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Encouragement Is Free Using Words to Build Your Team

Recently a friend asked me what I would do with a blank check for the church. I love that question. I rattled off a list of wonderful band gear, design projects, and potential hires for needed areas. Reflecting the following day, the Lord revealed some areas of my heart that were needlessly operating under a burden of scarcity. He led me once again to the Psalmist’s proclamation:

For every beast of the forest is mine,

the cattle on a thousand hills.

I know all the birds of the hills,

and all that moves in the field is mine.

If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

for the world and its fullness are mine.

Psalm 50:10-12

Money is usually the grid by which I’ve seen this text, but when it comes to resources, the reality is that there is so much more to consider. At that moment the clearest resource the Lord was pointing to was my words.

Here are a few ways that we, as worship leaders, can use our words as resources to edify our teams:

The Day-Before-Church Text

I love to pray for my worship and tech teams the day before our worship service. It helps me get out of production mode and into a disciple-making mode. I recognize that there is a battle at hand and often the enemy will attack people physically or emotionally leading into that big day. I love to remind people why they are valuable to Jesus and the Church. I try to affirm who they are and what they do.

“Happy Saturday, Becca! Praying for our team and service tomorrow. You are a gift to the team and I’m so stoked to have your harmonies in the mix. You bring a ton of joy to the team. Thankful for you.” +++

The Post-Service Text

The downward spiral that happens in the hours after church can be crushing. Even if everything went well, there is often a little depression that hits us all. It can be so comforting to get a specific word of encouragement in this fragile time.

“John, I love it when you run sound! We feel so supported when you’re at the helm. You spoke so kindly to Jennifer about the cable issue. I trust and appreciate you.”

Physical Letter

Back in the dark ages, people used to communicate via written word on paper. By some miracle, this convenience still exists and, for some (like my wife), a physical letter means more than just about anything else. Consider a quick note of thanks, appreciation, and encouragement to a team member via snail mail!

Social/Public Praise

Not everyone likes being publically praised without notice, but for some, it’s their favorite! Bragging on your team via social media can be very honoring and encouraging.

In-The-Moment Edification (cue soft, emotional strings)

Perhaps the most universally powerful use of words is the one-on-one, look-you-in-the-eye encouragement. Shame is the main obstacle to this very powerful, life-changing tool of unity in the Church. If you can approach with honesty and grace, this rare gift will absolutely shake the gates of discouragement and depression off of those who receive it.

“Steve, you are a great bass player. I absolutely love being alongside you on stage. Thanks for your kindness and smile. I appreciate you.”

+++ A word of discretion: Some of these intimate interactions require relational equity, without which we can actually cause harm unknowingly. Proceed with wisdom and discernment when communicating privately (one-on-one) with team members.

 

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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15 Gift Ideas for Worship Leaders Unique ideas to bless the musician in your life

It’s that time of year again where you want to get the perfect gift for the church musician in your life. Buying something thoughtful or useful for a musician can be hard; they know what they like and they know what actually works. Because finding the perfect something can be a tall task, I’ve put together a list of creative gifts that any worship leader or church musician would enjoy. I’ve already vetted all the options, read the reviews and chose the perfect product.

Buying presents for a creative person means that your gift will not just be consumed, but be used to multiply goodness into the world. Happy shopping and giving!

1. Books on Worship/Creativity 

Here are some great titles that would bless the worship leader in your life. These are “easy” reads, but still intellectually rich and lasting. Even if they already have one of these titles, these are all classics and will be a welcome duplicate to share on the bookshelf of any worship leader.

For All God’s Worth – N.T. Wright

You Are What You Love – James K.A. Smith

A Brief History of Christian Worship – Jame F. White

The War of Art – Steven Pressfield

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration – Ed Catmull 

 

2. Low Profile Folding Guitar Stand

Most guitar players could use an EXTRA GUITAR STAND that breaks down but still can hold the instrument safely. This particular stand is a personal favorite. It’s so common to show up to a church or a gig and realize you don’t have a stand for your guitar, this low-profile stand will be the perfect practical gift. This adjustable stand fits acoustic guitars, electric guitars, basses, and ukuleles.

K&M Heli 2 Guitar Stand Folding A-Frame for Acoustic and Electric Guitars (17580B)

3. Guitar Humidifier

This highly rated GUITAR HUMIDIFIER is the perfect gift for any acoustic guitar owner that wants to keep their guitar in perfect health. Even if they already have one, they could use another. This is the perfect unexpected stocking stuffer for the guitarist in your life.

