How To Improve Your Keyboard Playing in Worship

Ever been a part of a band, worship team, or ensemble where someone doesn’t know what they are doing? Maybe that person is you. They hit wrong notes, transition to wrong keys, overplay, and are not sensitive to the moment? Yep. We’ve all been there and done that.

This Sunday Kate Griffin and I hosted a worship workshop for our keyboard players. Since a good keyboard player is so important to the sound, we wanted to create a context where deeper coaching could occur. When it comes to playing keyboard in a band/worship setting, there are some important things you need to know:

1. What is My Role?

• Keyboard players are atmosphere creators
• It’s our job to bring fullness and continuity to a worship set
• Be sensitive and supportive of the worship leader
• Awareness is everything. You can’t follow or support if you’re not paying attention. Be sure to look up.
• Be spiritually engaged with what the Holy Spirit is doing in the moment. Allow that to interpret what you’re playing.

2. What Do I Play?

• Pick a sound that supports the song type (organ, piano, rhodes, pad)
• Keep it simple. Less is more. Contribute to the overall sound of the band. Give the bass player the low end. Stay in the mid range.
• Maintain common tones between chords as much as possible.
• Rehearse your transitions Subtlety is your friend.
• Be intentional about dynamics.
• Never stop practicing.