The class uses Mark Harrison’s The Pop Piano Book as a foundation for covering scales, chords, rhythmic concepts, chord building, voice-leading, resolutions, and more. The course covers keyboard playing in a variety of contemporary styles including: pop ballad, pop-rock, hard rock, country, country-rock, slow and fast gospel — all applied to contemporary Christian music. Focus is on playing in a diverse praise band and worship setting. Students will practice exercises and pieces each week on their own, and will regularly upload audio files of their playing for review and comments. Students will need to have regular access to a keyboard or piano (in class as well), and will need to be able to record themselves playing.
Note: This course alternates years with TPS Contemporary Ear Training. It is scheduled for 2022-23.