Moderator: Welcome to this ProSoundWeb Church Talk live chat session featuring Curt Taipale.

Moderator: Curt, can you begin by providing your professional background?

Curt Taipale: I played keyboards in rock bands for about 12 years. Went on to college to get a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami in 1980. Made my living as a recording and live sound engineer for a few years, and switched to sound system design and acoustics somewhere along the way. All the while, I've been teaching workshops in church sound. Last time I added it up we had over 3,000 graduates.

Moderator: What do you stress most with your teaching?

Curt: Look for a servant's heart first. The technical stuff is easy to teach.

Steve Roth: Who makes economical barrel diffusors?

Curt: How about ASC? Now if we could just teach those barrel diffusors what to do and how to mix.

Moderator: What do you look for, first and foremost, in church technical/sound staff? (Or perhaps potential members?)

Curt: I look first for a servant heart. I want people who are F.A.T. -- faithful, available and teachable. Faithful to be there when they say they'll be there. People who are committed to the ministry and make themselves available for events and workdays. And people who are teachable, open to learning new ways of doing things.

Moderator: Does age factor into the decision?

Curt: Less than some would think. In a recent church, I had a 14-year old-boy and his 15-year-old brother. Both Eagle Scouts, and both home schooled. I think they had more flexibility in their time and schedule. But more than anything, they were hungry to learn and eager to serve. They could do anything with the computer controlled lighting desk that you asked them. And they had great ears - excellent mixing chops.

gary: What was your inspiration for starting churchsoundcheck.com?

Curt: We've always enjoyed introducing friends to other friends. We enjoy sharing what God has allowed us to learn about the tech stuff and running a ministry.

JimL: Are you still actively designing church sound systems?