Introduction to Playing Keyboards in a Church Band

Series Summary

Because of its creative uses of verbal and written communication, music is one of the most interesting forms of expression that exists in the world today. Whether the rhythmic arranging of tones and melodies developed in conjunction with spoken language is still unknown; nonetheless, music is unique in that it facilitates a special conversation between the musician and the audience that exceeds mere words. Music creates a connection between people that is not limited by time, distance, or relationship; a song can speak to anyone, anywhere. That’s why music continually changes and grows, is still loved and still proliferates. Music is a living language.

Now that you know the power of the music, learn how to play keyboards in a church band or worship band. Strings, piano, and of course the classic church organ sound are all popular keyboard sounds for church and worship bands, and in these free music lessons you'll learn how to play various chords, arpeggios and holding patterns, as well as get tips on listening to the other musicians in the band and adding a little sparkle to your sound. You'll also get tips on how to shop for and buy the type of keyboard that is right for you.

Video Transcript

"TOM SMITH: Hi. This is Tom, this is for ExpertVillage.com. What I want to do is show the keyboard player how you play in a band, specifically a worship band in a church. A lot of the techniques or the things we'll talk about, actually, you can talk or you can apply to any keyboard player playing in a band, but this really catered more for those that are playing in worship team at church. I have been playing in bands for 20, longer than that, 25 years. I've played in bar bands. I've played in a bunch of worship teams at different churches. I formed some worship teams, and what I tried to do is just put together some stuff that I found that has been helpful, especially for keyboard players 'cause they have the most difficult transition. Most keyboard players are used to playing all the notes with both hands. I mean, that's how you learn how to play piano. The problem is, when you're playing in a band, you have to get away from that whole idea of using both hands and playing all notes. There are others on the team that are covering some of the parts and on the next couple of sessions, we'll talk about how you change the way you play so that you fit in rather than step on people that are on the worship team."