The Worship Keys Podcast
If you play piano, organ, synths, pads, or any keys instrument for worship ministry or the music industry, you are in the right place! Nashville-based worship keys player, Carson Bruce, interviews a variety of different musicians every week. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this is the podcast for you to learn and feel inspired to enhance both your technical playing skills and to also gain spiritual encouragement while being in a local church congregation. New episodes release every Wednesday.
Episodes
Felt Pianos, AI Demos, & Sound Design Convo with Josh Dunn
Join us as we sit down with producer, songwriter, and worship pastor Josh Dunn for an inspiring conversation on the Worship Keys Podcast. Josh shares the story behind his vintage rescued Baldwin upright piano, his sound design secrets for getting that raw authentic tone, and an honest take on AI and Suno in worship music today. We talk creativity, authenticity, and what it means to stay true to yo
Sound Design for Worship Keys Players with Daniel Dauwe
50% off code on Sound Shop: THEWORSHIPKEYSSound Shop: https://www.soundshop.co/soundsChristopher Wohrle Stock Ableton Presets: https://www.soundshop.co/product-page/ableton-stock-keys-presets-by-christopher-wohrleJoin Daniel Dauwe on the Worship Keys Podcast as we sit down and talk about something every worship musician needs to hear. Daniel is the founder of Soundshop.co and has played alongside
Stewarding the Presence of God in Corporate Worship with Shane and Makayla of 11th Hour Worship
Watch on YouTube Join Shane and Makayla of 11th Hour Worship as they sit down with Carson Bruce on The Worship Keys Podcast for a conversation that goes way beyond music. From a calling that started in high school to a John the Baptist "prepare the way" mission, Shane and Makayla open up about hiddenness, character, and obedience as the real foundation of worship leading. They dig into w
Writing & Producing Music for Global Missions with Jeremy Caruthers of Far Flung Worship
Watch On YouTubeJeremy Caruthers joins The Worship Keys Podcast to share the wildest recording stories you have never heard. Jeremy Caruthers joins The Worship Keys Podcast to share the wildest recording stories you have never heard. From capturing an entire album in one night after a Guatemalan volcano derailed his plans, to syncing a multi-truck Arctic session using nothing but an FM transmitter
How to Make Piano Sample Library: MainStage Template & Library Demo
Watch on YouTube Carson Bruce wraps up the piano sample library tutorial series by showing how to move a finished Logic Pro X Sampler patch into MainStage for live performance. He walks through locating and copying the patch from the Logic user library, pasting it into the MainStage patches folder, and loading it into MainStage. He also demonstrates how the patch works in perform mode and explains
How to make a Piano Sample Library: The Programming Process in Logic Pro X Sampler
Watch on YouTubeGo behind the scenes with Carson Bruce as he breaks down the process of building a custom piano sample library inside Logic Pro. From organizing samples and velocity layers to programming release triggers, pedal sounds, and multi-mic setups, this episode is packed with practical tips for producers, worship musicians, and sound designers looking to create more realistic virtual inst
How to Make a Piano Sample Library: The Editing Process in Pro Tools
Watch on YouTube In this episode, Carson Bruce introduces his newly released piano sample library featuring five sampled pianos with both regular and felt versions across 10 unique patches. He also begins a new series showing the full process of building a piano sample library from scratch. From recording setups and microphone choices to piano selection and room acoustics, Carson shares the essent
How to Record a Piano Sample Library: The Equipment & Recording Process
Watch On YouTube Hear the full piano sample library on Spotify Download the MainStage template here Carson Bruce welcomes listeners to the Worship Keys podcast, thanks sponsor Aerospace Audio, and highlights their Atmosphere analog drone pedal (v3) with MIDI capabilities and the Aero Pads iOS app. He announces his newly released piano sample library featuring five sampled pianos and 10 patches, wi
Worship Moment on the Acoustic Upright with Micai George
Watch on YouTubeIn part two with Micai George, Micai discusses preferring keys while still loving organ and aux keys, then shares advice for music directors at church: the role requires grace, heavy responsibility, and strong preparation; leaders must be sensitive to the Spirit, intentional, humble, and willing to sacrifice space so the whole band can shine and sound locked in. They discuss settin
