Common Song Leader Mistakes
Worship Survey / Discussion Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
What are the most common mistakes made by song leaders / worship leaders in directing congregational singing? While conducting a recent leaders’ clinic, I realized, yet again, how the same mistakes seem to be universally prevalent. After the song leaders came forward to lead one song each, I critiqued them (“in love”) and offered suggestions immediately following. My assignment seemed quite awkward, as thoughts of Simon Cowell (of American Idol) came to mind. There were many positive skills displayed among the diverse line up of leaders. However, here are some that seemed to be ubiquitous and should be corrected:
1. Never using a pitch pipe (and every leader of a cappella singing should.) If I could start with one universal wish, I’d want every leader to attain the correct pitch, every time for every song.
2. Staring at the song book (and making no eye contact with the congregation.) Take away the song book (or monitor screen), and you’ll find a host of helpless song leaders who would not know where to look.
3. Employing stale tempos – - In fact, they’re so common that often the congregation is actually leading (and inevitably dragging.)
4. Never changing the tempo (and as you know, variety is the “spice of life.”)
5. Dynamic contrasts seemed to be non-existent. Why not sing some sections softly and others loudly? Yet, we migrate to a non-expressive, predictable pattern.
6. Impossible to smile and sing? This one is right up there with not using a pitch pipe. How can you say, “Come we that love the Lord and let our joys be known” without projecting a single ounce of joy? This one change could revolutionize song leading (simply expressing joy and smiling!)
7. Body language contradicting the message of the songs. Taking the above example further, worship leaders must understand how powerful non-verbal communication is, and how our leading often undermines the message of the songs. There is no question about the winner of “words versus non-verbal communication” debate. I suggest that there is not a single leader (especially me), who could not benefit by analyzing video recordings of their leading (painful, but helpful).
Which mistake do you believe is the most common of all? (You can leave a comment to add others.)
Short URL: http://keithlancaster.com/?p=1754
One major mistake that I see all too often is a song leader using a song he does not know very well himself and his audience may not know at all. This is especially disappointing in the AM assembly.
Johnny,
That’s important. I try to never use a song on Sunday morning that is brand new, as the Sunday morning assembly does not seem to be the appropriate time to teach a new song. However, I’m well aware that if we don’t have an adequate venue for introducing and teaching new songs, we risk losing young people and being irrelevant to seekers.
How do new songs lessen the risk of “losing” young people? Shouldn’t the Word do that? How are we irrelevant to “seekers” if we do not have new songs? Is the Word relevant enough?
Good question. It’s my opinion that pretty much every generation enjoys styles of their own “contemporary music;” music they cherish and relate to. It is not uncommon for this music to be quite different from their grandparents’ favorite music. How does this relate to the church? It relates in the fact that your church sings songs; and those songs represent “some” era during which they were written (and were contemporary at the time they were written.) Which generation or era does your congregation’s songs represent? (1700′s, 1800′s, 1950′s, etc.?) Just as Elizabethan English does not communicate clearly with this generation, there are countless songs that are composed by music (written by man) that turns people off.
Personally, I prefer “blended” song selections – - mixing timeless and treasured hymns (not all hymns would fit the category of “timeless”) with Biblically-based contemporary songs. I know many young people who prefer the “older” songs, while there are many mature adults who love contemporary spiritual songs. (Meaning, there is no formula that works for every situation, congregation or culture.)
right on Keith!
I’m writing this from my iPhone, so please forgive any typos.
I think the two biggest components, which are results of what you state above, is projecting confidence and actually LEADING the song. Think about this; haven’t we all been in church during the assembly, and noticed that the song leader is visibly nervous? Doesn’t that, deep down, make you a bit nervous too? Are you concentrating on worship? Or wondering is the song leader is going to pass out, or run up the center isle and out the front door screaming in abject terror?
The key is to slow down in your mind, take a few deep breaths…and relax! Own what you are doing! Project confident calm friendliness while you lead the family in worship. If you are new to song leading and tend to get nervous, do whatever you can to spend more time upfront before you begin regular song leading. Voluntier to lead prayers or preside over the table. Practice holding your head UP and making eye contact and coversational diction. When you begin sing leading regularly, you will be much more confident. And when you are confident, you can actually…
LEAD the song! Do not be passive or haulting when you are the song leader! Especially if your worship model is the traditional one man up front vs a praise team. When you LEAD, everyone else in the congregation with jump in with support and follow enthusiasticly! That is a very important mechanical component to providing the atmosphere for moving praise and worship!
