Memorizing a stack of worship songs may seem like a tedious task for sure, especially if your song-book is over 100 songs, but here are five reasons why you as a worship leader should memorize everything.
1. You will become a better musician
This may seem obvious, and it is probably the most important reason for you to memorize your music. If you’ve been leading worship (or playing in a worship band) for more than just a bit, no doubt you’ve hit a few wrong chords. Maybe you’ve forgotten the lyrics on a verse or something. As a leader, this is embarrassing, and I’ve certainly been there more times that I’d like to admit. Memorization won’t guarantee these kinds of things will never happen again, but it will go a long way to prevent it.
Furthermore, most people memorize something through repetition. The simple truth is this: the more you do something, the better you become at it. Having trouble hitting that high note in the bridge? If you practice a song enough times to memorize it, you’ll hit that note far more often. Eventually, you’ll hit it every time.
2. You will have more confidence
If you’re not thinking about what chords to play and what words are coming up next, your confidence will go up exponentially. If you don’t believe me, just give it a try – memorize the songs for your next worship set and come back and report how you felt playing them.
Another benefit that comes with more confidence is less fear. Getting up and doing anything in front of a group of people can be intimidating, and fear will go a long way to hold you back from doing your best. Memorizing your music will remove another barrier and help you overcome fear.
3. Get rid of the music stand
This might seem a bit superficial, but let’s face it – music stands are not rock and roll, at all. More importantly, you won’t be glued to a sheet of paper sitting on a stand. This will make you feel more free than you might think. Your mind will be less occupied with what note or lyric comes next, and you’ll be far more free to think about more important things, like: the atmosphere and mood of the congregation, the leading of the Holy Spirit, etc.
4. Let your mind concentrate on more than just the chord chart
This point is related to the last one. If you are glued to a chart or piece of music, you are less likely paying enough attention to lots of other things that you should be aware of. For example:
Say the congregation is really swept up in a moment during a chorus. Maybe you should repeat it a few times. How about if a very contemplative mood settles over the room – maybe an extended instrumental would be a good choice. If you’re doing a newer song, you might notice that people are struggling with the words and you need to coach them a bit more than usual.
If you have your stuff memorized, you’ll be in a far better position to make these kinds of decisions.
5. Impromptu worship
Have you ever had somebody ask you to lead worship out of the blue? I have. If you don’t have your music memorized and you don’t have your big binder of charts with you, you’ve lost an opportunity to lead. I can say that some of the most meaningful times of worship that I’ve experienced have come from an impromptu worship session. If you have a library of worship songs memorized, you’ll always be prepared to play some worship songs.
Confession:
I’m writing this post because I didn’t memorize my music a few weeks ago. There was one song in particular that threw me. I got one of the lines wrong in a verse, and it just went downhill from there. Overall things went OK, but here are my gut reactions from the service:
- My confidence was far lower than usual.
- I sang a line or two out of place, singing the second verse during the first, I think.
- I was glued to my music stand for the entire song.
Do you make it a point to memorize your music? Why is it (or isn’t it) important to you? Please feel free to share and add your insight in the comments.
One time I was leading worship and was joking before service about singing Happy Day and instead of saying I was saying Chappy so we go on stage the drummer clicks off into the chorus and I start leading it and singing Oh Chappy Day! Everyone started laughing mainly the band!
@aaronisageek Oh Chappy Day, Chappy Day, You’ve washed my chins away!
