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Welcome fellow music lovers! This is my 2018 weekly blog about music with this week's blog exploring part III of theory. One thing I'd like to add this week if you haven't read any of my preceding blogs is how important it is to work on one's math skills to be an effective musician. I can't remember how many times I've had to transpose a piece of music while playing it and needed to know what the changes were. Knowing scale structures, keys, intervals, and meter intuitively enabled me to make adjustments while performing! Now, let's finish our discussion of intervals by talking about perfect ones. We call “perfect” intervals that way because of their sound and scalular construction. These intervals are: fourths, fifths, octaves, and unisons. In the case of seconds, thirds, sixths, and sevenths, these are considered major intervals relative to their construction. For example, if you play a C tone and add an F three steps above it, that is a fourth. If you were to play a C tone and add a G four steps above, that would be a fifth. An octave is just the same tone played with its tone or tonic and seven steps above it. Unisons speak for themselves. Two final points about intervals: A major or perfect interval when its upper note is raised one-half step, is called augmented. If the same tone is lowered one-half step instead of raised, it is called diminished. Here are two examples: C plus G# is called an augmented fifth G plus Db is called a diminished fifth Okay, so now that your eyes are crossed and your head hurts, let's take a break. Perhaps taking this up later in front of your instrument would help to reinforce these concepts. If you already have your instrument in front of you, good start! One other point about intervals I would like to add is that I am very aware there is a LOT of information on the web about music. I've seen many, many sites that have varying content. Depending on your level of musicianship, some of these sites can be helpful. Some are not. They're just confusing. Please don't hesitate to send me an email if you would like some assistance. My email address is: Info@GentleHavenMusic.com . I promise, I don't think questions are dumb and won't treat yours that way. That's exactly what I had to do and still do to learn more. I ask questions all the time! There are other options as well: Take a class at a community college or university, visit your local library and find out who may be offering community lessons, visit a music store and see who teaches, or buy a book! I can't tell you how important it is to continue to learn. Your art will go stagnant if you don't continue to grow and branch-out in areas that you have yet to explore! One final note as a recap about music theory: Much of my reference material was derived from Walter Piston's book 'Harmony' as well as years of music lessons, school, books, and practice. Please do more research of your own to expand your knowledge. It's well worth it! #Instruction #Musicians #Theory #performance

Santa rockin' out at the music store - Image freely used via Pixabay On Saturday, December 13th at 11 am, Treble Clef Band featuring Matt Goolsby played at Uptown Music in Keizer for a Christmas Saturday Sound Session! Check out this picture and video to see what it looked and sounded like: Frosty the Snowman being performed at Uptown Music For future gigs, you can check out our schedule at the this URL: https://www.trebleclefband.com/joomla/

Image provided freely by: https://www.freepik.com/ This guest blog article is provided by Sara M. Thanks Sara! Let’s be real: 2025 has definitely been a wild ride for music production. What once required a full studio, dozens of engineers, and a coffee-fueled creative marathon can now happen in a bedroom with a laptop and, yep, a healthy dose of AI Production magic. We’re talking beats made by bots, lyrics suggested by algorithms, and entire tracks composed while you sleep. The AI Revolutionizing music isn’t some far-off idea, it’s happening right now, and honestly, it’s kind of amazing. So grab your headphones (or AirPods, no judgment), and let’s dive into how AI is revolutionizing music production in 2025 in a real, relatable way. 1. AI Isn’t Replacing Musicians—It’s Empowering Them First, let’s clear something up: AI isn’t here to kill the vibe. It’s not stealing guitars out of musicians’ hands or deleting all creativity from the process. What it’s actually doing is acting more like a creative partner. Need a killer bassline but can’t play bass? AI’s got you. Struggling with writer’s block on your second verse? There are AI lyric generators that spit out fresh ideas based on your existing lyrics and tone. Some producers say working with AI feels like collaborating with a bandmate who never sleeps and never argues . Sounds dreamy, right? 