This is GREAT advice, John-Mark! As you imply, it is “easier said than done.” Since the number one fear of all is the fear of public speaking – - it only follows that leading singing is one of the most nerve-racking experiences of all.
One person at the recent song leader clinic mentioned that same point; a song leader should be very comfortable (to set the tone). Yet, we are asking quite a bit of our volunteers to launch into something that is universally the “number one fear.”
I appreciate your practical advice, as you have done this before.
About finding the right pitch: I have found (working with mostly smaller congregations in a European setting where people have not learned to sing) that getting the right pitch includes knowing your congregation. The actual correct pitch may be unattainable for some groups. Pitching a bit lower will make everyone more comfortable and able to SING – even if it is not technically correct as written.
The other parts are well made. Do we really feel what we are singing? Let it be seen! and heard! Knowyour songs before you get up to lead them – then you won’t need the book.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Scott’s right on. You must know your fellow worshipers. If you have a congregation that struggles singing above a middle D, why lead or pitch a song that will take them three steps above it? Worship leaders must learn to eliminate as many distractions as possible. And I would encourage leaders to learn how to use a tuning fork. Silent, quick, and unobtrusive.
Yes, both Scotts are correct. The key designated by the hymnal is not necessarily the best key for your congregation.
However (why do I always mention the “howevers?”), I find it inappropriate when the song leader makes it solely about himself. In other words, a bass may pitch songs too low, merely because that’s what is comfortable for him. A tenor may pitch the songs too high, simply to suit his own voice.
Remember the slogan, “What would Jesus do?” I ask worship leaders to always ask themselves, “What is best for the congregation?” With that principle, you won’t pitch the song for yourself, but for the “sweet spot” that’s appropriate to your group.
I can see how a tuning fork would be less obtrusive and better. However, (there I go again), I find myself checking the pitch WHILE we are singing in order to detect flatness; thus I know whether to course correct within the many medleys that I lead. I would think it would be more difficult to check the pitch with a tuning fork while singing is in progress?
Yeah, checking pitch in the middle of a song with a tuning fork is definitely challenging, unless the song is in the key of C! However, (that’s for you Keith!), I believe tempo says much about tonal support. If the song is presented properly, the church understands where they are going and stays with you. But if I don’t know where I’m going with a song, neither does anyone else and they take the matter into their own hands, at the expense of the moment.
I think it’s similar to preaching. When the preacher knows exactly where he’s going in his context, the church can follow. If the preacher wanders off, the church loses focus.
Slight pitch variations don’t bother me too much, as long as the focus and intent is true. If a song’s root is G and the church ends up in F#, so be it. But much pitch trouble can be corrected through proper use of a song’s tempo. And that does not necessarily mean fast tempo, but rather intentional tempo. The worship leader should be at the head of the charge, not in the middle!
I use an electronic pitch pipe (brand name “Pocket Tones”)… I push a button and it gives me the pitch! I’ve used it several times during a song to check pitch WHILE singing — I don’t have to stop singing either to see where we are. I’ll turn the volume way down and play it in my ear while I’m still singing, to get an idea of how far off we’ve gone.
Highly recommended product. And produces pitches more accurately/consistently than a traditional pitch pipe.
I’m kind of sporadic here and late to the dance on this one, but yeah! Scott for using a tuning fork. I find it far superior to the pitch pipe and other audible sources (sorry JP). As far as checking pitch in progress, I don’t have to stop singing to check pitch with the fork or worry about locating the correct hole as with the pipe. I teased Keith at Quail one Sunday when he pulled out his pipe. Good times. Good discussion and critiques. Blessings.
Jonathan, pardon my conservativeness, but is that not dangerously close to instrumental music???
Jonathan – I too use an application as my pitch pipe – it’s much quicker than a pitch pipe, less destracting, and you never have to worry about a sticky key in your pitch pipe!
Jordan D – how would an application on a device such as an iPhone be anymore like instrumental music than something you blow through that creates a note? In my opinion it’s further away from instrumental music.