#4 is really important. I struggle with that all the time. I’ve always wished I had the ability to focus on the holy spirit more than the chords or lyrics of the song. Knowing the song well enough would definitely make a significant difference so I guess I’d better start memorizing…. oh and as for a funny moment: these are both older songs but we were singing standing on the promises of God and when the chorus came, I started singing in the tune of leaning on the everlasting arms. they sound similar! luckily the congregation knew it well enough to fix my mistake and carry on with the song =]
@melody04 Ha – just think if you would have gone right into the chorus… “Leaning.. leaning…”
Yep totally agree I am not a leader but have a few memorized,check out this first time home video after hearing yeah some tech work needed.! htt://youtu.be/BGrsrOFIDT The Stand,
yeah im trying really hard to memorize my music because 1.) i have forgotten lyrics in the middle of a song and 2.) i have forgotten chords in a middle of a song and 3.) ive had alot of situation where i have my guitar and people ask me to lead out but i have no idea what to play because i dont have my music memorized. i never really was a fan of the music stand but all in all very good 5 key points.
Can you give some timps on how to memorize a song. I have a few of the songs memorized already. I always use my trusty stand, but I do want to get rid of. You made a great point about the stand.
For me I feel completely free even though I tend to use a stand. I work on my music enough to know it, but I often have times where my mind can and will blank out, so the stand helps me relax even if that may happen. It’s mainly just a safety net for me. I don’t just stand at it and stare it down or anything, I’ll move around a good bit and all. One of the hardest things for me is remembering each song and what it starts on as well, so just even a quick glance offers a quick enough refresher that I can relax a lot more than if I just relied on my memory. Just my two cents though. The only thing it leaves as a problem for me is the impromptu worship, but I always keep some music with me for that just in case moment.
Hey Tez – I feel that way sometimes when a song starts. I’ll be thinking ‘What is the first word/chord?!?!’, ha. Try going without a stand at rehearsal and see how it works for you. You might surprise yourself!
I have never had moment where I forgot the words of song beacuase I always rely on my trusty music stand. I do want to get rid of it though. I totally agree with what you said about the stand. Will give me some tips on to memorize a song? I have a few of some memorized already. Your tips are very helpful God bless you for taking the time to make videos like this for other worship leaders. The one that I liked was the one about talking while playing. I’ll apply that as I grab my guitar.
@NelsonIsaiahLara I thought very much the same way- I can’t forget it if the music is right in front of me. Then I played on a windy beach. The whole music stand was wiggling so much that I skipped a whole line in the song. Then later in the song, the whole stand blew over. Thankfully one of the singers picked it up and we managed to make it through the rest of the set with her holding the stand in place 🙂
Oh stand, how I hate thee…
Let’s write a song about our hatred of guitar stands! Then force all worship musicians to memorize it 🙂
Can let me know what is the reason i cannot sing in tune?Thank you
Hello! Singing in tune really comes from a combination of natural talent and lots of practice. My advice would be to seek out some singing lessons either in person or online. Develop some practice routines and then just practice. You’ll notice improvement over time.
Thank you. Bryan. I love to sing but i cannot afford to pay for lesson class ~_~.
Any guide that free for lesson?.Thank you.God bless you
I totally agree. Memorizing your songs makes everything flow naturally. You aren’t worrying about what chords to strum, what strings to pick, or anything else. You get to really enjoy the moment, and play your heart out. Thanks Brian for all of these wonderful blogs, they made my day 🙂 God Bless <3
I recently stopped doing secular performances after about three years, and during that time I memorized dozens upon dozens of songs, as did my unchurched bandmates. If it can be done for that setting, it can surely be done in a worship setting. The fact is I really wanted to learn them, so I did. 🙂
This comment makes me happy, Kevin 🙂
This couldn’t have been more clear than water. Brian Thank you so much!! Indeed I will start memorizing the lyrics and improving on my instrument. Worshiping in freedom and focus on the move of the holy spirit. I have to show this video!!! Thank you!!! loving the pads 2 and 3!!!!!
Thanks! I agree 100%
I fully agree with you – but I am the only one or maybe one other one that wants to get rid of the music stands. Interaction with people is always better than a music stand.
Yep – thanks Lee!
Great points Brian! A big reason I don’t like using a music stand is because it puts a barrier or wall between you and the congregation, making it harder for you to help draw them fully into worship.
YES!