and loudly. The rain was so loud in the sanctuary it practically drowned my voice out. I was talking about the importance of singing and the song in worship. Instead of fighting the din of rain, I invited everyone to join in the song with the rain! I compared it to the ‘great cloud of witnesses’.  We started to sing ‘Grace like rain’ or ‘La gracia como la lluvia’.  This started a series of new songs and instrumental songs for about 1/2 hour as God ministered His grace to everyone there. He even confirmed His word with a few loud thunderclaps! It was pretty powerful. Afterward, as the rain subsided, we worked intently on flowing together with instruments, voices, songs, presence, etc. The day ended with a spirited dance by most of the youth there. Fun and exhilarating time!

Sunday I got to speak at all three different campuses that make up Fuente Para El Mundo. Each campus had great worship, dancing and a packed sanctuary. I even got to play their new cello they got for their church. They have really made each campus uniquely beautiful, warm and friendly. The rich atmosphere of faith, grace and love is obvious everywhere you go. I shared on The Heartbeat of the Worshiper, citing Abraham, Job and David as the ultimate worshipers, who worshiped God under duress. Each one was honored in their humility, brokeness and obedience before God, as they bowed the knee in the hardest of circumstances. Abraham (the father of our faith), Job (all was restored and more), David (Jesus would be called the Son of David); they all worshiped God at the point that most of us would have given up or grown bitter. As I shared this at each campus, the response to the hope in Jesus Christ was wonderful. He truly is the God of restoration, of hope, of revelation, of freedom. Many were freed to worship Him this day.

I even got to enjoy some good mariachi music Sunday afternoon. God bless all our friends in Puebla. Hope to see you all again real soon.

Blessings to all – Tim and Maryl Smith, your worship missionaries

Here is a report from someone who just got their books and DVDs:

Absolutely arrived in good condition on Friday and were delivered to the two ladies for which I ordered them this weekend. They are excited about and are diving into the materials. One even tried applying some of the “techniques” right away in Sunday morning’s worship service after just looking through the book! The fruit is being MULTIPLIED!!!!!

Steve Noble, Beaverton, Oregon

Some people are wondering ‘what are the Smith’s and Worship Without Borders doing now?’ so I thought I would try to catch you up. We have been amazingly busy since India in February, so time to write has been precious and sparse. Besides finishing up our last major project and product, Piano in Worship DVD and book, we have been able to do a lot of ministry on the stateside.

We were honored to teach at the Worship Northwest Conference in Salem Oregon alongside our friends Marty and Jeanne Nystrom and reconnect with Glenn Packiam. That was a wonderfully diverse and powerful conference. One of my old students from The Dalles, Cory Knowland, is one of the leaders there and doing an amazing job!

We also ministered at many local churches throughout the Easter season which we thoroughly enjoyed. Then the highlight of April was going way up north to Alaska and doing two worship seminars with our friends up there. We stayed with Maryl’s brother and sister-in-law, James and Jennifer, for 10 days and really enjoyed our relaxing time with them and the kids. The first seminar was with the great people at Alliance Bible Church in Anchorage, Pastor Jeff Weisinger. They also invited a few other churches and worship people to join in the seminar and together we had a delightful time. Probably the highlight for me was to hear the people there sing their own new songs to the Lord from scripture or hymns. Their boldness and delight in singing was infectious and got us all singing at one point. I believe God planted some new vision, new thoughts and new songs in many people attending. We are getting good reports back from about our time together.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with your ministry, your connection with our team, your teaching spirit, the new songs, Maryl’s beautiful gift on the flute, and the way you were able to speak to the team at the level we are at.  I have been to many worship music seminars, but this was the first one that had immediate and lasting value.  Your handouts were important but I most value your Observations and Recommendations that you sent in follow up.

Ronda Weaver, Worship Coordinator, Alliance Bible Church, Anchorage, AK

After our great time with ABC we got to work with a young worship team at Heritage Christian School in Anchorage and encourage them in their worship. We did get to do a little traveling down the Turnagain Arm and enjoy the beauty that is classic Alaska.

