Curt (continued): Obviously over that first year they learned some things by watching anyway. I think churches should offer training sessions at least once a year. If they can't teach the classes themselves, for whatever reason, then have the church pay their way to attend other workshops.

Mike Urich: Our worship leader wants to get some new volunteers on the board ASAP, yet the staff wants perfection and the tech team thinks its suicide. Any suggestions?

Curt: Oh my. Well, it's a catch-22 isn't it? You can't mix without experience. But you have to mix to get the experience. One way is to start them in rehearsals. Another way is to grab a digital multitrack and record rehearsals. Then offer times when they can practice on their own. And when you can listen and critique their practice mixes.

Keith: What about starting them mixing small events - banquets, conference meetings, etc.?

Curt: Sure. Weddings as well. Anything where the senior pastor isn't involved. :-)

Mike Van Tubergen: I haven't done it yet, but I would like to hold training sessions for my techs, and also for the entire worship team(s), including techs. I think that would be a good opportunity to teach things like mic technique, stage volume control, monitor expectations, etc.

Curt: Absolutely. I follow basic signal flow. Start with sound and acoustics. Go to the microphones, and work your way through from there.

Janet Smith: What is best way to learn how to deal with feedback, without being in a service and panicking?

Curt: By doing it. By practicing. By learning your limits of gain-before-feedback during rehearsals and soundchecks. Learning signal flow of a console is a great teacher. With that under your belt, you'll find that you operate the console instead of the console operating you. You'll find the Holy Spirit can show you where the feedback is coming from, and
that your hand will dart to the right channel without even realizing it. Way cool stuff. God mixes way better than I do!

Janet Smith: Could that be rigged to learn on a Saturday? During the services, I am doing sound for TV in an “almost studio” setting every Sunday. I do depend on God for help all the time as I do the sound and TV.

Curt: No one will become a great mixer overnight. But yes, most workshops for churches are formatted for a Saturday. Or for a Friday/Saturday. Did that answer your question?