How To Make Your Gospel Piano Songs Sound Beautiful

How To Make Your Gospel Piano Songs Sound Beautiful

In this session, we focus on "Breathe" by Michael W. Smith, demonstrating how to move beyond basic chords to create richer, more dynamic performances. Learn to incorporate extended arpeggios, cross-rhythmic embellishments, and creative pedaling techniques. We also delve into practical tips for developing a productive practice routine, using scales and chord progressions effectively, and improving ear training. Whether a beginner or an intermediate player, this live session offers valuable insights to enhance your piano skills.

Recommended Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFuGnbBpnIA&t=277s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmGsV8C1JQI&t=166s

FREE Scale fingering charts: https://pianolessonwithwarren.com/four-essential-scales/


CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:16 - Audio Check and Greetings

05:49 - Overview of Live Stream Structure

07:08 - Questions Preparation Tips

08:24 - Demonstration of Songs

09:01 - Starting with Basic Song

09:39 - Playing "Breathe" by Michael W. Smith

10:27 - Basic Chords Introduction

11:32 - Singing and Basic Chords

12:21 - Enhancing Basic Chords

13:05 - Adding Character to Chords

14:21 - Simple Subtle Variations

15:24 - Voicing with Add Ninth

16:20 - Timing with Embellishments

16:55 - Breaking Up the Chords

18:07 - Variations in Left-Hand Positions

18:47 - Importance of the Add Nine

19:39 - Breaking Up Chords Continued

20:25 - Utilizing Classical Techniques

21:23 - Trills and Turns

22:45 - Cross Rhythmic Embellishment

23:28 - Extended Arpeggios

24:34 - Demonstration of Extended Arpeggios

25:41 - Combining Extended Arpeggios and Embellishments

26:45 - Cross Rhythmic Independence

27:49 - Practicing Different Rhythms

29:07 - Level Three Techniques

31:40 - Changing Textures and Registers

32:26 - Creating Colors with Different Registers

33:56 - Utilizing Artistic Expression

34:40 - Final Demonstration

35:43 - Questions from the Chat

36:19 - Answering Equipment Questions

37:05 - Using Virtual Pianos

40:43 - Figuring Out Notes for Runs

41:23 - Pentatonic Scale Application

42:36 - Resolving to Chord Tones

43:12 - Importance of the Pentatonic Scale

44:27 - Application of Pentatonic Scale

45:07 - Practice with Practical Goals

46:30 - Fingerings for Minor Scales

47:05 - Free PDF for Fingerings

47:54 - Link for Free PDF

48:41 - Improvisation Techniques

49:24 - Rhythmic and Melodic Focus

50:13 - Creating Character with Accents

52:12 - Utilizing Different Rhythms

53:03 - Adding Dynamics and Color

54:43 - Questions from the Chat Continued

55:24 - Using Two Five Passing Chords

56:27 - Gospelizing Songs

57:49 - Demonstrating 2-5 Passing Chords

58:52 - Secondary Dominant Application

59:55 - Chromatic Tones and Gospel Feel

1:01:04 - Adding Turns and Trills

1:02:10 - Practice Routine Tips

1:03:15 - Achieving Practice Goals

1:04:20 - Utilizing Goals for Progress

1:05:23 - Importance of a Practice Path

1:05:48 - Features of the Practice Path

1:06:23 - Encouraging Consistent Practice

1:06:55 - Questions about Membership Program

1:07:40 - Transcription Club Information

1:08:17 - Benefits of Transcribing Songs

1:09:18 - Developing Your Ear

1:09:51 - Encouraging Persistence and Practice

1:10:24 - Questions about Specific Techniques

1:11:11 - Left Hand Techniques

1:11:40 - Playing with Convenience

1:12:20 - Pedaling Techniques

1:13:08 - Pedaling with Chord Changes

1:14:00 - Flutter Pedaling

1:15:04 - Questions from the Chat Continued

1:15:28 - Resources for Learning Piano

1:15:55 - Using Resources for Practice

1:16:24 - Importance of Ear Training

1:17:24 - Developing a Practice Plan

1:17:57 - Practicing Scales and Techniques

1:18:28 - Practicing with Goals in Mind

1:19:28 - Questions about Pedaling Continued

1:19:56 - Sustaining with Pedal

1:20:40 - Pedaling with Grace Notes and Turns

1:21:20 - Using Pedal with Chromatic Tones

1:22:36 - Pedaling Techniques Demonstration

1:23:28 - Questions about Practice Techniques

1:24:12 - Joining Piano Lesson Programs

1:24:44 - Benefits of Joining Programs

1:25:23 - Practicing with Limited Resources

1:26:04 - Importance of Consistent Practice

1:26:40 - Finding the Key of a Song

1:27:12 - Resources for Finding Keys

1:28:20 - Pedaling Grace Notes and Turns Continued

1:29:31 - Using Pedal for Final Notes

1:30:04 - Questions from the Chat Continued

1:30:48 - Teaching Comfortable C Scale

1:31:11 - Sharing PDF Resources

1:31:28 - Circle of Fifths Explanation

1:32:15 - Importance of Circle of Fifths

1:32:59 - Utilizing Fourths and Fifths

1:34:15 - Creating Progressions with Fourths

1:35:17 - Application of Circle of Fifths

1:35:37 - Final Questions from the Chat

1:36:32 - Encouraging Practice and Resources

1:37:11 - Wrapping Up the Live Stream