005: The Five Best Christmas Gifts For Worship Leaders
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Hello again!
Christmas is only a few days away, but for the procrastinators out there looking to find that perfect gift for the worship leader in their lives, I have come to the rescue.
The Five Best Christmas Gifts for Worship Leaders
1. An iTunes Card – this is a great way for a musician to purchase and own the latest worship songs, or, recordings of traditional hymns or chant. Further, it can be used to buy a music-related app, such as Guitar Toolkit.
2. Capos – both full and partial (or cut-) capos. Partial capos are the latest and greatest invention for guitarists today; it allows unparalleled flexibility for crafting the perfect sounds for specific songs. If they have been dragging their heels as to how to use these tremendous gadgets, you can also get them tutorials as how to use them. Here’s more information on them.
3. A subscription to a membership site. Online membership sites have become even more popular today; it’s a fantastic way to grow either in one’s musical craft (www.masterguitarplay.com, among others) or one’s theology (Dr Taylor Marshall’s New St Thomas Institute). Or, get them access to a site that provides them songsheets (like CCLI’s SongSelect) or new songs (www.spiritandsong.com).
4. Old Hymnals/Vintage Songbooks/Amazon-or-eBay Gift Cards: There are thousands upon thousands of fantastic hymns and songs well worth rediscovery that are outside of the standard CCLI circles. Dive deep into history and worship with the same songs used during the first or second Great Awakenings. Be enriched by the deep theology and poetic artistry. And today, such hymns/spirituals/praise choruses are easier to access more than ever, due to reprints of older hymnals. If you’re looking for favorite modern musical resources, my absolute favorite is Liturgical Hymns Old & New.
5. Music Notation Software. There are many different types of music notation software, but my favorite is the simple “Finale Songwriter” which goes for about $50.00. Purchase this, install it, and memorize the keyboard shortcuts; and then there will be no stopping you in learning any melody.
Don’t forget if you subscribe to my mailing list, you will have access to the newly created Free Christmas Carol Songbook For Guitar. This songbook contains many favorites, and some classic songs destined to become new favorites. It’s my gift to you.
Merry Christmas! See you next year!
