Meet Jason Houtsma

And on the guitar...

You’ll see a lot of Jason on this site because he’s been here since Worship Artistry was just an idea in the ether. Learn a little bit about the man who's going to guide you on your Worship Artistry journey.

Experience

Jason has been leading worship and writing music since he was 15 years old and teaching guitar since the age of 20. In 2011 he co-founded Worship Artistry and his heart for worship, teaching and helping musicians bring their best is written into the DNA of the Worship Artistry community. In addition to running Worship Artistry, Jason is the worship pastor for Mosaic Church in Bellingham, Washington.

What you can expect from lessons

With nearly 20 years of teaching experience, Jason has a tendency to know what you need before you ask it and it shows in every lesson. Beginners love his laidback style and ability to put complex ideas into simple terms and experienced players appreciate the way he slips interesting technique pieces and arrangement notes throughout the lessons. One thing is for sure, his passion for serving the musicians of the Worship Artistry community is evident everywhere.  When Jason's not teaching, he can be found enjoying all the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer with his wife and two rambunctious boys.

Introduce yourself

Worship Artistry is a community and we love getting to know you. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments section. Let us know what you're here to learn and what you're passionate about. We're all ears.

Get to know Jason through the Worship Artistry Podcast

Bass and Guitar Gear You Really Need

Podcast Episode #35

Worship Artistry guitar and bass instructors Jason Houtsma and Daniel Ornellas celebrate the new resources page by discussing their favorite gear and how they make choices for all levels of playing.

Jason Houtsma is the co-founder and guitar teacher at Worship Artistry, where he is helping musicians of every level answer the call to worship with passion and confidence. Jason has been leading worship and writing music since he was 15 years old and currently serves as Worship Pastor for Mosaic Church in Bellingham, WA. He is husband to Alli and father to Bjorn and Asher.

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Comments

Wow!!

This is so awesome!! I left the church after I just didn't fit in. But now I feel God is calling me back thru music. I don't believe in chance or coincidence, I believe that it's all God's plan . So when I stumbled across ur add in Facebook , it hit me like a ton of bricks!! This is where my music should be. Never thought of it as Gods gift to me. And I'm 60 years old and a disabled Vietnam veteran ( not physical, PTSD) and am an intermediate player only and love learning everything about the art of the guitar. I'm doing it 24/7,365. Besides the Lord, this is what I live for and believe that because I very rarely stick with things, I know God actually put this guitar in my hands, led by the spirit it guides me . Again thank u for who u r and what u stand for and what u do. Amazing grace for sure. Stay blessed , play hard, David .

Welcome, David!

It's a beautiful thing when God reaches us through our passions. Fear not. You'll fit in great here. Don't be shy about asking questions or offering up your own ideas. So awesome to have you as a part of our community. Be blessed in your musical and journey.

Thanks for all you do for us

Thanks for all you do for us and doing it for the Glory of God.
I have recently switched from playing bass in our church praise team to lead guitar.
I enjoy your attention to detail but keeping it in a laid-back style that is not overwhelming.
I look forward to learning more about contemporary worship music on the guitar to be a better part of the team to bring Glory to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Gary

Welcome to the fold, Gary

Glad you are finding the lessons helpful!

Worship Artistry has been very helpful for me!

I’ve been a bass player on numerous worship teams for 20 years but have decided to take up guitar. Your lessons have been a tremendous blessing as I start to work through these songs from a different perspective.

Awesome, Kirk!

Glad to hear it. Let me know if I can help in any way!

Joy of The Lord

Jason,
Thanks for the lesson.

Here is my rendition

https://youtu.be/-LuROjpwv-w

New here.

I became more interested in playing guitar when I was 54. I play often but only for myself, with tabs. I'm 59 now and I like a lot of different styles but I really like picking melodies with an electric guitar, soft or fast. I'm not really interested in too much lead or strumming unless it's necessary to complete the song. I only know a lot of parts of songs. I love Contemporary Christian Music, all of it, but I haven't learned this style. I hope to be good enough to play any song like that in a Church band someday soon. I hope we are both up to the challenge. Thank you for this opportunity.

That's awesome!

Glad you're here.

I have been using worship

I have been using worship artistry for a little less than a year but I absolutely love the knowledge that Jason has and how he teaches. I steive to bw as good as him but I am a beginner on lead guitar and I get frustrated with the fact that I can't just be good quickly. I practice a lot and strive for excellence. It is really hard and I feel a step behind everyone already. I am excited to keep learning though and qon't take failure as an option.

Don't worry.

If you are putting in the time you are on a track. Everyone grows at a different pace and time is a big factor in feeling confident. The more you can enjoy the process of practice the better you will become.

New

I recently switched from running sound to playing lead on our worship team. I had very little experience on guitar. In a very short time using your lessons I have built enough confidence to actually start playing some simple solos. The way you merge songs with many guitar parts to a single part is amazing and helpful. And thanks for introducing me to the Ebow. Thank you so much for your lessons.

So glad to hear that!

And I'm glad you are loving the bow. It's so fun.

New

Hello Jason I am an intermediate guitarist and I hope to learn to the point where my heart blends with my play and I worship.

Thanks Jason. Great site!

I started playing guitar in 1974, so have been playing for 47 years now. I had primarily been a blues/rock player, but the last 10 years or so have been playing lead guitar in worship bands. I am currently playing in a church worship group in Pinedale, WY. Your insights and experience have really helped hone my skills playing worship music. Thanks!! You guys have a great site.

That's awesome to hear!

I'll pass your kind words on to the whole team.

Hello

After missing one year (working bedside as a Medine Icu nurse during the pandemic ) as more folks are vaccinated I feel more comfortable mixing (due to work issues)
Was excite to hear I could join a new choir
Feels good to get back into the mix and learn some new stuff ... I’m all sponge !! :)

Introduction

Hi Jason, I have been learning guitar for about two years and recently joined the worship band at our little church. I look forward to learning from you so that I may better serve our Lord in our band. I am new to contemporary music as I grew up in a traditional church. And by the way, I am 72 years old.