2. Meet Your New Bandmate: The AI Music Assistant There are loads of tools now powered by AI that make music production easier and more creative than ever. From beat-making to mastering, AI’s got its fingers in all the pies. Here are some standout tools you might’ve heard of or are about to fall in love with: Amper Music An AI music creation tool that lets you build soundtracks or backing tracks in seconds. You pick the mood, tempo, and genre, and boom custom tracks. Great for creators who need audio for YouTube, games, or even podcasts. AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) Perfect for film scores, AIVA composes full orchestral music. It’s also been trained on classical composers like Bach and Beethoven, so yeah… it knows what it's doing. LANDR This tool uses AI to master your track in seconds. Like, really. Upload a mix, and it spits out a polished, radio-ready version. No need to book an expensive engineer or spend hours fine-tuning EQs. These are just a few of the major players making AI music production smooth, affordable, and stupidly fast. 3. Speed Is the New Creativity Here’s a fun thought: what used to take weeks now takes minutes. Thanks to AI production , an artist can brainstorm, create, mix, and publish a song in one day . Let that sink in. Let’s say you wake up inspired at 8 a.m., start crafting beats with AI by 9, generate some lyrics, hum a melody, get mixing, and by dinner, you’ve got a song on Spotify. That’s not science fiction, that's 2025 reality. This kind of speed doesn’t just mean more music, it means more ideas actually come to life . It’s helping smaller artists get their stuff out there faster, with fewer roadblocks. Because who wants to spend months tweaking snare sounds, right? 4. The Rise of the Bedroom Producer You know that friend who used to DJ as a hobby? Well, now they might have a full-on side hustle with AI helping them produce, distribute, and even market their music. AI is leveling the playing field in a big way. You no longer need a fancy studio or big-label connections to sound professional. If you've got talent and a bit of drive, AI can fill in the technical gaps. Platforms like Endlesss , Soundraw , and Boomy are built with non-producers in mind. With a few clicks, someone with zero background in sound design can create legit tracks. This is great news for: ●      Indie musicians ●      TikTok creators ●      Streamers who need custom tunes ●      Hobbyists who just wanna jam Basically, anyone with a computer and a love for music. 5. Personalized Music on Demand Let’s flip the script for a second. Instead of creating music, what if you could have music made for you , on the spot? AI is making that happen too. Imagine opening your favorite app and saying, “Hey, play me some chill beats with jazz influence and lo-fi vibes for my rainy-day mood,” and it creates a track just for you . Spotify, YouTube Music, and even Apple are all exploring this concept of AI music that’s customized for your exact mood, location, weather, or even heart rate (hello, fitness heads!). This is wild because it turns every listener into a kind of mini-producer without even realizing it. 6. New Genres, New Sounds, New Rules Here’s where things get spicy. AI doesn’t follow musical “rules” the way we humans do. It doesn’t care if that snare sounds too weird or that synth line breaks convention. It just tries stuff and sometimes, that stuff slaps. This freedom is birthing brand-new genres we haven’t even named yet. You’ve got AI-glitch-hop, hyper-organic ambient textures, and robotic funk that sounds like Daft Punk on a cosmic acid trip. Artists are leaning into the chaos, using AI to explore sounds we’ve never heard before. Some artists even feed AI their entire back catalog to generate "future versions" of their sound, pushing their own creative boundaries. Kinda like looking into your own musical crystal ball. 7. Collaborations Are Getting Weirder (and Cooler) Want to collaborate with Beethoven? A Tupac-style rapper? A synth-pop version of yourself? With AI, you can. Virtual collabs are the next big thing. AI tools can take samples, voice inputs, or chord progressions and reimagine them in styles from any era, culture, or influence. It’s like remixing history, or imagining what your favorite song might sound like in a parallel universe. Some artists are even marketing AI-generated collabs as part of their brand like “This song was co-written with an AI trained on sci-fi soundtracks and emotional poetry.” Weird? Yes. Cool? Also yes. 8. Ethical Questions (Yeah, Let’s Talk About It) Of course, not everything is sunshine and synths. As AI revolutionizes music , we’ve gotta talk about ethics: ●      Who owns the rights to AI-generated music? ●      Is it fair to use AI voices that mimic real artists? ●      Are we flooding the market with so much music that it’s harder to stand out? These are big questions, and the industry’s still figuring it all out. Some labels are embracing AI. Others are pumping the brakes. There’s even been a wave of artists pushing back against AI use, especially when it's used to clone voices or replicate styles without permission. So yeah, it’s complicated. But one thing’s clear: AI’s not going away. So instead of resisting, most artists are learning how to work with it . 9. AI DJs and Live Shows—Yep, That’s a Thing AI’s not just behind the scenes. It’s now spinning live, mixing real-time tracks based on crowd response and mood. You’ll see it in: ●      Virtual festivals where AI builds custom sets ●      Hybrid DJ performances where a human mixes with an AI co-pilot ●      Interactive shows where fans help create tracks on the fly It’s blurring the line between performer and audience, making shows more immersive and dynamic. Kinda like if your Spotify playlist got up on stage and read the room perfectly. Wild, right? 