This worship keyboard tutorial covers a common role for church keyboardists: creating the transition from the message to a final worship song.

There are several things that can go wrong.  In this post, we will identify four common mistakes – from playing technique to controlling your sounds – and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Loud sounds

Like a classic Steve Carell character, I’m not a fan of loud in this situation. My goal at the end of the message is to start silently and fade in so gradually that no one notices.  Double-check that all your keyboard layers are at zero, play some notes, then fade in a sound.  Dark-sounding synth pads work best.

Mistake #2: Playing in the wrong key

There are two ways a worship keyboard player could make this mistake.  The first involves playing some random chord progression, then having to change keys for the final song.

The second way to make this mistake is not adjusting the key of the final song.  If the final song will be sung softer than normal, you may need to transpose it to lower the vocal range. Keeping the original key could mean an inappropriate vocal range.  Change it if necessary!

Mistake #3: Broadcasting the song

If your playing points too strongly toward the final song, it could detract from what’s being spoken.  Disguise the song by altering the chord progression.

Mistake #4: Wrong tempo

Sometimes smoother and softer leads to slower.  If you start playing too slowly, the beginning of the song will be slow and awkward.  Make sure you start your background playing at the tempo of the final song.  If your band doesn’t play to a click or metronome, try a metronome app on your phone with the volume turned off.  The visual should get you close to the correct tempo.

Help for worship keyboard keyboard players

If you could use some help becoming more confident with your approach to chords, take a look at the Fluent Piano Chords video course.  If developing sounds is your first priority, the Mainstage Keyboard Course will be an immense help!