Just a quick note to let you know that if you were interested in picking up Inspirational Improvisation Piano Course by Greg Howlett it is on sale for $99 for a few more weeks. I highly recommend this course for a nice paced, structured, approach to learn the different techniques you need to help you create beautiful worship music at the piano.
As a beginning church musician you may feel overwhelmed with all of the skills you feel you need to learn or work on.
When you play for a church service more is involved than just hitting the right notes. Not only must you strive to play skillfully but also never forget that you are worshiping the Lord and providing accompaniment as others worship in song. You too are an active participant in the worship service.
The majority of volunteer musicians in small churches are self-taught and would like to know more about the music they play and how to play it more effectively.
Does that sound like you?
It was and is me. Like others who are called to play piano in their churches I was just looking for some basic books, videos and human teachers to help me learn this skill.
It was very difficult. I read books I scoured the internet and struggled. And then God Blessed with a teacher in human form. I spent many years under her tutelage and learn a lot. But still not enough. It’s a never ending, but enjoyable, quest.
Along the way I discovered that there are many Christians like myself searching the internet looking for good resources to help with the playing of church music.
Does that sound like you also?
So…If you have found yourself struggling to master certain skills needed to perform worship music my prayer is that this site will be a blessing to you.
This website has been designed as an ever growing online handbook to church service playing.
To navigate the site…
- Christian Songbooks – Here you will find songbooks in my own personal library and ones I think might be of interest to a church musician.
- Church Music Printables – PDFs I made eons ago that still might be useful today. I do need to update them but maybe in the meantime you will find something useful.
- Worship Articles – When you click on this link you will see a drop menu on the left showing the different departments available. Here you will find articles on piano methods, learning tools, and tips for playing for the church setting.
God Bless you as you work on making a Joyful Noise!
View this month’s new songs, and top downloaded songs over at Praise Charts . Sign up now and get a free arrangement with audio of To God be the Glory
What is Praise Charts? Well if you play church music and need quick access to sheet music and chord charts for your worship service you will like Praise Charts. Pay an annual fee and have the sheet music and chord charts to church music you need.
Favorite Spots on the Struggling Church Musician
Circle of Fifths with Minor Keys
Using Patterns to Master Worship Chords
Have you come to this sight looking for Preacher Chords or Shouting Music?
Visit Sams Music Co. For DVDs he has produced pertaining to just that and visit his church musician lesson page.
Check out what Earnest and Roline have to offer. There are articles, chorded songs, lead sheets, lessons and more. If you play some of the older gospel songs such as I Know it Was the Blood then you need to go here.
And finally Hear and Play’s many resources
Gospel Keys 500 : Uptempo Shouting Music
Gospel Keys 101: Beginning Piano
Gospel Keys 202: Mastering Worship Chords
Gospel Keys 300: Exploring Praise Songs
Gospel Keys 340 & 450 Organ Series
