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The queen of all church piano skills is accompanying your congregation when they sing. If you want to make a more positive impact in your church music, this is the first area you need to focus on.
In this 4 hour course, you will learn:
- The history, goals and challenges of congregational accompaniment.
- The theory behind this style of improvisation.
- A simple 4-step process that will get you playing congregational music in a solid, effective style.
- Ways to take the style to a much higher (and fancier) level.
- Four ways to make your left hand more interesting and less predictable.
- Multiple strategies for fills (filling in dead space).
- How to play songs in 3/8, 6/8 and 9/8.
- How to adjust to different styles such as reflective songs and big anthems.
- How to play introductions.
- How to work with a song leader.
There are two main sections. In the first section, you will learn a basic style that will make you a fairly simple but effective congregational accompanist. The second section teaches numerous strategies to help you play in a more complex and interesting way.
This course is based on theory. The goal is to get pianists reading chords rather than notes. In fact, step 1 of the 4-step process is learning how to identify the chords in a song. Most courses and classes that teach this congregational accompaniment do not take this approach. They instead give shortcuts that get the pianist playing the style faster but limit their longer term potential.
The ability to identify chords in a song is critical to being all you can be as a church pianist and is a building block of practically every course available at timparton.com. Make sure you spend some time on this skill before you start more advanced courses. Here is a course that will really help you.
Prerequisites (what you need to know to understand this course)
1. How to read music (general basics such as naming notes, counting, key signatures, etc.).
2. How to identify chords and chart a song. You should be able to analyze vocal harmony in a hymnal and identify the chords. We will do one song early in the class as an example. If you need further help, consider purchasing the course How To Chart a Song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your return policy?
If you purchase and want to return this product, you are welcome to do so within 90 days of the purchase date. We have yet to see our first return!
How is this course different from all the rest on the market?
It is different in one very significant way. It is based on understanding harmony. There are methods for teaching congregational accompaniment that do not focus on harmony. While you may initially learn quicker using those methods, you will limit your long term potential.
What kind of church music will the concepts work with?
You can use these concepts with any music. In the DVDs, the concepts are demonstrated with simple hymns, but you can use them with practically any modern music.
How does the "Pay On Your Own Schedule" option work?
If you cannot afford to pay for this course right now, you can still get started today. When you check out, you can specify how much you want to be charged each month until the course is paid for. Most courses can be paid for over the course of 5-8 months. Click here to learn more.
Do I have to wait for this course to arrive by mail or can I view it online?
You can order and take the electronic version of this course. You simply need a DSL or similar internet connection. When you order, you will receive the study guide in PDF format and will be able to view/download the course as much as you want. This option will save you money and is especially effective if you have a laptop but no TV in the same room as your piano.