Keith Clemenger

Phoenix, AZ, USA

I grew up in a family where Jesus was honored and celebrated. And I have participated since my earliest memories in wonderful church communities in Phoenix, Berkeley, and China. So worshipping God has been a defining feature of my life.

From preschool days I studied music, and enjoyed improvising. As a young person, thoughtful mentors encouraged me in music worship. Classic hymns were significant in my own spiritual formation, and in recent decades contemporary hymns for congregational singing have been a new and fresh source of encouragement. 

And yet hardly ever did I write songs myself. After retiring from full-time work and moving back from China, my wife Joyce encouraged me to try writing more worship songs. 

That was a few years ago, and although it was a late start, it is something I do regularly now. As a way to keep focus and momentum, I started writing a song for each of the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134). In 2025 I joined Resound Worship’s “12 Song Challenge”, which has been a very helpful community for encouragement, accountability, collaboration, and role models.

I hope you find something here that encourages you. It would be great to hear from you — please do get in touch.

Keith

Bio

I trained in my youth in classical piano, and as a scientist. Then lived in China for over 30 years, working as a grants administrator and as a consultant. Now in retirement, I serve at Ascension Church of Phoenix as an elder and as part of the music worship team. Married to Joyce, with two adult children.