Churches of all sizes and denominations can benefit from using free church music resources. Not only do these resources provide access to a variety of musical styles and genres, but many are also offered at no cost to churches.
In addition, using royalty free music libraries allows churches to save on hiring musicians or purchasing expensive musical instruments and equipment.
Since many churches have smaller budgets and rely heavily on volunteers who have limited experience, finding high quality unlimited music can be a daunting task. Free church music resources can help bridge the gap between expensive resources and great music, allowing churches to worship in new and exciting ways.
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Free Church Music Resources Fine Print
According to graphics found on Tithe.ly, most churches can only spare 9% of their budget for their ministries and support.
Music can play a huge role in churches, from worship services to kids ministry to background music for events. If all of this music costed money, churches would fly way out of budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of free music resources to help you out.
Before you get too excited, make sure you read any fine print on any site where you download or access free church music resources. Some tracks are completely free to use any way you want. You don’t have to provide any attribution or credit.
However, some free resources have a few requirements before you can use them legally. Mainly, they require you to list the person, music label, and/or site you got them from. Usually, this is just a simple link back to where you downloaded the resource. It’s a tiny price to pay and doesn’t really cost you anything, but helps out the person who created it.
Finally, check to see if there are any limitations on how the music can be used. For instance, you may only be able to use it for standard services, but not fundraising events. Or, you can use it on your church website and in your church, but not on YouTube.
A quick check is all that’s needed to verify how you can use free music resources. And, that check can save you a lot of headaches later on.
If you’d rather pay for your church music, you’ll still save a lot if you opt for royalty-free music sites. These allow you to pay a set fee per item or per month and can give you unlimited access.
Be sure to also read our post: How to Cover Your Church Legally with CCLI Song Select.
16 Free Music Resources
1. Seeds Church On The Move
Church On The Move has created numerous resources and is happy to share these with other churches as well. They call their blog and music library Seeds, which includes helpful tips, free church music, videos, artwork and much more.
You will need to create an account to access the resources. This is only to help you manage your downloads and let you easily access them again if you lose them.
2. Wistia
Wistia is more well-known for their video marketing tools. However, your church can benefit from some of their free music resources. These tracks are designed to add emotion and power to your videos. While they’re not specifically for churches, they’re ideal for adding to videos to better connect with your audience.
3. Small Church Music
When you first visit Small Church Music, you might feel like you’ve been transported back to the 90s. The site is definitely dated, but it’s hard to complain when you see the wide variety of copyright-free music available.
Everything included is copyright-free, so you can use it freely. There are eight categories to help narrow down your search. For example, you can select Hymn Books which allows you to choose from a variety of hymn books for different denominations. Many of the songs include lyrics, an MP3 and/or midi file and the score for your piano or organ player.
At the time of writing, there were over 17,000 files available for download.
4. Church Media Drop
Helping others is the Christian thing to do. So, Church Media Drop is a site focused on helping churches share the media they create with other churches. So, if you’ve created something great you think other churches could use, feel free to add it.
While the audio selection is slim, there are some high-quality audio files for free. Check out some of the other options available too, such as graphics, games and motion backgrounds. You’ll also find tutorials and a blog to help you learn and grow.
You’re free to use and alter what you download. This means if you’re downloading the audio files, feel free to remix them, add to them or whatever you need to do to best suit your church.
5. YouTube Audio Library
One of the more surprising free church music resources is the YouTube Audio Library. As the name implies, these free tracks are for use on YouTube. Some will require attribution, but these tracks are clearly marked so you know which is which.
However, all of the tracks are completely free to use in your church’s YouTube videos. The track owners have given YouTube full rights. You’ll need to go through the YouTube Studio to access and use the tracks.
Remember, if you create a video on YouTube, you can embed it on your church’s site. This allows you to use the tracks on your website without violating any of YouTube’s rules.
6. NewSpring Network
NewSpring Network offers a variety of free church resources, including everything from music to lesson series. If you’re looking for creative and innovative kids ministry ideas, definitely check out what this site has to offer.
While the free music selection isn’t big by any means, the audio is engaging. Plus, it’s easy to mix in to use during services and online.
7. Open Network
Life Church created Open Network to provide free resources to churches. You’ll find most everything you could want to create more engaging services right here. It’s one of the most extensive set of free church resources you’ll find online.
The Worship section is filled with great audio files and albums to help elevate your worship services. Lyrics are included. In addition to music, you’ll find graphics, training, sermon series and so much more.
The great thing about Open Network is it’s constantly being updated with new resources. If you’re curious where all this comes from, check out the growing list of partners that are contributing to Open Network.