4. Throat Coat Tea

HERBAL MEDICINES THROAT COAT TEA  is world-famous with singers in every genre of music. It’s perfect for worship leaders or anyone that’s just “not feeling it” early Sunday morning. Couple this gift with TEA KETTLE on this list and you will be a best friend forever!

Traditional Medicinals Herb Tea Og1 Throat Coat 16 Bag

5. Theo Wheel (Simple Music Theory Tool)  

This really well designed THEO WHEEL makes music theory simple for worship leaders and those they lead. I imagine this staying around the worship green room or in the office of a music leader. A really fun and educational gift!

6. Worship Training Posters

Brilliantly designed by artist Andrea Bryant, these  ONE OF A KIND POSTERS are a perfect gift for the worship leader and/or singer in your life.  “The Perfect Set List” offers some wise approaches on how to choose songs for a church service. The next poster is called “Before You Sing” and provides great guidance for vocalists before they sing. These look great hanging in a church green room or music director’s office. Order by Dec 15 for Christmas Delivery!

7. The Best of the Best Notebook for Creatives 

Leuchtturm is known for making the best notebooks. You will get a big smile from just about any creative person as they open this AWESOME NOTEBOOK that speaks for itself. Right before the new year, this book will be the perfect inspiration for new ideas, songwriting, and journaling.

 

8. Variable Temperature Hot Water Kettle

Hot water and tea are the secret weapons for just about any singer. Having THE PERFECT ELECTRIC WATER KETTLE for warming up water to a drinkable warmth is a must!

9. A Fun Foot Tambourine 

This FUN FOOT TAMBOURINE is the perfect gift for the worship leader or musician that has to multi-task. By just stomping your foot, you will turn you into the drummer you’ve always wanted to be. This might seem like a silly gift, but it’s very practical and will put a smile on your loved one’s face. Bonus: check out this very cool ANKLE SHAKER.

 

 

10. Nostalgic Tabletop Metronome

This groovy tabletop metronome (a device that helps musicians keep time) is a perfect gift for a musician. There are now countless computer and app-driven devices for keeping time, but this NOSTALGIC  TABLETOP METRONOME will fit perfectly in your musician’s office or practice space.

11. Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth

Having more instruments is always a good thing! This FUN LITTLE POCKET SYNTH will be a unique addition to the music makers in your life.

 

12. Clip-On Tuner

Staying in tune is job number one for the string instrumentalists in your life. We might already have one of these crucial devices, but we could always use another. Please buy us another CLIP ON TUNER we will thank you for it! This is for stringed instrument players.

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin (Current Model)

 

14. Extra Music Stand Light

Every music maker at some point in their life needs a MUSIC STAND LIGHT. Dark stages can make reading music a drag and it’s nice to have one of these in your case. Bonus if you buy this before our Christmas Eve Candlelight service!

 

15. The Most Popular Affordable In-Ear Monitors

Most musicians are using in-ear monitors to listen to what they are playing on stage nowadays. I can’t count the number of times I have left my monitors at home and it’s always a great idea to have another extra pair. These IN-EAR MONITORS are really affordable and have incredible reviews! Tip: I suggest buying the clear ones since they are the most in-demand and least obstructive on the stage.

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My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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Worship Leading Takes Work

“Ambitious parents who are currently playing the ‘Baby Mozart’ video for their toddlers
may be disappointed to learn that Mozart became Mozart by working furiously hard.”  ― Geoff Colvin, Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else

W O R S H I P   L E A D I N G   T A K E S   W O R K

Have you had those weeks in worship when you have prepared diligently, rehearsed the team, practiced the cues and got everything “right” but then when church happened, it all fell apart? Inversely, how ‘bout those weeks where you hardly make a plan but somehow everything was pure fire? Worship ministry can be mysterious; sometimes it feels like the results are out of our hands. If you are like me you’ve had seasons where you’ve taken this dynamic for granted and rested too much on the mercy and favor of God.

Here’s the thing: God really loves his gathered Church. He commissioned it. He knows that our worship, when fully attentive to Him, will actually grow and edify us. Those 5 songs and that sermon comprise no ordinary event – this is the best gig of our lives and we get to live it over and over again. What an honor! When we gather, our job (as worship leader) is to help the people (a varied demographic) engage the invitation of God to worship Him. This is actually work. It’s work for the people and it’s work for the man or woman that is initiating that weekly rhythm.

Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” The Message paraphrases the end of this text with the sobering truth that “Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.”

We understand this idea when working outside the Church, but the irony is that we often forget it when working for the Church. Mediocre effort over the course of 52 weeks will produce mediocre results even if we have an occasional fire weekend or two. Your extraordinary singing gift or slamming multi-tracks might work for a while, but over the course of many seasons, this is not going to cut it. How and where can you grow as a worship leader in this season?

Where is your biggest weakness as a worship leader? 

Have you been “phoning it in” for a while? 

Are you administering your band’s songs, schedules, and pastoral care consistently? 

Are you giving away authority and replacing yourself? 

Are you attracting or repelling other creatives? 

Are your song choices and song order Biblically robust? 

Consider your next year in worship ministry. Pray and ask God to give you one or two goals to pursue, and commit yourself to grow in those areas. It might be learning piano or taking vocal lessons or learning how to better pastor from a mentor.  “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15, ESV).

 

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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My Number One Congregational Participation Tip Start with strength and give it away

 

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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Pastoring Your Worship Community Better This Year

This article appeared on the Vineyard Worship monthly “Notes From The Field” email. To subscribe go HERE.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality (Romans 12:10-13)

There are song leaders and there are worship leaders. There are worship leaders and there are worship pastors. Regardless of your specific title, I want to zoom in a bit this month on some approaches we can think about in regards to pastoring our worship community better this year. Some of this will come very naturally; if you are like me it’s a never-ending work in progress. We do play a role in shepherding our larger gathered church, but I want to speak to the team that is serving right alongside you.

At this point in my ministry experience, I see the worship stage as the center of the world. It’s not central for reasons of pride or music-centric ambitions, rather it’s primary in my mind because this is where I naturally do the work of discipleship. Musicians and techs under our care are being formed and shaped through the hours, weeks, and years of serving together. When you pastor your team skillfully, you are making disciples, and this is the work of the Kingdom!

Here are some practical ways I encourage you to think about this in 2019:

People Over (and Before) Production 
I love to produce awe-inspiring, over-the-top, pastor-pleasing weekend experiences. Ironically, for years I did this while stepping on the very people I was serving alongside. Over time I’ve learned to welcome and embrace every soul that enters into our rehearsal space. I try to take time before the music begins to give space for people to share and be present to one another. From that foundation of care, we make the music.

Seamless and Consistent Administration 
To quote a friend and mentor, Randy McCoy, “BAD administration hurts people.” One of the most loving things we can do for our teams is to have clean and consistent communication. Timely scheduling, song prep, emails, and texts all speak the language of care. Let people know what is expected of them and what they can expect from you. Over time these faithful structures will build trust, and your team will grow.

Never Stop Saying Thank You 
Sending encouraging texts/emails/cards before, during, and after services can be the fuel for a life-giving worship team environment.  Look for little and varied ways to say “thank you.” A little post-it note on a music stand/soundboard, a bottle of water, a backstage station for hot tea, or a social media shout-out can and will move mountains relationally and organizationally.

Never Stop Learning 
A thriving worship community will be, at its core, a learning community. Both newbies and “pros” will always be exploring new ways to be enriched and challenged. Part of your job as a worship pastor is encouraging everyone to have opportunities for growth. If most of the people on your stage have a “been there, done that” mentality it will create a sense of entitlement and cynicism. We all have something we can be learning. Has it all become just a little too easy? How are you growing as the leader?  Who are you encouraging to risk, stepping up and out? Who are your training to go even beyond you?

Vineyard School of Worship 
Consider attending one of our training events in 2019. Our Rise Worship Bootcamp is for ages 12 to 18, and our Summer Session is for ages 18 to 35. We are currently developing an all-ages Worship Leader Intensive. Also, mark your calendars for our next Sound and Song Summits. Go to vsow.org to learn more.

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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Singing Though Your Mic Stepping up and into your microphone

Encouraging musicians in the church to STEP UP and INTO the microphone is a constant point in my training. There is a ton of apprehension with church singers “bringing it” for fear of being perceived as rock stars. Using the microphone with confidence is the beginning of great on stage leadership.

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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Shepherding the Band The value of people over production

#1 Hardest Lesson learned in worship ministry: PEOPLE are more valuable than a great worship set.

