Class Date: 20 October 2002
                                                     Title:      SONGCRAFTING
                                                     Instructor: Tim Hughes
                                                     http://www.soulsurvivor.com
                                                     http://www.evanstonvineyard.org

                                                     Notes:      Steve S. Hudson
                                                         http://moongaze.cjb.net

10% Inspiration / 90% Perspiration

Songwriting:  There's no set formula; crafting's important.
              Dictiphone for ideas to be recorded.
   - Lyrics - Biblical inspiration.  Response to Him.  God-focused.
   - Melody - Within vocal range for the size of group.
   - Order  - a) Theme.
              b) Melody w/ poetic lyrics (concordance / thesaurus)
              c) Music

How do you know your song's good / done?

   1 - Does it help me personally to worship God?
   2 - Is it theologically sound?  God-focused? (i love YOU)
       Is there anything confusing, or needing fine-tuning?
   3 - Is this song specific / unique, and on-topic?
   4 - Are the lyrics original?  Keep it fresh.  New mercies = New responses to God.
   5 - Are the lyrics obscure?  Too personal & misunderstood?
   6 - Are the sections of the song in the correct order?
       Would shifting parts around make the song better?

Hymns:  They possess heritage and depth that is unfortunately missed in new songs.
        They can be made afresh with new styles / arrangements.

Feedback:  Play the song for people that are musically inclined.
           Play it for someone NOT musically inclined - They can say what's not
                do-able or what's not theologically sound.
           Play the song in small-group setting.
           Play song in church.

Accountability between pastor and worship leader is important - ideas, leadership.

"What keeps you real, as a Christian?"

    * Knowing short-comings and insecurities.
    * Having a local church - involvements and help w/ struggles.
    * You want to be known for who you are <>< and not what you do.

"How do you keep from getting stale?"

    * Listen to many styles of music.
    * Read Scripture, and other inspirational books.
    * Attend conferences & seminars.
    * Friendships with other leaders.  Mentor / Discipleship.
    * Develop discipline to get to know God better and His ways.
    * Do everything God's way:
         - Spontaneous songs,
         - Determining His will TODAY,
         - Be willing to step outside the box, stepping from logical tradition.
    * Continue to evaluate where you're at, and what's going on around you.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY:

    The important aspects of songwriting are:

        - have a private worship life
        - be proficient on an instrument
        - involve others through editing
        - just do it - don't be afraid
        - rework the structured song many times
        - put ideas on tape