Singing In Sync

'N Sync?  No, this post is not about promoting American boybands in church! :)

It is all about tempo and its role in music ministry.  In an earlier post, I wrote about the importance of tempo in its job of keeping the music group together in sync.  In addition to this, tempo also plays an important role for the assembly or congregation.



Tempo is the main guidance for people that are not in the music group.  It leads people into entering and leaving notes and melodies at the right time.

Have you been in a church where the music group had no central source of tempo (i.e., no rhythm instrument such as a strummed guitar or drums or tambourine)?  Perhaps there was just one organist, or perhaps a piano and a violin? 

I’ve noticed in such settings that the timing of played notes wanders.  Have you?  It is difficult to sing along when the pace of the song is not apparent.  I’ve often noticed many beats, even whole measures –usually between verse and refrain—are skipped.  In such songs poor, tattered tacets are tossed, bridges broken, and turn-arounds dizzy!  :)



Here is the point.  Often, the assembly or congregation will sing softly, lacking a sense of confidence in the song. Tempo aids the assembly or congregation in getting in sync with the music and gives them assurance in the melody.  I’ve found the result will be a more comfortable congregation, increased singing participation, and louder voices. 

How do we as church musicians add a sense of tempo to music groups without a rhythm instrument?  Easy.  Reference an earlier post on an inexpensive rhythm aid.

Have you noticed soft singing from the congregation in musical arrangements without a rhythm instrument?  Do you have other roles for tempo in your music ministry?

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Tempo: Its Important Role in Music Ministry

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