Multi-Site Worship

A good worship leader knows exactly what his/her vocalists are capable of musically. Matching a song to the appropriate singer can have a tremendous affect on your singer, the band and the congregation. If it’s not done correctly, your singer will feel like a failure, your band will be very frustrated, and the phrase “oh, bless your heart” will be echoed throughout the congregation. If you haven’t focused on this to much, I suggest that you start paying attention to what your vocalists do well and what they don’t. Here are some things to look for.

• Range. You can always transpose a song if you need to but it’s easier to pick a song that fits nicely in their range. Using my guitar, I’ve found that most females sing between 3rd string G (open) and 1st string A (5th fret). So, when picking a song, make sure the vocal line is in that range.
• Style. Is their style soulful (r&b), rocker or traditional style (choir). I’d think twice about giving someone who sounds like Rebecca St. James a Joss Stone song. Or, vice versa.
• Speech. When they talk are they monotone? Do they project? Do they have a twang in their speech? Think about this, because if you’re doing “Hosanna”, you might end up hearing “Hosan-ner” instead. But, the good thing is that this kinda thing is an easy fix and shouldn’t keep you from booking someone.
• Pitch. If a singer frequently goes just a little flat on long notes, then don’t give them songs with long notes. Give them the faster songs, in which the original track has some pitchy vocals in it already. These are usually the “jump and shout” songs that everyone knows and loves.

You can really make or break a singer by the songs you choose, so please choose wisely. After months of assigning the right songs to your vocalists they will become confident enough to try songs that are out of their comfort zone and before you know it, you’ll have a singer that’s awesome. Remember, it’s up to you to Know Your Vocalists.