JUNE 29-30, 2022  |  West Monroe, LA  |  9am-3pm

Psalm Tap is a colloquium where pastors and musicians discuss the nuts and bolts of composing and teaching music in the church.

When we follow the psalmist’s encouragement to sing new songs to the Lord (Ps. 98), we are faced with a lineup of questions: What should these new songs sound like? How should we sing them? What instruments (if any) should accompany them? Above all, where does the book of Psalms fit into the picture?

At Psalm Tap, church musicians will present new compositions (musical and lyrical) to an audience with a vested interest in their quality and discuss the best ways of learning and singing them. By gathering together in one place, we will find answers to some of the questions above. If you are a church musician, a pastor, or merely a churchgoer with a psalter and some strong opinions, consider joining us.

2022 SCHEDULE:

2022 PDF ScHEDULE
Tuesday, June 28: You are all invited to gather at Flying Heart Brewery in West Monroe at 7:30pm. This will be a good time for the speakers to get to know one another before Wednesday. The address is: 204 Commerce St, West Monroe, LA 71291.

Wednesday, June 29:
9:00-9:15 - Welcome
9:15-10:00 - Scott Aniol
10:15-11:00 - Donald Owens
11:00-1:00 - Lunch (not provided)
1:00-1:45 - David Erb
2:00-2:45 - Jenny White
2:45-3:00 - Singing


Thursday, June 30:
9:00-9:15 - Singing
9:15-10:00 - Aaron Tripp
10:15-11:00 - Michael Owens
11:00-1:00 - Lunch (not provided)
1:00-1:45 - Uri Brito
2:00-2:45 - Discussion
2:45-3:00 - Singing

LOCATION:

This year's Psalm Tap will be held at the home of Josh and Melissa Cross. The address is 2102 Redwood Dr, Monroe, LA 71201. Please park in the wide driveway at the back or on the circle drive in the front. The Crosses will generously provide coffee, hot tea, water, snacks and pastries.

OTHER INFORMATION
The Jubilate Deo Music Camp is going on this week at Church of the Redeemer. Each day of the camp starts with a chapel service at 8:30am. You are welcome to attend. Our Psalm Tap sessions will begin a little later than the schedule shows to give people time to get from the church to the Crosses' house.
Church of the Redeemer is also hosting the Bach Lectures on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00pm. Light refreshments will be available starting at 6:30pm.
I look forward to seeing you all. If you have any questions, please contact me. ([email protected])

Blessings,
Christian Leithart

2022 Presenters 

Aaron Tripp

Grace Fellowship Church
Dr. Aaron Tripp is a graduate of New Saint Andrews College and the University of Wales Trinity St. David.  He is one of the regular corporate worship leaders at Grace Fellowship Church, leading worship both in English and Spanis

Uriesou T. Brito

Pastor & Amateur Musician
Dr. Uri Brito is a boisterous singer and preacher and understands the vital role of joyful, hearty singing plays for not only the worship of the Triune God, but the life of his bride–the Church.

Michael E. Owens

Music Engraver / Hymnal Editor
Michael Owens has been serving the Reformed and Mennonite communities from south-eastern PA since 1994. His calling is to make more music more available to more people. His editorial output includes the Cantus Christi 2020.

Jenny White

Musician/Educator/Conductor
Jenny has over 40 years experience as a church musician: playing piano, conducting, teaching and most recently as the principal percussionist of Cornerstone Reformed Church (Carbondale) where she plays timpani, bass drum, cymbal, tubular bells, glockenspiel, triangle, snare drum and other percussion instruments to aid in worship. She also teaches pre-K – 12 general music and choir for a local Christian school and conducts an annual summer orchestra.  

David R. Erb

Composer / Choir Director
Dr. David Erb is Fellow of Music at New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. He is author of original Psalm compositions published as "Cantica Sanctorum". He previously was minister of music at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho.
Title: “Psalm Tones: Master Keys to Liturgical Music”

Donald P. Owens II

Poet / Amateur Musician
Donald has written poetry all his life, and his versifications have been published in several Psalters including Cantus Christi 2020. While pastoring a NY church for 9 years, he introduced the congregation to Psalm-singing. He is an apologist for the English language and for singing the Psalms well.

Scott Aniol

Musician / Church Music Professor
Scott Aniol, PhD, is Executive Vice President and Editor-in-chief of G3 Ministries and Professor of Pastoral Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, most recently including Biblical Foundations of Corporate Worship (Free Grace Press, 2022) and Changes from Glory into Glory: The Liturgical Story of the Christian Faith (H&E, 2022).

FrEquently Asked QUestions

Where can I stay?
You are responsible for finding your own lodging. There are several local hotels available  You may also contact the church secretary, Jackie Peacock, at (318) 323-3061 for information about staying with a church family.
What airport should I fly into?
The most convenient airport is Monroe (MLU).
How much does it cost? The colloquium is free. Donations are welcomed.
Why "Psalm Tap?"
1) “Tap” can mean the root or source of something (a faucet, beer tap, taproot), as psalms are to church music; 2) “tap” as a verb means accessing that source; 3) “tap” has musical connotations, as in tapping your foot to the beat. Also, it's an assonant spondee, which is fun. 

Watch Last Year's PsalmTap (2020)

Watch the ten sessions from the 2020 PsalmTap Church Music Colloquium on Church of the Redeemer's YouTube Channel where it was live streamed.
YouTube Playlist