The Worship Keys Podcast

Watch on YouTubeLet’s welcome Sam Garner—Sam the Beard Guy—for an inspiring and laid-back conversation about blending ambient lo-fi with instrumental worship. From touring with Shane & Shane to crafting his own unique sound, Sam shares how his journey as a seasoned keys player has shaped his music. You'll get behind-the-scenes stories, a look at his live performance setup, and how he balances creativity with worship. Whether you're a musician, producer, or just love worship music with a creative twist, this episode is full of practical insights, inspiration, and a few good laughs.Sam GarnerSam Garner MusicFree eBookSupport the showThanks 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 YouTubeMeet Louie Higuera on The Worship Keys Podcast! Louie shares his diverse journey from playing at church services to performing with Grammy-winning artists. He highlights essential skills like time management, knowing your tools, personality, and work ethic. He also offers valuable advice on balancing creativity with the business side of music. Louie also talks about the importance of diversification and walks us through his go-to Ableton setup for both live and studio performances. Key topics include negotiating pay, staying organized, and maintaining a professional demeanor. Please tune in for an insightful conversation filled with practical tips and inspiring stories for musicians at every stage of their journey.Louie HigueraFree eBookSupport the showThanks 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 the Worship Keys YouTube channel! In today's special episode, host Carson Bruce sits down with the incredible Marcus Wiles, an expert keys player and music director. Marcus shares his extensive experience from playing for renowned artists like Jordan Feliz and Kelsea Ballerini to producing and arranging in Nashville. They discuss essential music theory, gear setup, and the balance between professional touring and church ministry. Marcus also provides insights into ear training and offers tips for aspiring musicians. Stay tuned till the end to hear Marcus showcase his amazing piano skills!Marcus WilesFree eBookSupport the showThanks 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 YouTubeRalph Lofton shares his journey from playing at Sunday school to collaborating with renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin and BeBe & CeCe Winans. He offers insights on mastering the Hammond B3 organ, emphasizes the importance of dynamics, and provides advice to aspiring musicians. Ralph also discusses his upcoming projects and shares personal stories about his musical influences and career challenges. Tune in to hear Ralph's expert tips and experience his incredible talent firsthand.Ralph LoftonFree eBookSupport the showThanks 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!

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 eBookSupport the showThanks 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 eBookSupport the showThanks 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 eBookSupport the showThanks 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 eBookSupport the showThanks 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 eBookSupport the showThanks 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 eBookSupport the showThanks 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!