Information about this course

Lead sheets have been around for decades, but are becoming very popular in churches. They consist of just a melody line and the chords. While they can be intimidating at first, pianists that practice will quickly get to the point where they prefer reading lead sheets to 4-part harmony in a hymnal.

If you are scared of lead sheets, this 1-hour course is for you. It includes a 15-page study guide with illustrations and assignments.

Here is what you will learn:

• How to convert a 4-part hymn into a lead sheet.
• Voicing tips to make your chords sound great.
• Accompanying from a lead sheet.
• Congregational accompaniment from a lead sheet.

This is an entry level course, and it opens the door to many other advanced topics such as reharmonization, arranging, transposing, and much more.

Prerequisites (what you need to know to understand this course)
1. How to read music (general basics such as naming notes, counting, key signatures, etc.).
2. Basic theory. You need to know how to play a major scale. Ideally, you can build simple chords such as major and minor triads. If you need help in this area, consider purchasing Theory for Church Pianists from GregHowlett.com.
3. (Optional but highly recommended) How to identify chords and chart a song. You should be able to work through a typical song in the hymnal and write in the chords you see. If you need help in this area, consider purchasing the course How To Chart a Song from GregHowlett.com.



Want to talk to Greg before purchasing? His cell phone is 404-379-8905 and he will answer any questions you want to ask to help you decide what courses you should buy. (If you get his voice mail, leave a message and he will call you back.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your return policy?

If you purchase and want to return this product, you are welcome to do so within 90 days of the purchase date. We have yet to see our first return!


How is this course different from all the rest on the market?

It is different in one very significant way. It is based on understanding harmony. There are methods for teaching congregational accompaniment that do not focus on harmony. While you may initially learn quicker using those methods, you will limit your long term potential.


What kind of church music will the concepts work with?

You can use these concepts with any music. In the DVDs, the concepts are demonstrated with simple hymns, but you can use them with practically any modern music.


How does the "Pay On Your Own Schedule" option work?

If you cannot afford to pay for this course right now, you can still get started today. When you check out, you can specify how much you want to be charged each month until the course is paid for. Most courses can be paid for over the course of 5-8 months. Click here to learn more.


Do I have to wait for this course to arrive by mail or can I view it online?

You can order and take the electronic version of this course. You simply need a DSL or similar internet connection. When you order, you will receive the study guide in PDF format and will be able to view/download the course as much as you want. This option will save you money and is especially effective if you have a laptop but no TV in the same room as your piano.