10. How Regular Folks Are Using AI for Music It’s not just the pros cashing in on AI music . Regular folks are using it too.  Parents are creating custom lullabies for their kids. Couples are generating love songs for anniversaries. Brands are crafting on-brand jingles with no musical team at all. Even small companies like Farmer Jon's Popcorn are tapping into AI tools to create unique audio branding. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and totally customizable.  If you’ve got a need for music, even weird little jingles, there’s an AI tool ready to help you crank it out.   11. So What’s Next? Honestly? Anything. Some predictions for what’s on the horizon: ●      Real-time collaborative DAWs powered by AI ●      Neural link integration (compose music with your thoughts we’re not kidding) ●      Hyper-personalized audio advertising based on listener data ●      Voice modeling tools that allow you to “sing” in another voice ●      AI coaches that teach you to sing, play instruments, or mix tracks better The AI production space is moving fast. What feels cutting-edge today could be standard tomorrow. Final Jam So yeah, AI is revolutionizing the way we make, share, and experience music. And while there’s a lot to think about (especially on the ethics side), there’s also so much possibility . Whether you’re a pro producer, a curious newbie, or just someone who appreciates good tunes, AI is giving you more ways to connect with music than ever before. Maybe the next hit song won’t just be made by you, it’ll be made with you. And a little help from our digital friends. Keep jamming, experimenting, and don’t be afraid to hit that “generate” button. You never know what kind of magic AI might cook up next.

This guest blog article is provided by Sara M. Thanks Sara! Image provided freely by: https://www.freepik.com/ So you’re ready to build your music website? That’s awesome! A killer website isn’t just a "nice to have", it’s essential. Whether you're an indie singer-songwriter, a DJ, or in a death metal band that screams about space cats, your online presence matters. You’ve probably got your music on Spotify, YouTube, maybe TikTok, and that’s great. But none of those platforms are fully yours. Your website is the one place you completely control. It’s your digital home. But before you start hacking away at a template or signing up for that flashy “easy builder,” hold up. Let’s talk about the pages you really need and the mistakes that kill most DIY artist websites faster than you can say "loading spinner." This guide will walk you through the must-have pages for your site, what to put on each one, and how to avoid the traps that leave many music sites looking like a haunted MySpace graveyard. This guide will walk you through the must-have pages for your site, what to put on each one, and how to avoid the traps that leave many music sites looking like a haunted MySpace graveyard. Why a Music Website Still Matters in 2025 Look, I get it. Social media is shiny. You can go viral overnight (well, maybe). But you don’t own Instagram. Or Spotify. Or even your YouTube subscribers. One algorithm tweak and poof, you’re buried under memes and mukbangs . A website is your fortress. Your music, your merch, your tour dates, your branding, your rules . And bonus: You can collect emails, sell directly, and impress industry folks who actually still check websites to see if you’re serious. The 7 Essential Pages Every Artist Website Needs Let’s break it down. These are the must-haves, the non-negotiables, the pages that make your website sing. 1. Home Page – Your First Impression (Make It Count) Think of this like the album opener. It sets the tone. When someone hits your homepage, they should know who you are, what you sound like, and what you want them to do . Your homepage should have: ●      A striking photo or video at the top ●      A short, punchy bio or tagline (like “Lo-fi synthwave from the edge of the galaxy”) ●      A play button or embedded song/video (don’t make them dig) ●      Clear navigation (we’ll get to those pages next) ●      A call-to-action (join your mailing list, listen to your EP, watch your latest video) Avoid this mistake : Too much clutter. Don’t throw everything on your homepage. Think of it like a teaser trailer not the full movie. 2. About Page – Tell Your Story (Without Boring People to Death) Here’s where people get stuck. Either they write nothing, or they write a college thesis on how they got into punk rock in 5th grade. Let’s keep it real. Tips for your About Page: ●      Write in the first person if you’re a solo act. Third person if you’ve got a team or want that press-kit vibe. ●      Tell a story , not a résumé. Share what inspires you, your journey, your sound. ●      Sprinkle in accomplishments without sounding like a robot (“Opened for XYZ,” “Featured on BBC Radio 1,” etc.) ●      Include a press quote if you’ve got one. Avoid this mistake : Using jargon or cliches like “music has always been my passion.” Duh. You're a musician. Instead, share something specific and memorable. 