here's some old notes i found on worship leading :)
by Rev Philip Heng from Galilee BP.
Recognising a Good Song Leader
The qualities that are necessary for one to serve as a song leader are as follows:
- He must be a good-natured person.
- He must be a cheerful person who can lead songs with a good spirit and smiles.
- He must have a love for music. He must be sure of music that he may conduct with confidence.
- He must be able to sing.
- He talks only when necessary.
- As he sings, he makes others feel like singing too.
- He must be able to make one enjoy singing, and challenges them to do their best.
- He must be able to help the congregation to understand what they are singing about.
- He can get people to sing even when they do not feel like it.
- He sets the right pace/mood for each song and introduces each song well.
Good Points to Observe
- Manner of speech: clear, distinct, pleasant.
- Announce the song properly. First the number, then the title of the song ad its number once again.
- Cheerful heart.
- Make singers sing well.
- Encourage and commend the singers.
- Neat in appearance. Ordinary and presentable. Not gaudy, ostentatious or conspicuous. You are watched the moment you come in.
- Improve the knowledge of music.
- Know the song well.
- Be prayerful.
- Keep the throat healthy.
- Be pleasant in manners.
- Be confident.
- Help others understand the song.
- Keep the singers together.
- Get people into the right mood to sing.
- Be a good pacesetter.
- Look at the audience, but concentrate on the song.
Bad Points to Avoid
- Rude in speech; crude in behaviour.
- Bad mood.
- Not well-prepared (Do not know music).
- Inaudible.
- Fumbling.
- Staring always into your music book.
- Incomprehensible.
- Not lively or too lively. [Unsuitable for the mood of the song].
- Leaning on lectern.
- Not sure of songs.
- Untidy in appearance; too gaudy (distracting).
- Not knowing how to stop.
- Not punctual.
- Very apologetic.
- Talks too much.
- No eye contact.
- No variation.
- Distracting mannerism - speech or motion.
- Wrong position with respect to the audience.
The Areas Where a Song Leader's Service is Needed
- At pre-worship singing.
- Worship services.
- Evangelistic meetings or rallies.
- Fellowship meetings.
- Prayer meetings.
- Retreats, Camps, etc.
The Goal of a Song Leader
- To give a good start to evangelist or preacher by rousing or quietening the spirit of audience.
- To help the people to concentrate on the programmes of the meeting.
- This is not a light matter: A song leader can help or hinder the message.
Preparation
- First thing to do is to pray. Pray every step of the way.
- Know the sort of meeting and its time limit. Prepare accordingly.
- Choose songs to fit the topic of the message or meeting.
- Liaise with the pianist of instrumentalist to know the songs. Give the required books, pieces, and other instructions, e.g., how many bars to play as introduction.
For the following points, imagine your audience before you:
- Write down all possible songs that you could use. Choose your favourites and those of others. Include a new song, if you can manage. Then select the best ones to go within the time limit.
- Arrange them - in series, or according to topics, etc.
- Choose a good song to start with, if possible, one that everybody knows. Also choose a song with which to end the singspiration.
- Practise your songs well; know the tunes and the words by heart, if possible. Learn the timing, tune and correct pronunciation of words.
- Prepare your comments (if any) on the songs and keep them short and precise.
Pointers for Song Leading in the Fellowship Groups
- Teach variety: Sing in parts, canons (rounds); teach action to the songs (for children). Sing a medley of songs in the same key; sing a cappella (without musical accompaniment). Have them hum one of the stanzas. Get somebody to read one of the stanzas for a change.
- Give opportunity for choice from the audience, if the pianist can manage.
Precautions
- Do not have too many lively songs at a stretch. There will be sore-throats and hoarse, tired voices.
- Do not teach more than one new chorus at a meeting. Instead, revise the old tunes till people catch on. More times of fewer songs rather than fewer times of many songs is preferable.
- Do not talk too much. The time is for singing. Make only relevant comments. Speak distinctly and make it short.
- Watch the tone of voice and manners.
- Watch your mood, such as anger, tiredness and resentment.
- Watch the singing and the singers:
Correct if there is any incorrect tunes and words.
Beware of talkers while the others are singing. To do these, you will need a lot of tact.
Watch what you say that you do not hurt any one.
Comment especially on good singing.
- Make a good start. Keep your mind on the spirit of the meeting - guide and regulate it.
- Keep to the time limit. Leave gracefully.
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