Finally we were honored to minister at Wasilla Assembly of God, with Pastor Ed Kalnins and the worship pastor Nathan Lopez and his team! What a great group, full of the spirit of God, ready and willing to do just about anything. We got into some rich moments of worship and flowing while releasing new songs in the team. They even borrowed a beautiful cello for me to play during our times of worship. Delicious sound! Nathan and the team have a very good flow and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. It was just delightful to work with them and help release the fullness of spirit-expression in worship.

After coming home, I went to Life Bible Church in Harrisburg, OR to attend the Sound in Worship Seminar with Steve Diamond. This is such an excellent seminar that every sound person, worship pastor and pastor should either attend or have Steve in to their church. You will never hear the same again! Guaranteed! Excellent information, impartation and innovation at all levels, especially the part about ‘Psychoacoustics’! Look it up, it needs to be understood and addressed in every church around the world! God bless you Steve! After the seminar Life Bible Church invited me to join the worship team on the cello for all 3 weekend services. What a powerful time of flowing and ministry. All with a great sound system! Thanks Steve, and Pastors Brad and Jennifer Neuschwander!

Now we are looking at two great opportunities this month (see our Calendar above) that God opened up supernaturally recently. This week I fly to Puebla, Mexico (Pastor Phil Jaquith) to work once again with the wonderful worship teams at Fuente para El Mundo (they now have 3 campuses and 3 complete worship teams down there!) and then preach on Sunday! God is doing amazing things in Puebla. When I get back from Mexico, we immediately fly to Washington DC to be with our friends, Pastors Michael and Heather Giroux at City Church DC for our first time ever with them and their worship team. We will be working with the team on Thursday and all-day Saturday. On Sunday I have the honor of preaching at their downtown facility. We are very excited to be able to minister in our nation’s capital for the first time.

Finally, the Piano in Worship Book/DVD is being finished up this week and we should be mailing all the pre-orders out on Wednesday and Thursday. This is your last chance to get your pre-orders in. We would love to get this incredible resource into every church that desires to see worship flourish in their services.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are sensing His favor and grace in our lives as we continue to facilitate and release worship around the world.

God bless you richly in His presence,

Your worship missionaries, Tim and Maryl Smith

Worship should always be one of the most exhilarating and uplifting things we ever do on this planet together! We gather to worship Jesus, not out of compulsion or guilt but in answer to His call ‘Come be with Me’. His ongoing passion to dwell in and inhabit our praises, to abide with us, is that which draws us to His presence.

So He doesn’t gather us together to begin His punishment of us or to start listing our faults or enumerating our failures. That was the whole purpose of the cross: to give us immediate and complete access to the Father ‘that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need’ (Heb.4:16). And neither does He want His leaders and worshipers being the fault-finders and exposers of those around them. His presence and worship is sacred and holy and everything we do and say should reflect His nature or Who He is!

We all know there are some things that need to be corrected and people adjusted at times, but that should be the exception rather than the rule. And specifically concerning the worship ministry, it should be the best place to display the heart of the Father not only on Sunday mornings but in every situation – especially the rehearsal! I have seen Christian leaders get red-faced and angry and even throw things at people who messed up a line of music or who weren’t listening when they were supposed to, or came to the rehearsal with a bad attitude, etc. It made it hard to come back for the next episode of ‘who get’s in trouble tonight?’ Every gathering should be eagerly looked forward to by all our people not dreaded.

So let’s talk some about establishing a positive environment in our worship, starting with the worship team and specifically during a rehearsal. Can we be positive, edifying and uplifting and still get anything done during a practice? Don’t you have to yell and scream at some people to get them to do want you want them to do? I taught Junior High music in the public schools for 8 years, and believe me, the temptation to let go and let them have it was overwhelming at times! So how do we accomplish anything and remain positive in our sessions together? How do we get there?