3. Music Page – The Star of the Show Your music page should be easy to find and quick to load. This is where people listen, watch, and fall in love with your sound. What to include: ●      A clean embedded player (Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, SoundCloud whatever your audience uses most) ●      Option to buy/download your music directly or through Bandcamp ●      Links to all streaming platforms ●      A featured video if visuals are a big part of your brand Avoid this mistake : Don’t auto-play music. Please. Nothing scares away new fans like surprise dubstep at full volume at 2am. 4. Tour / Shows Page – Make It Easy to Catch You Live Whether you play five gigs a year or fifty, your shows page matters. A fan who’s actually clicking this page wants to see you IRL. Include: ●      Upcoming tour dates with venues, cities, and links to buy tickets ●      A simple layout (date - city - venue - ticket link) ●      Past shows (if you’re not touring yet) to show experience Avoid this mistake : Letting this page sit empty for months. If you're not touring, say so. Or invite people to join your list to get notified about future shows. 5. Media / Press Kit Page – For Bookers, Journalists, Labels This is a secret weapon most artists forget. Having a clean EPK (Electronic Press Kit) page makes you look legit and saves time when a podcast or venue asks for info. Include: ●      High-res photos (promo shots, live shots) ●      Short + long bio versions ●      A tech rider if you’re touring ●      Embed your best tracks or videos ●      Contact info or link to download a ZIP press kit Avoid this mistake : Making journalists dig. Don’t hide your press info deep under five tabs. Make it obvious. 6. Store / Merch Page – Make That Bread You don’t have to be Beyoncé to sell merch. Fans want to support you and give them an easy way to do it. Include: ●      Simple product photos (shirts, vinyl, stickers, whatever) ●      Easy-to-use checkout system (Shopify, BigCartel, or integrated through your website builder) ●      Limited edition drops or bundles to create hype Avoid this mistake : Selling five items with five different fonts and colors. Keep your visual brand consistent. 7. Contact Page – Don’t Be a Mystery Make it stupid simple for people to reach out. Include: ●      A contact form ●      Optional: links to your socials ●      Optional: booking email or press contact if you have a manager or agent Avoid this mistake : Burying your email under a vague “Get in Touch” button in the footer. People will bounce. Fast . Bonus: Blog or Updates Page – Stay Human This isn’t essential, but it’s a nice touch. Post behind-the-scenes updates, release announcements, or even thoughts about your favorite albums. A blog shows you're active. Plus, it can help with Google rankings (if you care about SEO). The Dark Side of DIY Music Websites (And How to Not Fall Into the Pit of Doom) So maybe you’re doing this yourself. Props to you. But DIY websites can go from a passion project to chaotic mess real quick. Here’s what to avoid: 1. Overdesigning You found a template with fire animations, floating buttons, spinning vinyls and you used all of it. Cool for 2004. Not now. Keep it clean. Choose one or two fonts , a color palette that reflects your vibe, and resist the temptation to use every widget on Earth. 2. Neglecting Mobile Half (probably more) of your fans are visiting your site on their phones. If your site takes forever to load or the buttons are microscopic, they’ll bounce. Check everything on your phone buttons, music players, and the merch store. Make sure it all works smoothly. 3. Forgetting to Update Dead tour pages. Broken links. Last post from 2021. Your site isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it thing. Even if you’re not updating weekly, check in monthly . Keep it fresh. 4. No Call-to-Action You’ve got fans on your site. What do you want them to do? Download your single? Join your email list? Buy a shirt? Be specific. One clear ask per page. 5. Free Platforms That Limit You Sure, Wix or Bandzoogle or even Linktree might seem easy. But watch for limits on SEO, storage, design freedom, or even loading speed. If you can, go for your own domain and host your site on a trusted platform like WordPress + a reliable builder (like Elementor or Breakdance). Oh, and speaking of weird stuff... I once saw a band site hosted by sanitairllc , a company that does air duct cleaning. No joke. Turns out they reused the domain. Don't be that band. The Secret Sauce: Your Website Is You Your site isn’t just a billboard. It’s a conversation starter. A vibe. An experience. A killer site tells a new listener: “Hey. This is me. This is what I sound like. You’re gonna wanna stick around.” So invest some time in getting it right. Start simple. Don’t overthink. Let your music lead the way. And if you’re stuck? Ask a fan what they’d want to see. They’re usually smarter than we give them credit for. TL;DR (Too Long? You Missed Out, Friend) Here’s the recap: ●      Home: First impression + CTA ●      About: Who you are, why you matter ●      Music: Stream it, hear it, love it ●      Shows: Catch me live, fam ●      Press Kit: Bookers love you now ●      Merch: Cash, meet art ●      Contact: Don’t ghost us And don’t fall into the DIY traps. You’re building a brand , not just a webpage. Stay clean, stay current, stay you.

