WORD IN SONG CONFERENCE (10 MAY | 9:30AM - 3:30PM)
Are you passionate about singing that is deeply rooted in Scripture? The Word in Song Conference is where worship leaders, musicians, and church members come together to be equipped, inspired, and encouraged—helping you and your church grow in a gospel-centered approach to music and ministry.
What to Expect:
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Engaging Sessions: Learn from experienced speakers and musicians who will share biblical insights and practical skills for leading worship that truly magnifies Christ.
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Practical Seminars: Whether you’re a musician, vocalist, or pastor, our interactive seminars are designed to refine your skills and deepen your understanding of music through a biblical lens.
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Heart-felt Singing: Experience passionate, gospel-centered singing led by talented musicians who love to proclaim the truth of God's Word through song.
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Enriching Fellowship: Connect with other worship leaders, musicians, and church members who share your heart for Christ-centered music.
Why Attend? The Emu Word in Song Conference is more than just an event—it's an opportunity to rediscover the beauty and power of Christian singing that is grounded in God’s Word. Gain valuable tools for your ministry, enjoy fellowship with like-minded believers, and leave inspired to serve your church with renewed zeal.
Don’t miss out! Register now and be part of a transformative experience that will help shape the way you sing, lead, and live out the gospel. Group discounts available (click here to find out more).
Seminar Descriptions
Rehearsing and Arranging a Band:
In this masterclass we will outline the essential principles for running an effective rehearsal and workshop a number songs in different styles. We will consider how to arrange a song to reflect its message, as well as shape its emotional flow. We’ll also explore options for different instrument combinations, effective transitions, and playing to the appropriate context.
Helpful for musicians, vocalists, song leaders, sound team.
Shaping Services:
Song Leading:
In many ways, the song leader is the single most important person in leading great congregational singing. We will look at the biblical basis for having a song leader, but will aim to spend most of our time on the practicalities of how to lead singing well – including mic technique, what to say, and how to teach new material.
Helpful for singers, song leaders, pastors, service leaders.
Leading from Piano and Guitar:
Many of our churches have just these two instruments, so how do we make the most of them? And how do we lead in a dynamic, engaged, complimentary way from these instruments? In this seminar, we'll unpack both the harmonic and rhythmic elements of great congregational leading, and provide the tools for pianists and guitarists to understand each other better and play together well.
Helpful for guitarists, pianists, band leaders.
Drums and Bass:
What does it take to create a solid foundation for a rhythm section? The bass and drums are the ‘engine room’ of any church band. We will look at: our roles, finding a part, locking in together, time, technical skills, playing the song, groove vocabulary and more.
Helpful for drummers, bassists (and anyone hoping to communicate well with their rhythm section!)
What songs should we sing?:
Choosing songs thoughtfully and intentionally is key to an effective word-based music ministry. However, there are so many songs to consider – and it can be hard to keep our focus on what is important! In this seminar we’ll think about how to create a well-rounded repertoire of songs for our church and talk through all the factors to consider when shaping this list.
Helpful for pastors, singers, songleaders, songwriters.
This session is all about helping the church to hear God’s word: spoken and sung. We will consider the essential elements of setting up a ‘good mix’, blending sounds, and training our ears; as well as how to work well with a music team.
Helpful for sound technicians, aspiring sound technicians, music directors, musicians.
Many of us end up on stage without any formal vocal training, which can sometimes mean we fail to sing safely and strongly. This seminar put in place some foundations of safe, strong, clear singing.
Helpful for singers.
Helpful for pastors, music team leaders, music directors song leaders and those aspiring to these roles!
Melody Instruments:
What is the role of a melody instrument in a church band, and how do I use my classical technique to play in a contemporary context? We will explore creating colour and contrast in an arrangement; as well as fills, riffs, register, transposition and improvisation.
Helpful for melody instrumentalists, pianists, guitarists and band leaders.
Have you ever wondered how to lead rich congregational singing with a small church band? While small setups may feel limiting, they hold immense potential for meaningful praise. We’ll explore biblical principles of congregational singing, practical tips for fostering excellence and teamwork, and how small bands can adapt to challenges like limited resources, space, or musicians. Whether you’re a leader, musician, or congregation member, you’ll find encouragement and tools to make your singing experience vibrant and God-glorifying.
Helpful for everyone!
Sound & Mixing Part 2 - Mixing Techniques:
In this session we dive into the more technical side of creating a great mix for services. We’ll aim to de-mystify concepts such as gain, panning and EQ as we put together a helpful toolbox of techniques to create clarity within a mix.
Helpful for sound technicians, music directors, musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a group discount?
Yes! Group discounts are applied automatically at checkout (10% off each ticket for groups of 5-14, and 20% off each ticket for groups of 15+). We can also provide a unique code for your group so that you can all sign up individually at a discounted rate. Please click here if your team is 5-14, and please click here if your team is 15+.
2. Who is this conference useful for?
Every member of a church music team, especially those starting out in this ministry. At nearly every conference we meet someone who tells us they wish they had brought the whole team along - as listening and learning together makes the biggest difference back in your church.
Yes! The ministry of the word in song flourishes when it deliberately complements the spoken word. As the leader of the congregation's praise under Jesus, we hope you'll see the responsibility and joy of overseeing the music ministry at your church. What's more, your musicians will find it a great encouragement to see you supporting their ministry.
4. I've been doing music for many years. Will I learn anything new?
Most definitely. Many people come to Word In Song simply for the refreshment, encouragement and fellowship with those doing similar ministry.
5. We are a small church with few resources - will this day be relevant?
Yes! We love helping smaller churches work out how to effectively use their resources to lead singing. There will be lots of opportunities for applying biblical and practical principles to every context.
6. Do I need to bring food?
No! Refreshments and lunch are all provided as part of the ticket price.
Cancellations
Delegate cancellations will incur a $10 administration fee. Sorry, no refunds will be given for cancellations within one week of the event. In the event that we need to cancel or postpone the conference, Emu Music will provide a full refund.
Communications
By registering you are agreeing to receive communication about this event from Emu Music. We will email you before and after the event in order to keep you informed and gather feedback.