1. A positive spirit always starts with you – Php 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Focus on the good things of your team, the worship, the music, the church. Refuse to entertain negative trains of thought.
2. Be prepared for every rehearsal – Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. 2Timothy 4:2 Let your group walk into a ready and restful atmosphere, not hurried and rushed. Music, stands, mics, sound, lights, chairs, cds, etc. everything ready to go! Know exactly what you are going to do from the very beginning.
3. Pace the rehearsal – This works especially working with younger members. Keep your tempo up especially between songs. Know what you are going to say and do before a song ends! Interject an immediate positive response and excitement for what was just done or what you are about to do.
4. Change your vocabulary – Prov.18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it. Start by learning to turn something negative (‘that was terrible’) into something positive (‘okay, let’s try it again and watch your pitch on the high G – I know you can do it!’)
5. Ignore negative talk – Oftentimes, well-meaning members will try to give their opinion on a song or ‘help’ by correcting me or someone else, etc. First, I never take it personally, ever! Second, I try not to acknowledge the comment (if it’s negative or mean) and definitely I dont engage them or correct them back. If it’s somebody with an attitude and an on-going confrontational spirit, I take them aside privately after the rehearsal and address it there. If they can’t control themselves, they are gone.
6. Find a way to compliment as many people as possible – I love the challenge of finding good things to say about people and still help them grow in their gift. I don’t believe in flattery and it doesn’t help anybody to tell them something that is untrue or silly. But to find that special thing that they did well in a single moment and bring it to everyone’s attention can sometimes change everything around. Try it!
7. Stay focused on the goal – Remember your purpose in rehearsing – it’s not to get a great sound! It’s to glorify Jesus. To express His love and His beauty – you just can’t do that in a negative way. Imagine saying this to a worship band: ‘That was awful. Tell me how even one phrase of that song glorified Jesus?’ Tragic, and yet that is said many times in the context of excellence in music. Worship is first, music second. Maybe put your instruments down with no singing and then just have a moment of silence and reflect on His wonder. He is the goal!

You can make every rehearsal delightful, positive and something to look forward to. This will change your Sunday worship automatically!

Dr. Tim Smith

©2010 SongSmith Ministries

We are excited to announce the soon-to-be-released Piano in Worship DVD and Book - an instructional tool for worshiping pianists and keyboardists. Hundreds of students around the world have been released over the years in creative worship through the book. Now on the DVD, many more will be able to see and hear the unique yet simple patterns that Dr. Tim has used in worship for years (called ‘worship bridges’ or vamps). Using these basic yet creative techniques, the worship pianist can play virtually any song in any key as well as play during free-flowing moments in a worship service(i.e. during prayer times, testimonies, Bible-readings, altar calls, etc.)

We are making this DVD/Book available to pre-order online. The book has been reformatted and being made available along with the DVD all for only $49.95! An incredible value for a year’s worth of lessons and a lifetime of worship on your piano or keyboard! We hope to get this DVD and book into every church around the world that desires to be released in the creative flow of worship.

Special Offer: Pre-order this amazing book and DVD now and you will receive reduced shipping fees!

So whether you are an experienced pianist or a beginner; a classically-trained pianist or by-ear; a hymn-enthusiast or looking for the CCLI top-25 songs – this DVD was created with you in mind – to release worship in multiple settings!

If you don’t play the piano or keyboard, consider sending this DVD/book as a gift it to someone who does or maybe a church or school you know could use it! All proceeds from this amazing resource will help further the ministry of Worship Without Borders as we ‘go into all the world’ releasing worship of Jesus Christ. Thank you for investing in transforming nations in worship.

Here are a few quotes from people who have used Piano in Worship to develop their ‘flow’ in worship:

I was so fortunate to have studied and trained under Dr. Tim Smith as my piano teacher, choir director and music pastor. Because of this, I received the blessing of knowing the beautiful free-flow in worship as my weekly worship experience and teaching. Not until I began to travel and minister myself in churches across the country, did I realize how these concepts are rare and revolutionary in releasing real freedom in worship. Now everywhere I travel I refer musicians to Tim’s book. Piano in Worship is rich with powerful tools for taking your church music ministry experience to new levels, and yet it is simple enough for the average church pianist to grasp. If you have felt limited as a church pianist [keyboardist] or you are a pastor or music minister sensing the stirring of the Lord for more creativity and depth in your praise and worship services, this is the material for you! You will not find another resource like it–it is truly Holy Spirit-inspired!”
Sara Paulson Brummett, Recording Artist & Music Minister, Palomar Heights Church, San Marcos, California

