The Worship Keys Podcast

Meet Virgil Straford — a Grammy and Dove-nominated producer with a deep-rooted legacy in gospel music. In this episode, Virgil takes us through his journey from Chicago to Nashville, sharing insights from his decades-long career and collaborations with icons like Yolanda Adams and CeCe Winans. He breaks down the craft of organ playing, the value of the Nashville number system, and what it means to lead as a music director. Don’t miss his live demonstration on the Hammond B3! Special thanks to Mount Zion Church in Nashville for hosting and helping bring this episode to life.Virgil Straford InstagramFree eBookThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

We are excited to welcome Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning arranger, songwriter, artist, and worship leader Dwan Hill. The episode dives deep into the art of incorporating the Hammond B3 organ into modern worship music, specifically Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and Gospel, and sharing good tips on playing live vs in the studio. Dwan shares his musical journey and tips on playing the organ. They also discuss Dwan's involvement with The Choir Room, a community dedicated to gospel choir music. Dwan also offers practical advice for worship leaders looking to integrate organ sounds into their services. Tune in for an educational and inspiring episode that explores the rich heritage and dynamic capabilities of the Hammond B3 organ.Dwan HillThe Choir RoomFree eBookThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

In this episode, we welcome Curt Buell back! He covers five crucial techniques every Hammond B3 organist should know for playing in church settings. Topics include glissandos and slides, walking bass lines, inversions and voice leading, church walk-ups, and major/minor blues licks. Curt also shares a preview of his Organ Masterclass, where these techniques are explored in greater detailCurt BuellFree eBookThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

We welcome back Curt Buell to the podcast for an in-depth tutorial on the Hammond B3 organ. Curt provides an extensive overview of the organ's features, including its drawbars, vibrato settings, presets, and expression pedals. He demonstrates the dynamic range and the versatility of the B3, offering practical tips and favorite settings for various musical contexts, especially for church and contemporary music. Curt also introduces his organ masterclass, designed to elevate your organ-playing skills with advanced techniques and music theory. Join us for this comprehensive guide to mastering the Hammond B3 organ.Curt BuellFree eBookThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch on YouTubeWelcome to Part 2 with Otto Gross, an exceptionally talented and creative pianist. Otto shares tips for improvisation, playing in different church settings, mastering scales, chords, rhythms, and more. Discover Otto's techniques on playing dominant chords, utilizing pentatonic scales, and integrating bluesy elements to enhance your keys playing. FREE eBookThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch on YouTube Carson talks with Otto Gross II, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and worship director at a church in Nashville, TN. Otto shares his journey through scoliosis surgery, discovering his love for the piano, graduating from Berklee College of Music, and his time playing keys on the road with Eddie James Ministries. Otto also discusses his personal production ventures, including the #OttoDailyDitty series and his contributions to children's music education. Tune in for an enriching conversation filled with life lessons, musical insights, and a demonstration of Otto's incredible talent.FREE eBookThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch on YouTubeThis is Part 2 with Tyler Wester from Church of the Highlands in Alabama. He shares his journey from MainStage to Ableton, breaks down his go-to piano sounds, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his custom setup, gear, favorite plugins, his tracks rig, and more. They also dive into the creative process behind the Church of the Highlands’ Christmas program, why practice and music theory matter for key players, and how to take your worship sound to the next level. Plus, Tyler gives a live demo on playing piano under a pastor’s sermon, perfect for anyone looking to refine their skills in a worship setting.FREE eBookChurch of the HighlandsThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch on YouTubeCarson interviews Tyler Wester, the musical director of the multi-site Church of the Highlands in Alabama. Tyler shares his journey from learning piano as a child to being full time with Highlands for nearly a decade, offering valuable insight into the heart and logistics of his music ministry. Tyler breaks down the key differences between megachurch worship and smaller church settings, the pursuit of musical excellence in a ministry setting, and practical tips for effective music directing (MDing on stage). Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Church of the Highlands creates seamless worship experiences across multiple campuses. Whether you're a worship leader, musician, or passionate about church music, this conversation will equip and inspire you.FREE eBookChurch of the HighlandsThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Watch on YouTubeWelcome Austin Seale from Seale Keyworks. Austin, who just tuned my Acrosonic Baldwin upright piano, shares insights into the world of piano maintenance and tuning. We discuss the success of Seale Keyworks and its comprehensive services that has been around for 40 years now, including moving, tuning repair, restoration, player systems, and sales. Austin offers valuable advice for worship leaders and piano owners on proper piano care, common misconceptions, and tips for aspiring piano tuners. Listen to Austin's journey in piano tuning, and the importance of regular maintenance, and explore the fascinating technologies behind modern tuning devices. Perfect for anyone considering a career change or needing expert piano care. Plus, learn about a chance to win a free piano tuning! Seale KeyworksWin FREE professional piano tuningPlaying Worship Keys By Ear FREE eBookThanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!

Carson sits down with Jin Choi, host of the On Water Podcast and a psychotherapist from Toronto, Canada. They dive deep into the topics of discipleship, heart posture, and the importance of connection within worship teams. Jin shares her personal journey from childhood in a Korean church to her current role at Church on the Queensway. Don't miss her insights on fostering authentic worship both on and off stage, as well as practical advice for creating deeper connections in your church community. Plus, enjoy a special segment featuring different musical instruments that Jin has played throughout her life!View this episode on YouTubeOn Water Podcast FREE eBook "Playing Worship Keys By Ear"Thanks for listening! Subscribe here to the podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media platforms. If you have any questions or suggestions for who you want as a featured guest in the future or a topic you want to hear, email carson@theworshipkeys.com. New episodes release every Wednesday!