If I lead a worship set that is 🔥🔥🔥 and verbally destroy sound techs, drummers and singers in the process it is a NET LOSS in the KINGDOM of God.

Pastors, if you have a high capacity/high output “get it done” kind of leader they will aim to please YOU above the commission to love and care for the people they lead.

 

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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How To Talk To Your Sound Tech

A guide for worship leaders

In many churches, communication with the sound tech is a touchy subject. Most worship leaders can rattle off a list of offenses occurred from interactions from techs they have worked alongside. Likewise, most sound techs have countless horror stories of aggressive, diva musicians committing relational and technical fouls on stage before, during and after church services.

We must own, confess and repent for our part in relational damage with church techs; going forward, worship pastors and leaders must create a culture of honor, care and respect for those serving our sound. Click To Tweet

The solutions are more relational than technical (although gear runs a close second). Below are a few ways to engage your tech and make your church culture one that honors these valuable servants:

1.  Become Their Chief Encourager  

 Most technical people in church only get attention when something is wrong. Many have been shamed and ridiculed from the stage when things have gone wrong. Insecure musicians and communicators will often place blame on sound and media people from the stage.  Stop…. Right….. Now…. and ask God to reveal any techs from your past that you might have offended. Message, text, call and make it right.

After each and every rehearsal and service I strive to pinpoint a specific expression of kudos for the sound techs.

“Thanks for always being on time, it really makes a difference for us.”

“That kick drum sounded massive today!”

“The vocals were spot on tonight – I loved how easy you made it.”

“When you took time to help Sue with her bass amp, it really helped make the rehearsal go easy.”

Brand this phrase on your leadership heart: “what is rewarded is repeated.” This one concept has guided my leadership style more than any other in creating positive and healthy relationships in worship ministry.

2.  Ask “How Can We Help?” vs. “Give me this or that!” 

Instead of thinking that the sound tech is there as your servant, ask how you can help them achieve the best sound. We are ALL serving Jesus on equal ground and this IS NOT a consumer/customer retail situation. Sound techs have dozens of variables involved at any given time and you have only one or two. Inviting their input will help build trust. Teach your band this idea too. Your players should be interacting with the sound tech with honor and respect vs. yelling or demanding.

“Jim, is there anything we can do to help you get what you need out there?”

“Dave, when you get a chance do you mind turning down the kick drum in my in-ears? Thank you.”

“Julie, please tell me which setting is better for you.”

When something is not working on your end with the sound or monitors, instead of blurting out your problem, wait until the tech is ready and let them know your need in a calm, non-anxious tone.

 

3.  Learn and Speak the LANGUAGE OF SOUND 

Worship leaders that know some of the language of sound will better be able to communicate with their techs. Spend some time Not Leading Worship (volunteer for sound team) and learn your soundboard basics. Ask questions and become aware of what it takes to make a band sound good in your room. Learn their language so you can communicate clearly. There is a lifetime of knowledge to learn here, but here are some basics:

Gain – A microphone or guitar needs extra power to make the sound go from the instrument, through the cables to the speakers. This amplification is called gain. Too much gain and the sound will distort, too little gain and the sound will be weak and hard to expand. If you notice the volume of your instrument going up or down in your ears the sound tech might be adjusting your gain.

Equalization (EQ) – Most instruments/voices will benefit from raising or lowering certain frequencies on the sound spectrum. You can and should know what a good EQ curve is for your instrument(s). 

Balance – The relationships of the instruments with one another. Can you clearly hear the different parts of the mix while enjoying the whole mix? Getting multiple guitars, keyboards, and vocals to blend well will require a good exchange between the stage and sound.

A Sampling of Language 

The following are a sampling of phrases I might communicate with a sound tech during a rehearsal:

“Is there anything you need from us?”

“Sam, my voice just jumped in volume, are you adjusting gain, or is that something on my end?” 

“Jim, it sounds really good from up here, thank you!” 

“How’s the stage volume from back there, if we turn up will it be ok?”  

“How well are the drums sitting in the mix from the congregation?” 

“How’s the vocal balance out there, is Jenny cutting though?”

MY BEST ADVICE

If you spend more time encouraging your tech than correcting them, you will build trust for the journey which will allow for excellence to flourish. Would love to hear any other tips or ideas you have on sound tech communication; how do you honor your techs in how you talk to them?

Training Opportunity for your sound techs: USE CODE SS15 for 15% off the Vineyard School of Worship Sound Summit in Columbus OH January 31-Feb 2, 2019.