8. Musopen
Musopen is a non-profit that wants to help set music free. Find numerous free music tracks to download along with free sheet music. While your choices aren’t just limited to Christian audio files, you’ll find plenty of music to use for your church as well.
There are no copyright restrictions, so you’re free to use the music you find here in any way you want. Some files do ask that you add attribution, but you can filter to remove any of these from your search results.
There is a premium option, but unless you’re downloading more than five files a day, you don’t really need it. Premium members get earlier access to new files and more daily downloads.
In addition to free audio files, you can also access free radio and free music education resources. These are great for any music classes your church offers.
9. Godly Christian Music
Godly Christian Music is a site dedicated to helping rising Christian artists get heard. You’ll find a wide variety of original music. If you’re looking for something more unique, this is a great place to find it.
However, be careful about how you use the free church music. Every song has a copyright icon beside it denoting the type of license. Godly Christian Music describes each copyright in detail. Rights range from listening only to commercial use with attribution.
10. Free Music Archive
Free Music Archive offers a mix of free church music and premium options. Much like Godly Christian music, there are a variety of license types, so pay attention to how you can use each track. You can also contact an artist directly if you’d like to use their music outside the license restrictions.
Artists are constantly adding new audio tracks, sound loops and more. You can check out the licensing guide to ensure you’re picking the right tracks for the right purpose.
Music isn’t limited to Christian music. While searching isn’t quite as straight-forward, you’ll find plenty of great options to use.
11. MobyGratis
Moby, the musician, has put together a growing free music resource for independent and non-profit film creators. MobyGratis currently has over 200 tracks available. You have to fill out a short form for each download, but you’ll find that the high-quality tracks are worth it.
After downloading, you’ll also get a copy of the license that has all the fine print. Make sure you read this to ensure you’re using the file legally.
12. Bensound
Bensound offers numerous royalty-free tracks for use in any of your church’s online videos. However, you can’t use them for audio podcasts and audiobooks.
Before you can use the tracks, you have to provide attribution. Bensound includes a licensing guide to ensure you’re using the files correctly. If you need a different licensing agreement, you can purchase a subscription which gives you more rights and more ways to use the tracks.
13. Soundation
This is the first audio editor on the list. Sometimes, the best way to get the right music for your church’s projects is to create it yourself. Soundation lets you skip the expensive audio editing and creation software. The tool works in your browser.
The free version allows you to create 10 solo projects each month. You also have access to over 700 samples and loops along with virtual instruments. You can export your files to MP3.
The premium subscriptions give you more export options and 11,000 more loops and samples. Plus, you can import audio and record live audio. However, the free is all you may need, especially for creating background music.
14. Chrome Music Lab’s Song Maker
While it’s not the most advanced music tool, Chrome Music Lab’s Song Maker is a fun way to create simple music for your church. A great way to use this is to allow your youth ministry to collaborate together to create unique music. Then, use the files in special videos featuring your church’s youth.
You could also let them create music for plays and skits they create. This offers a more engaging way to get your church’s youth involved. There are also a variety of music education tools through Chrome Music Lab. This can help you create the next generation of Christian artists.
15. FlexPresent
Hymnary.org introduced a new tool called FlexPresent in April 2020 to help churches struggling with a new norm during COVID-19. However, the tool will continue to provide free access to music and lyrics for conducting church online.
Currently, there are over 650 free songs to choose from. All you have to do is provide the link for worshipers to participate in real time. You can also show this in your church to reduce the need for hymnals.
16. SnapJam
SnapJam is a music social network. It provides a variety of free music creation tools where you can create your own music. Share it directly to other social media sites or use it in your church.
The great part is since it’s a social network, you can collaborate on music tracks with others. This is a great way to get your members involved in creating the perfect church music to engage them.
You could even consider holding contests to let your members create music and share it with your church. They can work in teams to promote teamwork. Winners get their music featured in your next service or church video.
Ways To Use Free Church Music
Even with the music you already play music in your church, you’re probably aware of copyright restrictions to playing certain music during livestreams or in online videos. The good news is that many free church music resources allow you to use the music online and off.
Just be aware: you may need to add attribution.
Some ways to make use of the free resources below include:
Creating Original Worship Music
Tap into the vast reservoir of free Christian music resources to ignite your creativity and craft original worship music that feels good and sounds good. Begin by exploring the platforms listed above, where you can find all kinds of chords, lyrics, and sheet music.