Learning the ‘worship bridges’ in Piano in Worship revolutionized my keyboarding skills and worship leading. The concept of “flowing” in worship is something that I’ve also been able to pass on. Tim’s instruction really unleashed potential that I didn’t know lay hidden in my limited piano skill. People say, ‘Wow, you sure know how to play’, and I tell them that what I’m doing is so simple! It is much less elaborate than most people think.”
Hilde Austad Stevenson, Vancouver, B.C.

I was just looking for my copy of Piano in Worship a few days ago so I could teach my son some options for the bVI bVII I chord progression as he accompanied us, and realized someone has stolen my copy! I could vote this the most likely to never be returned book I’ve ever had- way too helpful! From now on no more lending it out!”
Lynne Falk Woo, Utica, NY

Piano in Worship transformed me from an accompaniment pianist to a prophetic pianist. Trying all the different styles of vamps really expanded my boring rhythmic repertoire too. So many classical pianists have no idea where to begin when it comes to piano in worship, and Piano in Worship lays it out clearly and understandably.”
Lynne Falk Woo, Utica, NY

Piano In Worship improved my ability to worship at the piano. I haven’t found another resource that compares with the instruction, insight and creativity Tim Smith offers in this book. It’s easy for students to understand and is an invaluable tool for teachers and worship leaders. Whether you want to worship at home or lead a congregation of thousands, THIS is the book for you!”
Tammi MacDermid Gerchow, Everett, WA

I really do enjoy your Piano in Worship book. I love all the different worship vamps and finding different songs to use them with. It really helps to vary worship with different chords and different vamps which can change the feel. Thank you so much for putting such valuable information together in one place to help us all in our worship.”
Karen Bickel, Camas, WA

Sounds of Heaven are being released in the earth today! Tim Smith’s Piano In Worship paves the way for the Holy Spirit to create these new sounds on the piano. Originality explodes as pianists practice each riff. I believe that Tim and the Holy Spirit are excellent piano instructors, taking musicians deeper into the presence of God, the river of God. Every pianist will greatly benefit from this timeless classic, receiving inspiration for fulfilling their calling as one who leads others to the throne of God.”
Cheryl S. Bradley, Recording Artist, Lacey, WA

Tim’s teaching on worship, not only helped me as a musician but also as a worshiper. There was so much in Piano in Worship that helped me in my walk with God. It was truly a treasure, and I value everything it imparted into who I am today. I still to this day remember some of the progressions and bridges you wrote about in your book.”
Ashish Joy, Vancouver, B.C.

I was a trained classical organist and so learning to play for worship was a totally new approach for me. Tim’s patient and clear explanations made my goal attainable. Piano in Worship offers samples of many structures, each appropriate for a different type of worship song, from exuberant praise to quiet meditation. But the most important learning is to approach worship leading prayerfully. Skill is not enough, one must develop a worshiping heart. I am deeply grateful to Tim for leading my heart deep into worship.”
Margaret Harris, Piano Teacher, Aloha, OR

Can’t wait for you all to hear Tim’s intro and Philosophy on the new Piano in Worship DVD. Soooo good… every church musician NEEDS to hear this stuff.”
Michael Vossler, Owner of Impact Video and Audio Productions, Kenmore, WA

Few understand the true heart of worship as Tim Smith. As a pioneer, Tim was inspiring students long before worship music entered the mainstream. While his songs have been sung all over the world and inspired countless worshipers, the heart and wisdom of the man left an indelible impression that I’ve carried with me to this day. My years in the music ministry were made so much more meaningful thanks to the teaching of Tim Smith. If you are eager to truly understand God’s beating heart for humanity, you’ll want to learn from one of the masters. I’m honored to call him a mentor, friend and brother.”
Wesley Goo, Founder and Host, The Reinvention Community