Check out How to Talk To Your Drummer HERE

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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Kingdom Theology and Advent

The Kingdom of God in Advent is slow, contested, and unexpected. For worship leaders, the weeks preceding Christmas are a fitting time to highlight the tension in the Kingdom of God as we wait for the coming Messiah. In our prayers, songs and language we can once again enter into the story of longing and hope that crescendos into incarnation. Even though we know the end of the story, we need to help frame incarnation for all who are being formed by it as we worship and lead others.

Check out my encouragement here for worship leaders during this Advent season:

 

My name is Mike O’Brien and I am passionate about teaching and mentoring worship leaders and teams. My calling is to use my experience as a producer, worship leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist to come alongside musicians, helping them more fully worship God with their instrument and lives. Find out more about how I can help your worship leaders and teams HERE.

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How to Talk to Your Drummer

A Guide for Worship Leaders

For many worship leaders communicating with your fellow musicians is a huge challenge. It can be very intimidating to give an opinion about an instrument you don’t play.

Since the drummer and the drumset play such a critical role in the overall sound of our bands, here are here are several ideas of how you can talk to your drummer.

1.  Learn the Names of Drums and Cymbals 

Throne – The stool the drummer sits on is called a “throne” – and no that’s not a joke! Most drum thrones are adjustable and you might suggest raising or lowering the throne if you have a new drummer or someone unfamiliar with your church kit.

Kick Drum (aka Bass Drum) – This is usually the biggest drum on the drumset. It is hit with a pedal that has a beater attached. This drum has the lowest frequency of the drumset. It is a very important part of the overall sound. The bass guitar should interplay with this drum.

“Let’s really lay into that kick drum on this song.”  

“Don’t play the kick at all during the first verse.” 

Snare – Equally as important as the kick, the snare drum is commonly what plays the backbeat (where you want to clap). Snare drums can be tuned high or low. Snare drums can be struck in the center and on the edge of the head for different tones. You can turn the snares (the metal strings that line the bottom snare head) on or off and they can be adjusted to rattle more or less. You can hit just the rim of this drum for a muted click sound that can be pleasing (this is technically called a “cross-stick” although some mistakenly call it a “rimshot” which is something else).

“Play the snare really loose on this section.”  

“Maybe try a cross stick rim thing on this part?”  

Hi-Hats – These two cymbals join together on a specialized stand that is hit with a stick or “chicked” by simply depressing the pedal with your foot. If your foot is pressed down hard these will have a quick, tight sound when struck,  the more you lift your foot the louder and more wild they become when struck. How “open” the hi-hats are when hit will DRASTICALLY alter the volume and perceived volume of the drumset.

“Can you close the hi-hats a bit more?” 

“What would it sound like if we just keep the hi-hat going during the chorus instead of ride?” 

Tom(s) – These drums are powerful for creating transitions between song parts. They are the most melodic elements of the drumset and can create pleasing (or irritating) rhythmic patterns.

“Let’s do a tom fill going into that outro.” 

“Lay off on the toms to open up space under that guitar solo.” 

Floor Tom(s) – This is the larger of the toms and can be used to create low-end power and energy. If you have subwoofers in your sound system then should be rocking when this drum is hit.

“Can you play eighth notes on the floor tom instead of the hi-hat?” 

Crash Cymbal(s) – These typically have shorter sustain and add an accent to song sections or transitions.

“I like that bigger crash on that intro.” 

Ride Cymbal – This is a complex cymbal that can have a “ping” sound or “washy” sound. The sound changes depending on where you hit it.

“Maybe a little more wash on this part and less ping?” 

Splash Cymbal – These cymbals are super small and provide a very high pitched and short sustaining accent.

“Can you take the splash cymbal home and never bring it back?” 

Chime Tree, Tambourine, and Shaker – Random percussion can add pleasing elements to the song selections. It’s common for a drummer to use a shaker for a verse section or for the whole song. You could use a tambourine laying on a floor tom for accents.

“You can only rake the chime tree only two times in this song… thank you.” 

“Let’s do a tambo hit on 2 and 4 instead of the snare for this section.” 

2. Learn and Speak the LANGUAGE OF RHYTHM for Drummers 

Kick, hi-hat, and ride cymbal rhythms are vital to the feel of the song sections. You might simply ask the drummer to “play busier” or “play simpler”, but if you know a more specific language, it would be helpful.