Information about this course

For decades, piano teachers have forced their students to work through music theory books but have never made the connection between theory and the actual music that the student plays. As a result, most pianists see theory as useless knowledge, inapplicable to the music they play every day.

The truth is exactly the opposite. Theory is absolutely vital to understand if you want to be a good improvising pianist, and all 3 pianists are improvising pianists. Theory provides the framework from which improvising can take place.

The good news is that you don't have to know ALL music theory to be a good improviser. In fact, you simply need to know a small subset of it. That subset is what is covered in this course. In other words, this course is not about trivia; it is rather about practical information that will help you play better in church.

A 37-page study guide with illustrations and assignments is included.

What you will learn in this course:

• Major scales
• Minor scales
• Scale degrees
• Intervals
• Triads
• Triad inversions
• Diatonic triads
• Four note chords (6th and 7th chords)
• Diatonic 7th chords
• Extended chords (chords with 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths)
• Circle of Fifths (and progressions based on the circle)
• Secondary dominants
• Suspended dominants
• Functional harmony

What you will NOT learn in this course:

• The very beginning stuff such as key signatures, staffs, and accidentals (it is assumed you know that)
• Neapolitan sixths
• Figured bass
• Historical approaches to theory
• Analysis of Modern classical music (or really, any classical music)
• Anything else that is not necessary to improvise

The reason these topics (except the first) are not taught is simple: they are not needed to learn the concepts of improvisation taught in these courses. On the other hand, if you learn the theory in this course, you will find that you know enough to go a long way as a church pianist.

Overlap between this course and the Reharmonization course
There is some overlap between this course and Reharmonization. If you are trying to decide between these two courses, here are the differences.

• This course focuses on learning concepts while Reharmonization focuses on applying concepts.
• The assignments in this course drill concepts independently of music itself while Reharmonization has assignments that ask you to apply concepts to songs. For example, in this course, you might be asked to write a major 7th chord starting on C while in the Reharmonization course, you are asked to use a CMaj7 in a song.
• This course has more extensive theory starting with major scales. Reharmonization assumes an understanding on scales, intervals and basic chords. In that respect, this course is more appropriate for students who are weaker on theory.
• Reharmonization goes far beyond this course in areas of voicing and application. It also teaches how to replace harmony in a song with other harmony.

If you think you are fairly weak in theory, take this course before taking Reharmonization. There will be some overlap, but only in critical areas that you need to know very well anyway. If you are comfortable playing scales and triads and can number diatonic chords, you can probably skip this course if you plan to purchase Reharmonization.

The one prerequisite for this course is that you know how to read music (general basics such as naming notes, counting, key signatures, etc.).




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.