Includes 3 hours of instruction and a study guide with classwork and examples
All of us have faced the fear of sitting down to write an arrangement and not knowing where to start. Traditional teaching in this area has not helped much. Pianists are normally just encouraged to cobble together a few ideas, tack on an intro, and hope for the best.
Arranging should be more than that. An arrangement is a chance to communicate very big ideas and impact people at a very deep level. That is why Greg talks a lot about the big decisions you have to make before he ever starts playing in this 3-hour course.
This course gives you seven concrete steps from picking a song to polishing a final arrangement. We are aware of no similar approach anywhere.
Here are things you will learn:
- How to choose a song to arrange.
- How to choose a shape and storyline for the arrangement.
- How to develop the form and length.
- How to develop hooks (unique ideas that tie the arrangement together).
- How to document your arrangement through the process.
- How to develop each section of the arrangement.
- Dozens of technical treatments and creative ideas.
- How to polish your arrangement for performance.
This course does not teach reharmonization (fancy chords, substitutions, etc). If you are interested in that subject, you should consider purchasing Reharmonization. Also, you might consider purchasing the course on Modulations.
You might find as you work through this course that you want to rearrange the steps to better suit the way you work. That is perfectly fine. These steps simply reflect decisions and processes that arrangers should be thinking through when they create. You should have big goals for your arrangements; they should not be time fillers during a worship service and they should not be themes and variations designed to show off technical skill. This course will help you think at a higher level.
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. 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.
Save 15% with coupon code SUMMER15! (Must order by 5/31/2013.)
Purchase Information
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Pay on your own schedule! Spend at least $80 and spread your payments over 5-8 months. | |||||||
What are people saying?
Your presentation of the lessons are great and the lessons are very informative and interesting. I love your teaching style and it's a lot of fun to listen to you and then watch your demonstrations on the piano of what you've covered, all of which are very clear and easy to understand. - Barbara
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Helpful information
Save 15% on instructional course DVDs/Downloads. See more here. (Expires 5/31/2013)
What order should you take the courses in?
How to learn with these courses
For parents of piano students
Unconditional Guarantee
Pay on your own schedule!
Testimonials
Instructional Courses
Theory for Church Pianists
Congregational Accompaniment
Reharmonization
Arranging
Play by Ear!
Modulations
Playing Lead Sheets
Accompanying
How to Chart a Song
Transposing
Playing Soft Music
Inspirational Improvisation
Save money on packages!
Complete Set of 11 Courses
Church Pianists Package
Arrangers Package
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Save money! This course is in the following packages.
Complete Set of 11 Courses
Arrangers Package
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. How to identify chords and chart a song. You should be able to analyze vocal harmony in a hymnal and identify the chords. We will do one song early in the class as an example. If you need further help, 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.
