The Pianist's Course

Music never ceases to amaze me. The more I learn, the more exciting it becomes! Music in our churches plays a great roll in setting the stage for the preaching and teaching of the Word of God and prepares the heart for the working of the Holy Spirit. Most pianists can sight read. Some can even play by ear. But when it comes to sitting in front of a hymnal, sometimes we draw a blank or don't even know where to start. Many piano teachers exclusively teach sight reading and basic theory. But many students never learn the art of improvisation. While sight reading and theory is a necessary component to becoming a good pianist, a church pianist requires so much more to fulfill all areas of musical ministry in the church setting.

Helping the Church Pianist offers an exhaustive, instructional piano course specifically geared to the church pianist or those with a plan to becoming one. Interested students must be able to read notes. It is not required to be an excellent sight reader, but they should be able to read and play through the music in a hymnal. Qualified participants must also have a basic understanding of music theory.

Courses offered are as follows:
- Arranging
- Modulations (key changes)
- Reharmonization (chord substitutions)
- Congregational Accompaniment
- How to Chart a Song - Playing Soft Music
- Accompanying
- Theory for Church Pianists
- Transposing
- Playing Lead Sheets
- Play by Ear!

The course will be taught in a classroom setting with approximately an hour of instruction followed by 30-60 minutes of more individualized hands on training and a question and answer period. A 2-hour class occurs every 2 weeks on Thursday and Saturday. You can find billing information on the Pricing page.