Listening to our favorite worship songs on recording. We sing along, join in as though we’re there being led by these world-class artists. The problem comes on Sunday morning, when those same songs don’t always translate effectively to sing at church. Here are 3 reasons why you should think about changing the key of your worship songs.
1. Pros like Chris Tomlin often sing really HIGH.
Singers like Chris Tomlin are recording artists with professionally trained voices and extended ranges. They need to sing their songs higher for the purpose of the recording featuring their best notes. Generally you will move the key DOWN from the recording.
When congregations sing with a virtuoso, like Tomlin, they will often sing an octave lower. This is one strategy for those of you who truly have an INSANE range.
2. Church-goers usually CAN’T sing that high.
Don’t confuse and frustrate them with Chris Tomlin’s version. Set the singing somewhere between A-below-middle-C, and C-Above-middle-C is a good starting point for congregational singing.
3. You (or your lead singer) have a UNIQUE range where YOU sound good.
The goal is not to blindly copy, but take the opportunity to make your own voice its best. Set the song to a range where you (or your lead singer) can hit the notes with a bright and confident sound. Also remember to observe #2 at the same time.
Finally, realise that the congregation is a MIXTURE of ALL TYPES of voices. So any range you sing in will be somewhat of a compromise.
With a little tweaking, the song can go from recording to Sunday morning effectively.
1. Pros like Chris Tomlin often sing really HIGH.
Singers like Chris Tomlin are recording artists with professionally trained voices and extended ranges. They need to sing their songs higher for the purpose of the recording featuring their best notes. Generally you will move the key DOWN from the recording.
When congregations sing with a virtuoso, like Tomlin, they will often sing an octave lower. This is one strategy for those of you who truly have an INSANE range.
2. Church-goers usually CAN’T sing that high.
Don’t confuse and frustrate them with Chris Tomlin’s version. Set the singing somewhere between A-below-middle-C, and C-Above-middle-C is a good starting point for congregational singing.
3. You (or your lead singer) have a UNIQUE range where YOU sound good.
The goal is not to blindly copy, but take the opportunity to make your own voice its best. Set the song to a range where you (or your lead singer) can hit the notes with a bright and confident sound. Also remember to observe #2 at the same time.
Finally, realise that the congregation is a MIXTURE of ALL TYPES of voices. So any range you sing in will be somewhat of a compromise.
With a little tweaking, the song can go from recording to Sunday morning effectively.
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