Hey there, fellow music aficionado! Have you ever found yourself transported to another world as a captivating melody sweeps you off your feet? Music has an undeniable power to narrate stories, evoke emotions, and imprint memories that last a lifetime. In this blog post, we'll delve into the enchanting realm where stories are told through music, exploring the profound emotional effects they have on us, all from the perspective of a musician. The Art of Musical Storytelling Music holds the uncanny ability to speak to our souls in ways words cannot. Each note, each lyric, is a brushstroke on a canvas, painting vivid pictures and weaving intricate tales. As a musician, you become not just a composer but a storyteller, channeling your emotions and experiences through melodies and harmonies that resonate with others. The Emotional Rollercoaster Ever noticed how a single song has the power to make you smile, cry, or dance like nobody's watching? That's the magic of music's emotional effects. Whether it's the melancholic strains of a violin in a heart-wrenching ballad or the upbeat tempo of a feel-good anthem, music has a direct line to our hearts, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions with each beat. Empathy through Harmony A unique aspect of stories told through music is their ability to foster empathy. When you listen to a song that reflects your own experiences or struggles, you feel understood and less alone. Music connects us on a profound level, creating a shared emotional experience that transcends language barriers and cultural divides. From Studio to Stage - Bringing Stories to Life For musicians, the journey from composing in the studio to performing on stage is a transformative experience. Every note played, every lyric sung is a chance to breathe life into the stories crafted through music. The rush of adrenaline, the camaraderie with fellow musicians, and the electrifying connection with the audience amplify the emotional impact of these musical narratives. The Endless Playlist of Memories Think about the songs that transport you back in time - to your first love, a significant life event, or a moment of pure bliss. Music has the uncanny ability to etch memories into our minds, creating a soundtrack to our lives. Each melody becomes a chapter in our personal stories, preserving emotions and experiences in a timeless archive of sound. Embrace the Melody Within As you continue your musical journey, remember the transformative power of stories told through music. Whether you're a listener swept away by a symphony or a musician crafting your compositions, cherish the emotional rollercoaster that music offers. Let the melodies guide you, the lyrics inspire you, and the harmonies envelop you in a tapestry of emotions. So, next time you press play on your favorite song, close your eyes, and let the stories unfold. Because in the world of music, every note is a chapter waiting to be written, every beat a heartbeat echoing the rhythm of life. Embrace the melody within and let the stories told through music become a part of your own narrative. Musical stories are not just compositions; they are mirrors reflecting our joys, sorrows, dreams, and fears. Dive into the depths of these sonic tales and discover the emotional landscape that lies within each melody. As a musician, as a listener, as a storyteller - let the music guide you on a journey of self-discovery and emotional revelation. Music is not just sound; it's a language of the soul. Immerse yourself in its beauty, and let the stories unfold in a symphony of emotions that only music can convey. Let the notes be your guide, let the melodies be your muse, and let the stories told through music ignite the flames of your passion and creativity. For in the end, it's not just the stories we tell - it's the stories we feel. Experience the transformative power of music and dive into a world where stories are told through melodies and lyrics. Let your emotions soar and your soul resonate with the harmonies that shape our lives. What's your favorite musical story? 🎶✨

