Leading worship and singing on a praise team is such an honor and a privilege. As a singer, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for great worship rehearsals and services. Here are seven suggestions to help you be the best you can be:
- Practice your parts: Make sure you have practiced all the songs you will be singing. Listen to recordings of the songs and practice singing along with them. Be sure to pay attention to any harmonies or vocal parts you will be singing. Generally there is one correct alto part and one correct tenor part. The harmony always follows the shape of the melody, usually in parallel thirds and fourths. If your team sends out written-out parts, learn those as written. Here is a great youtube video on when to sing harmony on a worship team.
- Review the lyrics: Read through the lyrics of the songs you will be singing so you can understand the message and meaning behind them. This will help you to sing the songs with more feeling and passion. Take time to memorize the lyrics so you can sing from your heart.
- Warm up your voice: Before you come to the rehearsal, take some time to warm up your voice. Sing some scales, practice breathing exercises, and do some vocal exercises to get your voice ready for singing. Here is a ’15-Minute Warmup for Worship Team Singers’
- Learn to listen: Are you blending with the other singers? Are you holding the notes the same length as the lead singer? Are you following the instructions of the music director? Are you singing in-tune? Are you matching the timing and enunciation of the lead singer?
- Be prepared with the necessary equipment: Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, such as a in-ear monitors, music, water bottle and any other accessories you need for the rehearsal.
- Arrive on time: Be sure to arrive at the rehearsal on time so that you can set up and be ready to start singing when the rehearsal begins.
- Prepare your heart: Come with a teachable spirit and a heart full of love for the Lord. Learn to worship as you sing. Encourage the other members of the team. Smile, move and develop great stage presence. (Here are some tips on stage presence). Be a worshipper on and off the stage.
