Syllabus Overview
Discover the foundations of gospel harmony and rhythm. Learn how to accompany congregational singing, build powerful intros and turnarounds, and develop expressive techniques that define gospel performance.
This learning path introduces traditional gospel blues progressions, hymn reharmonisation, chord voicing principles, and improvisational ideas and techniques.
Who This Syllabus Is For:
- Students who are familiar with basic jazz and blues harmony
- Pianists interested in church or worship music
- Players seeking to enrich their chord vocabulary and soulful touch
Learning Path
Discover gospel blues piano from the ground up — from soulful 1-4-5 blues progressions to advanced gospel voicings, improvisation, and hymn accompaniment. Study classic songs like Amazing Grace, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, and many more.
Intro To Gospel Piano & The 1-4-5 Blues
The journey begins with the 12-bar gospel blues which is the heartbeat of traditional gospel piano. You’ll learn to play the 1-4-5 gospel blues progression, exploring the form and variations. These lessons cover gospel and blues walk-ups and walk-downs, chromatic passing chords, and the rhythmic coordination between hands.
Playing Hymns in Church
This section focuses on how to apply Gospel harmony and rhythmic expression to familiar hymn structures. Lessons include filling spaces between phrases, adding melodic decoration, and creating expressive movement within worship settings. The featured songs include “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour” and more.
Gospel Blues Voicings & Progressions
The Gospel Piano Masterclass course introduces the rich voicing structures that define the gospel blues sound. The lessons demonstrate how to use voice leading effectively to connect chords smoothly and also delves into reharmonisation using secondary dominants and passing chords.
Gospel Time Signatures & Hymn Styles
Gospel music draws from a range of time feels, and this section explores 3/4, 6/8, and 12/8 grooves to expand your rhythmic versatility. You’ll learn how to adapt left-hand comping and rhythmic phrasing to different meters. We explore how time signature and rhythmic feel influence phrasing and expression.
Courses
The Soulful Gospel Blues Piano contains 2 courses which should be studied in the following order:
1. Soulful Gospel Blues Piano Course
2. Gospel Piano Masterclass Course
Your Teachers
Kyle Roussel
Kyle Roussel is a dynamic example of a modern New Orleans musician forging his own path while collaborating with a variety of musical masters.
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Davell Crawford
Pianist, vocalist, composer, and arranger, Davell Crawford is acclaimed as the “Piano Prince of New Orleans” and Gospel is at the heart of everything that he does.
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Syllabuses provide a structured path to work through the lessons and courses. Step-by-step guides for voicings, improv, hand independence, and much more.
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