Standing out in a crowded market with your creative work is tough. It takes more than just skill; you need a smart strategy and real connections with your audience and industry. Being talented isn't sufficient; you must also find new ways to get noticed by the right people. In this article, Gentle Haven Music Web Design shares a variety of strategies designed to boost your visibility and make sure your creative pursuits shine. Maximizing Exposure Through Charitable Contributions Offering your creative services to support charity events or auctions is an impactful way to gain visibility while also contributing to worthy causes. This strategy allows you to display your talents to a wide and varied audience, all while aligning your work with positive, philanthropic goals. The positive image cultivated through such contributions can significantly enhance your reputation, opening doors to new opportunities and connections that might otherwise remain closed. Expanding Reach With an Online Store Creating an online store on your website is a direct method to showcase and sell your work worldwide. Emphasize user-friendly design to highlight your products and improve accessibility for potential buyers. Prioritize secure payment options and SEO optimization to attract and retain customer interest effectively. Gentle Haven Music Web Design can help ! Establishing Professional Credibility With an LLC Selecting the appropriate business structure is crucial for creatives aiming to get discovered. Sole proprietorships offer simplicity but expose owners to personal liability, while corporations provide liability protection but can entail extensive paperwork. An LLC offers a balance by providing limited liability, tax advantages, and flexibility in management, making it an attractive option for many creatives. It's essential to research the specific requirements of establishing an LLC in Oregon to ensure compliance and avoid excessive legal expenses. Gaining Media Attention Through Strategic Pitches Pitching your ideas to publishing or media outlets can lead to valuable exposure opportunities. Clearly communicate the unique value of your work, whether you aim for a feature article, collaboration, or coverage. . A compelling pitch sets you apart, captivating editors and producers eager for fresh and engaging content. Crafting an Irresistible Press Kit Present your work in the best possible manner through a comprehensive press kit featuring high-quality images, an engaging artist statement, and detailed contact information. This organized package provides media professionals with easy access to showcase your creations, boosting your chances of gaining public recognition. Ensuring all essential elements are included maximizes your opportunity for exposure and success. Creating Buzz With Personal Events Organizing your own events or showcases is a dynamic way to attract attention and engage directly with your target audience. Whether you’re opening a gallery, performing, or setting up a temporary exhibition, personal events allow you to craft the narrative around your work and offer an immersive experience to attendees. Such initiatives can significantly increase your visibility, helping to build your network and stimulate conversation around your creative output. Connecting With the Community at Local Art Festivals Participation in local art festivals or fairs is an excellent strategy for displaying your work and forging new connections within your community. These events not only provide a platform for direct sales but also offer invaluable opportunities for feedback and networking . Immersing yourself in the local art scene can elevate your profile and help establish a loyal following. Enhancing Creativity With a Dedicated Studio Space Creating a versatile studio space at home enhances both creativity and property values . This dedicated area seamlessly blends work and inspiration, fostering a private haven for creative pursuits. Additionally, it can double as a venue for showcases or meetings, expanding professional opportunities. Boosting the visibility and recognition of your creative work requires a varied approach, including offering services at charity events and forming an LLC, alongside using the internet and connecting with your community. By hosting events, crafting media pitches, preparing a professional press kit, and investing in a studio space, you set the stage for a successful artistic journey. These strategies aim to garner attention for your creative pursuits and help them thrive in a competitive environment. Image via Pexels

This is such a wonderful time of the year for everyone both young and old to experience the joy of Christmas! If you'd like to have real and lasting peace besides this once a year celebration, you need to know and have a relationship with the One who is the source of life and the reason we celebrate this season: Jesus Christ! Amidst all of the misinformation and confusion that our world throws at us, the one source of absolute truth is the Bible. The second book of the New Testament was written by the first century Doctor Luke. He tells the wonderful story of Jesus' birth: ”At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.2.1-18.NLT Have a Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your family from mine and Gentle Haven Music Web Design! And, if you'd like to hear Linus explain to Charlie Brown in Peanuts what Christmas is all about, I've added it here.

