Frequently Asked Questions
Is this service only for teams with a 'regular' band set-up of drums, bass, keyboards, guitars and vocals?
Not necessarily. Mike is happy to help teams with a less conventional set up, and can deal with questions such as "we have four acoustic guitarists and three bass players, but no drummer - what do we do?!" He's also happy to look at how orchestral type instruments (flutes, violins etc) can fit in with a more contemporary line up.
Can you still come and work with our team if we have several different church bands?
Yes! On the day that Mike comes we can allocate some time to each of your bands. It can be a useful exercise for guys
who are not playing at a particular moment to be observing what the others are doing, listen how they are being advised and perhaps contribute to the discussion. It may also be that a repeat visit is helpful if time runs out.
Do you tell individual musicians exactly what they should play?
Not usually. Sometimes Mike might make a suggestion about what a particular musician is doing and how it could be
adjusted to work better. However, he fully recognises that everyone is different and expresses themselves differently
on their instrument, as well as having varying levels of skill. So the aim is to help each player be as good as they can be
- in the limited time that's available!
Do you do coaching for the vocalists?
Not specifically. However Mike will look at how the singers are fitting with the rest of the band and discuss things like
microphone technique and using harmonies etc. He'll also look at the specific role of the worship leader.
Should the PA team be involved?
Ideally yes. Although the focus is on the musicians, there are often issues relating to communication with the PA guys and there
are practices that both teams can adopt to help each other. If there are problems with the sound or monitoring, Mike can make
suggestions as well as look at efficient sound checking etc. So it's not a PA masterclass, but there are certainly things that
would be helpful for the PA team to observe and possibly comment on!
Do you give 'spiritual' input as well as practical help?
Mike is passionate about praising God and helping release others in worship, so any advice is always within the context of
giving glory to God and remembering why we're doing this. He will often open the session with a time of singing and a brief
biblical overview to 'anchor' the more practical stuff. He is also available to do more in-depth teaching sessions.
Not necessarily. Mike is happy to help teams with a less conventional set up, and can deal with questions such as "we have four acoustic guitarists and three bass players, but no drummer - what do we do?!" He's also happy to look at how orchestral type instruments (flutes, violins etc) can fit in with a more contemporary line up.
Can you still come and work with our team if we have several different church bands?
Yes! On the day that Mike comes we can allocate some time to each of your bands. It can be a useful exercise for guys
who are not playing at a particular moment to be observing what the others are doing, listen how they are being advised and perhaps contribute to the discussion. It may also be that a repeat visit is helpful if time runs out.
Do you tell individual musicians exactly what they should play?
Not usually. Sometimes Mike might make a suggestion about what a particular musician is doing and how it could be
adjusted to work better. However, he fully recognises that everyone is different and expresses themselves differently
on their instrument, as well as having varying levels of skill. So the aim is to help each player be as good as they can be
- in the limited time that's available!
Do you do coaching for the vocalists?
Not specifically. However Mike will look at how the singers are fitting with the rest of the band and discuss things like
microphone technique and using harmonies etc. He'll also look at the specific role of the worship leader.
Should the PA team be involved?
Ideally yes. Although the focus is on the musicians, there are often issues relating to communication with the PA guys and there
are practices that both teams can adopt to help each other. If there are problems with the sound or monitoring, Mike can make
suggestions as well as look at efficient sound checking etc. So it's not a PA masterclass, but there are certainly things that
would be helpful for the PA team to observe and possibly comment on!
Do you give 'spiritual' input as well as practical help?
Mike is passionate about praising God and helping release others in worship, so any advice is always within the context of
giving glory to God and remembering why we're doing this. He will often open the session with a time of singing and a brief
biblical overview to 'anchor' the more practical stuff. He is also available to do more in-depth teaching sessions.