Improper singing technique. Some song leaders, I used to have this problem, have horrible breath support and breathe with their lungs. Because of this after about a verse and a half or two the’re out of air! When they run out of air they cannot get the vocal power to LEAD the congregation…..What inevitably happens is the congregation does the leading. Also, when song leaders have poor technique they may not be able to get to the higher notes, driving the song flat and robbing it of energy……..That’s just my opinion.
Proper singing technique and voice care is essential. That’s why we begin every Worship Leader Institute with a course on voice care by Melissa Kirby of the Vanderbilt Voice Clinic. Also, Robert King touches on the subject of proper technique.
I see! You mentioned you made these observations at a leaders clinic, as opposed to the full institute. Do you do that often?? If so, are there any scheduled in the Central Oklahoma area??
Too many supposed leaders are only song singers with a podium. Step out, sing out, show your joy, lead us with confidence to the throne of God. Most congregations will respond with just a few improvements by our worship leaders. But these improvements come with a price; hard work, a concerted effort to be better and much more prayer!
Wise advice, Tim. If song leaders would just “show their joy,” they’d be miles ahead. Confidence is a result of hard work and a concerted effort. I pray that more leaders will take their role seriously.
All song leaders show what they are feeling on their face and in their stance. Nervousness is shown through lack of eye contact, head down, inaudible voice. Joy can easily be seen in their demeanour as well. I wonder if our leaders really understand the non verbal message they bring to the congregation?
Also lack of preparation shouts louder than anything else. I liked a comment Keith once made about being prepared did not exclude spontaneity(how do you spell that).
I noticed the mention of changing the tempo. About once a month, I’ll lead a verse of a song at a different speed than the other verses, in order that the tone of the singing will reflect the mood of the text. I inevitably get complaints. How should I handle this? Drop the practice? Keep after it in hopes they’ll catch on (or I’ll figure out how to do it)?
I’m not really well-trained musically. I’m a 31-year-old who’s just been handed the role of primary song leader at a small, mostly silver-haired congregation. Prior to me, the same gentleman had led at most services for 25+ years, singing the same songs the same way.
I appreciate all the above comments. It’s never to late to learn how to do things better! As a bass, I do sometimes find it difficult to lead in the proper key – especially Sunday morning! But I try to warm up my voice beforehand.
One thing I always try to do is have songs in a variety of keys, tempi, and time signatures – and not to lead the songs that were led last week.
The congregation I am currently with, though small, has excellent singing in all the parts. A question I have is how to tactfully handle one perosn who sings loudly, and with enthusiasm – but doesn’t watch the leader, doesn’t listen to the other singers, and therefore tends to flatten the pitch and drag the tempo, causing a distraction. Growing up, we heard many admonitions to “sing out” or “sing LOUD” – but I don’t think that should be at the sacrifice of blending our voices. On the other hand, I don’t want to discourage heartfelt singing! Any ideas?
Good point. I guess that puts more pressure on the leader to actually lead in a bold and deliberate manner; at least that’s how I would attempt to handle that situation.
Great poll!
I think song leaders run the risk of devaluing what they bring to the table if they don’t use some method of tracking the songs they sing. The congregation notices when you migrate toward a song repeatedly. Maybe my powers of retention are as wet as a warthog’s backside (shameless allusion), but I didn’t discover this Alzhymner’s in myself until someone else pointed it out to me. I was leading songs that I had no idea I had recently led.
ALSO . . .
It’s a little less than professional, in my opinion, to step in to a worship leading role without warming up properly. While this certainly pertains to all sessions wherein you’re leading, it’s especially necessary on Sunday mornings. My cords aren’t rarin’ to ride at 8-9 a.m. (and earlier) unless I’ve been up for a couple or more hours singing, humming, talking, hydrating, etc. Most musicians find the word “morning” quite repulsive, but if you’re serious about being God’s leader in excellence (a phrase I try to repeat to myself), ya gotta buck up and get as warm as possible.
I hope that all made sense. I’m up past my bed-time because of the doggone Braves. Such a bittersweet relationship I have with them!
Hello,
Quick question re the pitch pipe: Is there an easy way to figure out from your sheet music (the praise and worship series) what the correct key on the pitch pipe is to start the song?
Thanks!
I always blow the key (which is denoted by the DO, or the pyramid shape). Then, I sing up or down the scale to find the “starting note.” The shape notes on the sheet music make it easier to determine the relative pitches.