Paul Baloche leads worship with Michelle Shepherd on backup vocals Yesterday, my wife and I returned from Tacoma, Washington where I attended the 20th Christian Musicians Summit. If you are a Worship Leader and have never attended one of these, you need to! I had the pleasure of attending with the bassist from our Worship Team as well as the Audio-Visual Technician from another church in town. We had a blast! My wife asked me what my favorite part of the summit was. I said: the WORSHIP! How often can you worship with fellow musicians? It was like being in the throne room of God Himself! Please understand though that I love to worship with everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. This was just a very special time ordained by God Himself to call similar talented people to join together in worship, learning, and expanding the kingdom of God through music. What a pleasure it was! Norm Stockton playing Christian Jazz Fusion After the morning sessions were done on the first day, Norm Stockton formerly of Lincoln Brewster's band, gave an artist showcase. His five-string bass was lit up by tracks he's recently recorded called: Grooves and Sushi It just goes to show that worship music isn't limited to straight 4/4 three chord songs. Worship Team Discussion with from left to right - Bobby Hartry, Norm Stockton, Brenton Brown, Aaron Blanton, and Ed Kerr One of the most enjoyable highlights of the summit was the Working as a Band discussion. This was led by Brenton Brown who wrote the song: Everlasting God. It stressed how important it is to first, listen to God. Second, listen to each other, and third, play as a unit without stepping on each other. Very cool! Another session that was mostly for electric guitar players was hosted by Bobby Hartry. His discussion was generally about the setup he uses when touring as can be seen below. Bobby Hartry with one of his touring pedal setups Something that Bobby said that I found interesting was that he uses three different overdrive pedals to get different sound out of his performance playing. He also bemoaned the travails of flying to different gigs as he used to play a Gibson SG for many years. After one flight on an airline, the headstock on his SG was broken off. He now uses a steel attached neck with an older Stratocaster body. Such are the challenges for traveling musicians... Sigh There you have it! That's my summary of the summit which really only covers a small amount of what we all experienced. There were also vocal workshops, leadership lectures, AV technical discussions and vendors willing to share their products and experiences. I encourage you to check out the Christian Musicians Summit when you can. It's definitely worth attending and there will be another in 2023! God bless, Matt

Since it's the beginning of 2018, I thought I would begin publishing a blog on musician tips every week. I need some help though as to subjects you, the reader, would like to hear about. You can contact me on Facebook at the Gentle Haven Music Page: https://www.facebook.com/GentleHavenMusic/ or email at: Info@GentleHavenMusic.com . There are so many topics we could discuss here, but I would like to know what you think and are wanting to learn about. My only ask from you is: Be nice! Let me give you an example of something I encountered when I was teaching guitar. A student said to me: "Dude, I want to learn how to play like Eddie Van Halen in six weeks." Okay, so first of all, don't call me 'Dude'. Second of all, only Eddie can play like Eddie. Everyone needs to develop their own style. So, let's have some discussions about musical style, musicianship, vocals, harmony, performance, and things like that. Let me know what you think and let's start 2018 with some musical sparkle! #Musicians #Musicartistry #performance #guitar

It's 2018 and you're wondering, 'I have a musical talent but I'm nervous about sharing it or performing in front of others'. Every, and I mean EVERY performer gets nervous. I've never meant one who doesn't. That little or maybe a lot of adrenaline is what gives one the 'edge' they need to stay focused and concentrate on what they're doing. Now there can be a problem when one has too much fear and can't actually do what they'd like to. How do you overcome that? One of the long held secrets is that you learn not to focus on the crowd, but on what you're doing as well as who you're doing it for. For me, I love to lead worship because I'm rejoicing in my Creator, Jesus Christ. When I focus on Him, my worries slip away. When I start thinking about the people in front of me, then I start having problems. Maybe you don't have a relationship with Jesus like I do. Then it's imperative that you find a purpose in what you're doing and share that. The other good news-bad news factor is that no musician can play well unless they've practiced. Because your fingers, voice, breath or whatever means you're using to express yourself have what we call ' muscle memory ', practice is the key! Again I hope these short tips are useful to you. Please contact me ( Info@GentleHavenMusic.com ) with subjects you'd like to see in future blogs and get out there and make some music! #Musicians #Musicartistry #performance #worship