Music Technology for Worship Leaders and

Small Worship Bands - at Pop Studio Academy

Lesson notes by Ben Ang, Ableton Certified Trainer, Singapore
Lead Ableton Instructor, Pop Studio Academy

Module 1 - Keyboard players (Part 1)

Opening Prayer

Principles

1. The keyboardist has to remember his/her goal is praise and worship, and not
personal glory. He/she has to commit the time to God and be sensitive to the
leading of the Holy Spirit

2. The keyboardist has to work with other musicians. Unlike a solo pianist, the
keyboardist does not need to play all the parts - melody, harmony, bass,
rhythm - but needs to collaborate with the rest of of the band to find where
he/she best contributes

3. The keyboardist has to work with the worship leader. Sometimes the worship
leader needs the keyboard to bring high exuberant praise, other times the
worship leader needs to provide ambience for quiet worship

Building technique

1. Keyboard technique is partially the notes you play, and partially the sound that
you choose or design

2. Everyone can learn something new - classical pianists can learn to improvise,
self-taught keyboardists can learn music theory, both can learn sound design

3. Learning is life long process - it takes eight grades to learn classical piano, or
years to self-learn piano, so keep on practising!
 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR WORSHIP LEADERS & SMALL WORSHIP BANDS

- Setup for playing

Mapping to computer keyboard

Using the Patch Builder

© BEN ANG FOR POP STUDIO ACADEMY

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 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR WORSHIP LEADERS & SMALL WORSHIP BANDS

- Instrument layers and keyboard splits

1. Full keyboard

Use velocity to vary

Use Macro knobs to control levels

2. Left hand / right hand

Overlap where suitable

Change octaves where needed

3. Three way split and layers

The top layer can be used for the bridge or chorus

4. Left hand / right hand rhythmic variation

Change octaves where needed

Remember to practise!

© BEN ANG FOR POP STUDIO ACADEMY

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