Keyboard Harmony for Church Musicians
This conversationally written book is intended for the church pianist who may have some formal instruction but wants to learn how to play from chord charts in a contemporary/blended church context. You’ll learn about chord voicings, creating melodic material, rhythmic patterns, and fills, and how to adapt your playing to a rhythm band. The second half of the book teaches applied music theory through short examples from hymns and contemporary songs, showing you how to find common harmonic patterns in the music you play and how to apply them to other keys. There are hundreds of examples included in the book, and you can follow along with more than 330 audio recordings at https://hymnworks.com/keyboard-harmony/.
Length: 245 Pages
Format: Spiral-bound
Date of publication: January 23, 2023
ISBN: 979-8-218-04007-9
$34.99
Dan Kreider’s Keyboard Harmony for Church Musicians is gold and contains much more than the title implies. It’s not just a book about harmony. It’s a master class in learning how to play the piano for congregational worship, whether you’re a soloist, playing with another instrument, or with a full band.
Dan has dissected the mechanics of chord charts, chord progressions, melody, rhythm, and harmony and laid them out in an clear, well-paced, thorough, personal, and eminently practical way. It’s a book that will benefit those just learning to play from chord charts and those who have been playing for years. And if you’re wondering if this is a book that might help you or your keyboardist serve your church more effectively, wonder no more. Just buy it. You can thank me later.
Bob Kauflin
Director, Sovereign Grace Music
The most comprehensive book available on this important topic today. Regardless of your level of proficiency at the keyboard, you will benefit greatly from Dan’s excellent work.
Kenon D. Renfrow
Director of Piano Pedagogy and Church
Keyboard, Bob Jones University
This is a highly approachable and engaging method book that presents deep concepts in a brilliant way. As a professional church musician and keyboardist of some 40 years, I only wish this book would have been available at the beginning of my work in the church!
Mark Williams
Chair, Music Task Force, The Anglican Church
in North America
What a valuable new project! If you are a classically-trained pianist who wants to learn how to play more effectively and creatively from chord charts, then this will be a very helpful resource for you.
Kevin Twit
Founder, Indelible Grace Music
Matthew Swain
Assistant Dean of Worship Ministries,
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Dan presents a confident, step-by-step approach here, with clear illustrations throughout. Each new concept is carefully explained, with suggestions for additional practice. This book is a great service to pianists and their congregations.
Larry Shackley
Composer, arranger, and church musician