Feel free to sample melodies or refrains from some of the free songs, and let them become a baseboard for your own music. If you are specifically a musician who works off of inspiration, these resources can be a great place to find the inspiration you need.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a bedroom producer, these free resources provide a dynamic playground for creating powerful soundscapes.
Creating Background Music for Online Videos
You should consider diving into the world of free Christian music resources to add a soulful touch to your online videos. Platforms like those on this list offer a treasure trove of melodies perfect for creating heartfelt backgrounds.
Use the free music to spice up the background for your videos. For a personal touch, try your hand at mixing using accessible tools like GarageBand or Audacity. With these free resources, you’re not just adding background music – you’re elevating your videos to touch people on a deeper level. Let the music be your creative companion, making your content not just seen but felt.
Adding Music to Podcasts
Another great way to use these resources is to elevate your podcast game without breaking the bank. These platforms offer a smorgasbord of tunes that can add that extra touch to your church’s podcasts.
Remember: it’s not just background noise. It’s a subtle touch enhancing your storytelling. With these freebies, your podcast becomes more impactful, with music amplifying the words you’re speaking. Time to turn your podcast into a sonic sanctuary!
Creating Background Music for Services
You can revitalize your church services with a sprinkle of beautiful tunes using free Christian music resources. Many of the websites we’ve listed boast an array of melodies perfect for creating a worshipful ambiance.
A lot of services could benefit from having a musical backdrop, even if it’s sort of simple. A beautiful, inspiring melody behind a pastor’s altar call can do a lot to move hearts. Platforms like GarageBand or Audacity can make for easy mixing and customization. Elevate your services from routine to extraordinary using these free resources.
Adding Music to Livestreams
Another cool idea is to enhance your livestreams with the free Christian music resources on this list. They can provide an extensive repertoire for a backdrop to your virtual gatherings. Because they can be put over your stream digitally, you can bypass many of the technical issues that come with playing background music to the live audience.
Utilizing music over your livestreams requires a bit of technical prowess, so make sure you have someone on your team who knows how to do it. With the accessible resources in this article, your livestreams can become more than just services.
Finding New Christian Artists for Modern Music
You can leverage free Christian music resources to unearth fresh and inspiring talents in the realm of modern Christian music. Platforms like Godly Christian Music and Snapjam are treasure troves for finding hidden gems.
There are always up-and-coming Christian artists who are pushing the boundaries of what worship music can sound like. These are some of the most talented musicians in the world right now, they just need help getting their music heard. By utilizing their music in your services and projects, you’re helping to give them a platform.
And it’s not just about finding new artists; it’s about fostering a connection with the evolving sounds of Christian music. With these resources, you’re not just discovering music; you’re becoming a part of the ever-evolving narrative of modern Christian expression.
Using Music for Skits, Plays and Events
You can infuse life into your skits, plays, and live events with the magic of free Christian music resources. The websites we’ve listed in this article offer a plethora of melodies, perfect for setting the mood in your theatrical endeavors.
You can find such a vast array of styles and sounds to fit any mood you need. Getting a team to play background music live just isn’t always viable, and it can be extra effort to write and record new instrumentals for your shows. Use these free music resources to quickly and easily find the music you need to elevate your performances.
Getting Kids More Involved in Church
Ignite the youthful spirit within your church by leveraging free Christian music resources to get kids more involved. Many of the platforms on this list offer vibrant and engaging tunes tailored for the younger generation. Look into Newspring Network especially to make the musical experience accessible and fun.
You can integrate these songs into interactive activities, games, and more. What matters is creating a dynamic, upbeat atmosphere where kids feel connected and excited about their role within the church community. With these resources, you’re not just singing songs; you’re fostering a sense of joy and involvement among the younger congregation.
Free Church Music
And there you have it! Free Christian music resources can be the instrumental keys that unlock creativity, connectivity, and profound worship experiences in your church. Whether you’re crafting original compositions, adding soulful layers to online content, or fostering a dynamic atmosphere for services, these resources form the notes that resonate across diverse expressions of faith.
With platforms like Church on the Move, Gody Christian Music, Soundation, and more, the power to shape meaningful encounters in your church rests at your fingertips. So, whether you’re a seasoned worship leader, a budding musician, or someone seeking to deepen their spiritual connection, the accessibility of these resources ensures that the melody of faith remains vibrant, diverse, and accessible to all.
We hope these resources are super helpful for you in your musical endeavors!
Further Resources on Church Music
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Comments 2
All i am looking for is a simple system that will display the LYRICS AND play the MUSIC with it. we lost our last piano player and out of our 40 members no one plays an instrument.
These are also available for free: https://www.praisecharts.com/song-lists/top-free-chord-charts-for-worship