In my opinion, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” and “Onward, Christian Soldiers” should not be sung at the same tempo. We should probably not sing songs so fast that 16th notes make me say words too fast to understand. “How Deep the Father’s Love” is not the theme song for a marathon, nor is “Worthy of Praise” a funeral hymn. The thoughts expressed by the words are the most important part of the hymn, and the songleader who doesn’t understand that some thoughts are shouted while others are whispered need to study some more. Men can read notes, breathe properly, have perfect pitch, and still not be able to lead a song that particularly helps the congregation; it takes a heart-felt understanding and worshipful attitude to really lead a song.
One thing I’ve noticed is that song leaders lead with a general tempo that somewhat corresponds to their heart rates. So it doesn’t hurt the singing if the song leader stays in good physical shape.
Hopefully this isn’t a common mistake but probably one of the more egregious mistakes is showing up for worship a few minutes before the hour in flip-flops, a t-shirt and jeans, not having any clue that you were supposed to be the worship leader, ignoring the slides that had been prepared from your list (that you spent less than 5 minutes preparing) and then blaming it on someone else — yes, it really can (and did) happen!!
You couldn’t be more right Derek.Being a worship leader entails taking/leading people into the presence of God.How do you intend leading people to a place you have no idea where it’s at?We need to take time and prepare because,like my Physics teacher used to say,unpreparedness is preparing to fail.We need to give God our very best,especially where His people are concerned.
With regard to pitching a song to match the vocal ability of the congregation, I don’t have perfect pitch but can come reasonably close. It really bothers me when I know that we are singing off pitch from the sheet music. This is fairly typical with worship leaders that don’t use something to help them find their inital pitch and I have tried to sing in places where we were 3 or 4 notes too low. This takes most of the basses out of their part (unless they happen to be Russian). Sometimes I have actually had to sing the alto part just to find a harmony part that worked for me. Please sing the music in the key for which it was written.
Stumbled onto your site, Keith. We have various things in common, and I especially appreciate your more recent emphasis on things congregational.
No way I could vote for just one of the “common songleader mistakes.” They’re all too common! I wrote similarly on my blog a few months ago–http://blcasey.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/tempo-key-and-style-variation/ and http://blcasey.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/comatose-music/ and http://blcasey.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/hand-and-arm-gestures/, to point out a few. If you have time, I’d appreciate your looking in there & giving feedback.
I have attended some churches while traveling and have seen this more than once. A song leader will announce his song before facing the congregation. I think the song leader should be facing the audience before announcing his number or starting the song with the exception of the invitation song and I think that should be started as soon as the preacher is thru extending the invitation.
I’m seeking some counsel in regards to a somewhat sensitive situation. I’m one of 3 worship leaders (we alternate each Sunday AM) at our congregation. One leader also conducts a class for our young people who want to learn song leading & he’s been letting one of the “learners” take a turn on Sunday AM. My concern is this young man does a good job going thru the proper motions, but unfortunately, he can’t carry a tune. So some of the stronger voices in the congregation have to take over a couple of bars along to get the song pitched correctly. I believe our best worship leaders should be up front for our Sunday AM worship, but I also don’t want to discourage giving these young men & women an opportunity to grow. Should I keep my mouth shut? Should I say something? Have any of you had to deal with this? We don’t have a Sunday PM worship so we can’t use that as a place to learn. Thanks
As a “not a song leader” I really wanted to vote for all the song leader don’ts – each one can be a downer for a congregation, but …there is always one “but” – we as a congregation can help the song leader by being an encouragement to him. Tell him the songs he chose for that service meant something to you, made you think of someone, or gave more meaning to the communion or lesson. We are blessed at the Church of Christ in Laurel to have many men with songs in their hearts now and over the years – a few times yep, we have stumbled through a few songs that probably didn’t smell to sweet, but hopefully God has forgiven us and let us try again – better the next time! Accapella -Gospel songs have always been an important part of my life – from childhood (a long time ago!)- I have been blessed with leaders in the church that taught us how to sing from our hearts! God bless each and everyone that leads song services! Thanks!
I call it the “Wounded Bird Syndrome”. I’m a firm believer in beating time, it not only helps me as a song leader but also when I’m out there with the rest of the congregation. I have noticed several song leaders flap their arm sporadically with no rhythm at all: just flapping up and down. It’s distracting if the hand movements are out of sinc.