Zadok School Of Worship

Dear Parents,

Eternal Life Harvest Center would like to welcome you and your child to Zadok School Of Worship (ZSOW). Zadok School of Worship is a ministry focused on raising up a generation of musicians that knows their God and plays under the anointing. It is our intention, with the information provided below, to give parents/guardians a better understanding of what is required as a student of ZSOW. In addition, there is a meeting on Sunday, October 2, 2022, immediately after service to discuss the specifics, as well as answer any questions you may have pertaining to your child’s participation.

Age Parameters: Teaching children between the ages of 6-12.

Focus

The school will initially focus on teaching students the following:

1. Learning the instrument of choice (piano for the incoming class).
2. Rhythm/Cadence: What is Rhythm? The word ‘rhythm’ stems from the Greek word rhythmos, meaning “any regular recurring motion, or symmetry”. In music, rhythm is about when notes, chords, and other musical sounds begin and end. As a result, rhythm is the essential ingredient in all music. No matter what instrument a student is learning, everyone needs good rhythmic foundation. Melodies, scales and chord patterns are all dependent on a piece’s rhythm. The importance of developing a strong sense of pulse or rhythm is a crucial element when learning to play – and being taught the basics of rhythm starts in the very first lesson.
3. Scales: There are reasons that learning scales has traditionally been a part of learning to make music. With any instrument, practicing them regularly will increase fluidity of motion and connection with the instrument. Being able to move through different scales with little effort makes it much easier to pick up musical material in any key and play it.
4. Chords: Most songs are played using piano chords, this allows easy playing and singing. The melody is done by the voice, not the piano. So it makes sense to learn piano by playing chords. The course lessons will teach students the basics properly.
5. Learning To Play By Ear: When learning to play piano by ear, you will be likely to use equal coordination in both hands, which might give you more creative freedom. From this foundation, you can easily explore new directions in your music and add your own “flavor” to the song instead of playing exactly whatever is written on the sheet music.
6. Basic Reading of Music Composition: The Benefits Of Reading Music For Piano There are many benefits to reading music for the piano. For one, pianists are able to gain a lot of musical knowledge by being able to look at the sheet music. Pianists are able to analyze how the music is structured, and how the harmonies relate between one another. Now, because we want to provide significant encouragement, reading music will not be the main focus initially, as it can be frustrating and requires DAILY practice, and some students may not have access to a piano/keyboard every day.
7. Memorization of Scripture: Zadok Ministries is not only developing musicians, we’re developing, under God’s anointing, Psalmists, or one who writes or composes sacred songs; a title particularly applied to David and the other authors of the scriptural psalms. Our desire is to develop musicians who not only play worship music, but also can create worship music, and they are not distracted by the worldly composition of music. A psalmist moves in the prophetic music realm and is a gifted person with sensitivity, discernment and creative talent to receive and relay revelation from God to the listener. They play an instrument and are given songs from the Lord that flow with their instrument and their vocal style. Every student may not become a Psalmist, but one Psalmist out of a group of many could change the lives of 10,000, 2 Psalmists – 100,000’s! As the Psalmist wrote to the Lord, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you” ( Psalm 119 :11). Some translations speak of “treasuring” God’s Word in our hearts. Psalm 1 speaks of the benefits of know/meditating on God’s word: Psalm 1:2-3 NIV — [2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. [3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Scripture memorization is imperative so that Zadok students yield their fruit in season, as they will know the Word of God and are called to serve for Christ’s name sake! Amen, amen, amen!

Recital

Each student, as part of their involvement in Zadok will participate in our annual recital. Recitals are a vital part of learning, as it:

1. Helps the student to overcome stage fright, which is a vital to eliminate if one is to be able to play in front of others.
2. When kids witness other kids making mistakes, they realize the world doesn’t end. It teaches them that no matter the mistake, they must continue to play it through.
3. A since of accomplishment. Students need to have a goal in mind for their work and also a time where they can show others the results of their hard work. This will also interest others in coming aboard.
4. To build discipline. Usually when children have an audience to look forward to, they magically find tons of practice time that somehow eluded them before. We want them to desire to practice.

Materials Required:

1. Keyboard/piano
2. Metronome

Starting date: October 13, 2022
Class time: Thursdays at 6 pm

The first class will be taught as a group. This will be more of an informative orientation class. Music books will also be distributed at that time. There will eventually be 2 to 1 instruction, where your child will receive Piano lessons. The student is expected to spend 20-30 minutes daily, practicing the piano and reviewing the theory taught in class. It is imperative that your child practice daily, as recognition of failure to progress could likely result in dismissal from ZSOW. This is a school focused on both spiritual and musical development, focusing on youth who have a desire for both. Although it is our hope to keep every student, ELHC realizes that this might not be for every child from an interest and/or discipline standpoint. HOWEVER, WE MUST PROGRESS. Therefore, there is an initial assessment period of 4 weeks 10/13/22 – 11/10/22), where the basic material taught must be grasped by the student, and demonstrated both from a knowledge and hands-on basis. At the end of this 4 week period, each parent will be notified as to whether their child is selected to continue. A progress report at the mid-assessment/2 week period will be given for each student. Weekly assignment sheets will be distributed and will continue indefinitely. Unfortunately, as much as we would like to keep everyone, due to time constraints and the need to move forward, the student’s ability to participation in Zadok will be based on the ability to accomplish the basics taught in this 4 week period.

Behavior Issues

If the student has difficulty with focus during class time, the parent may be asked to sit in for 1-2 classes. If there continues to be an issue, unfortunately he/she will not be allowed to continue, as it would not be fair to the other student(s).

In closing, we would like to thank you for your interest in Zadok School Of Worship. We pray that your child has every opportunity to grow both spiritually and musically as they learn what it is to be a true worshipper, yearning to worship God in Spirit and in truth.