Author and Producer Bill Gibson Teaches Worship Sound
Pictured is Berkleemusic.com‘s Church Sound Production instructor Bill Gibson.
Berkleemusic.com, the online continuing education division of Boston‘s renowned Berklee College of Music, is offering for the first time a comprehensive course in Church Sound Production. Author and composer/arranger/sound engineer Bill Gibson designed and wrote the curriculum and will teach the online course in the Spring Term, beginning April 7.
“This new course aims to help the church sound operator to manage not only the worship music, but also to refine the clarity and mixes of the sermon and announcements,” explains Gibson. “Whether you’re a novice who is considering entering the sound ministry at your church, or a seasoned sound operator, this course is designed to help build a controlled and powerful sound experience.”
Bill Gibson is president of Seattle‘s Northwest Music and Recording production company and has spent the last 25 years writing, recording, producing, and teaching music. He is the author of 30 books and videos, and his writings are acclaimed for their straightforward and understandable explanations of audio concepts and applications. He began his teaching career as an instructor at Green River College in Auburn, WA, and holds degrees in composition, arranging, and recording.
“My approach to the sound operator’s position is completely from a user’s
standpoint,” emphasizes Gibson, “and is meant to help the sound operator do a better job in the real world of the church service. The course is designed to help the operator in setting up, striking, using EQ and effects, recording the service, and blending the sounds into a polished-sounding mix that is full and inspirational to a wide range of churchgoers.”
As a music pastor and technical director for 15 years at a large contemporary-music oriented church in the Seattle area, Gibson gained a unique insight into the integration of ministry, technical and musical considerations, and a quest for excellence. He approaches technical considerations from a musical vantage point and is known for his straightforward and easy-to-understand teaching style.
Berkleemusic.com‘s Church Sound Production begins by defining the needs of the particular worship team and exploring acoustic considerations and treatments, including technical issues, microphone and mixer functionality, effects, how to maximize the church sound system, and mixing techniques for vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard.
Church Sound Production takes into consideration the nurturing aspects of the worship team environment. The instruction explores the need for building relationships, supporting the ministry, and creating a strong teamwork within the congregation. Students learn how to enhance their ministry involvement with principles and techniques that can accelerate the time it takes to become an effective sound operator and contributor to the worship team.
“In my experience, I have found that church sound operators have great enthusiasm and dedication to their role in the service,” says Bill Gibson. “By increasing the audio sophistication and quality, both the music and sermon are better communicated to the entire congregation; therefore, enhancing the worship experience and supporting the church’s overriding purpose, mission, and ministry.”
Church Sound Production is intended for novice sound operators, as well as those with experience who wish to improve their skills. It is also designed for music directors and pastors who wish to better understand this crucial element of the worship service. Through practical exercises and application-specific assignments, students learn how to become an effective worship sound operator by learning to blend technical, musical, and relational aspects of church sound.
Students will learn:
* to create sounds that work well in worship music
* relational considerations and techniques that will help to better serve the pastors, worship team, and the church body in sound operating duties
* how to get optimum vocal sounds for the worship leader, backing vocalists, and the pastor
* how to use proper mic and mic technique, equalization, effects, and dynamics processing to build piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboard, bass guitar, drums, and percussion sounds for functionality in a contemporary church mix
* how to build a high-quality mix that is appropriate for a wide variety of age groups and types of congregations
* special considerations for recording the sermon and music service
Learn more about Bill Gibson and Church Sound Production at:
http://www.berkleemusic.com/school/course?course_item_id=9520054&program=music_production
To enroll for the Spring term, visit http://www.berkleemusic.com
ABOUT BERKLEEMUSIC.COM
Berkleemusic.com is the continuing education division of Berklee College of Music, delivering online access to Berklee‘s acclaimed curriculum from anywhere in the world. Berkleemusic‘s award-winning online courses and certificate programs are accredited and taught by the college‘s world-renowned faculty, providing lifelong learning opportunities to people interested in music and working in the music industry. As the business of music continues to move online, Berkleemusic is taking a leadership role in educating the next generation of producers, performers, and entrepreneurs on this evolving industry landscape. Berkleemusic‘s students come from over 80 countries around the world, and include Grammy award winners, managers, artists, publishers, music business entrepreneurs and major international touring acts.
