Many great contemporary and jazz piano players began their musical journey in a church, whether it be singing in a choir or playing the piano in the church band. These days, modern worship music is an integral part of all contemporary church services and is also a growing sector in the music industry. In Australia, our very own Hillsong band recently made it into the secular Aria charts due to a massive number of CD sales.

But playing piano in church is very different to playing in a pop-band. The style of music may be similar and so to are the improvisation concepts, but the attitude is completely different. When playing in a worship environment, it's not a "performance" and you're not seeking to draw attention to your own musical abilities. Rather, you're there to contribute and to create an atmosphere of worship so that the congregation's attention is fixed on God and not on the cool run you just played.

Does that mean we strive to play in a very basic, boring way? Of course not. It's about playing appropriately, playing the right notes to match the environment and often to create one. 

I began playing piano in church when I was 15, and it's been one of the most rewarding experiences as a musician. Most of my students aspire to play in their respective churches, youth groups or home groups, and if you share a similar aspiration, let me encourage you to stick to your goal.

If you live in the Melbourne area, I can help you achieve those goals through private lessons, but if you're elsewhere, the Quaverbox Manual will help.