From Self-Taught Keys Player to Musical Director with Micai George
Micai George, a self-taught keys and organ player originally from Baltimore and now serving as musical director in Birmingham, Alabama, discusses his background, learning to play without a teacher, and returning to school to learn reading and music theory. They talk about the challenges of learning to read after becoming proficient, the importance of church production and proper gear/infrastructur
Part 2 of Producing Stems for Elevation Worship with Jay Taylor
Watch on YouTube Welcome to our Part 2 episode with Jay Taylor, who breaks down his Ableton arrangement of “Jehovah” by Elevation Worship, sharing how he builds dynamics with layered parts, loops, textures, and transitions while leaving space for a live band. He also talks about trusting the process, staying grounded in your identity, growing your gift, and letting prayer guide your calling. They
Producing Stems for Elevation Worship Song with Jay Taylor
Watch on YouTubeLet's welcome Taylor, an Alabama-based multi-instrumentalist and music director at Love City Church in the Birmingham area, who shares how he started on drums, was pushed to learn organ in church, developed strong ear skills, and later expanded through formal training at UAB in music technology, classical, and jazz. The episode then shifts into a hands-on arrangement session w
Simplicity and Production with Chris Tomlin's Keys Player
Watch on YouTube Aerospace AudioIn this episode, we welcome Matt Gilder to the Worship Keys podcast, with sponsorship from Aerospace Audio, to discuss Matt’s journey from growing up in Southeast Texas playing church piano to touring and producing, including nearly 20 years as keyboardist for Chris Tomlin since a 2006 session at Blackbird. Matt shares how ear training and the Nashville Number Syste
Nord Stage 4 Keyboard Breakdown with Marcus Wiles
Watch On YouTubeAerospace AudioFor this episode, we have a returning guest, Marcus Wiles to discuss the Nord Stage 4, including whether it’s worth upgrading from the Stage 3, keybed improvements like triple-sensor action, new faders and workflow, and faster preset building across piano/organ/synth sections. Marcus highlights major value in Stage 4’s dedicated per-layer effects, including new Cathe
Prophet 6 Hardware Synth Rig with Marcus Wiles
Watch On YouTubeThis episode focuses on synthesizers with a deep dive on Marcus Wiles’ Sequential Prophet-6, while also thanking sponsor Aerospace Audio and highlighting their Arrow Pads app and Atmosphere Pads pedal features, sound packs, pricing, and routing ideas with Ableton. Marcus explains why he chose the Prophet-6, how its simplicity and poly mod section shaped his synth programming, and w
Have We Over-Produced Our Worship Services? with Michael Walter
Watch on YouTube Aerospace AudioMichael shares his first Winter Jam experience playing keys and organ for Kayden Nicole, discusses the demands of navigating shared keyboard setups, and recounts how he joined The Choir Room shortly after moving to Nashville in 2022. They talk through worship-leading pressures versus being a keys player, the importance of reading the room, leaving space in services,
How to Navigate Challenging Church Leadership with Tyler Richardson
Watch On YouTubeCarson Bruce sits down with Tyler Richardson to discuss navigating challenging dynamics in church leadership. Tyler shares insights from his ministry experience and his book How to Survive Working for God, offering practical wisdom on handling burnout, difficult leadership situations, and supporting a vision that may not always be your own. This conversation encourages worship lead
Worship Keys Convo with Marlon Roberson & Leonard Ray Jarman Jr
Watch On YouTubeThank You to Our Sponsor: Aerospace Audio for Atmospheric Worship PadsRecorded live in Nashville during pre-production for DOE’s upcoming recording, this episode of the Worship Keys Podcast features Carson Bruce with Leonard Ray Jarman Jr. and Marlon Roberson sharing honest insights on worship, ministry, and musicianship. They talk stewardship, preparation, holiness, and keeping in
Worship Keys Rig with Isaac Andrade
Watch On YouTube In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Andrade, a worship keys player and musical director based in Orlando, Florida, as he walks through his worship keys rig and the mindset behind building a setup that truly serves the room. Isaac shares how consistency, simplicity, and musical sensitivity shape his sound, from his Nord Stage 3 Compact to the way he layers pianos, pads, and org
Worship Keys Rig with Spencer Ratkovich
Watch On YouTubeWelcome to a new episode of The Worship Key Podcast featuring Spencer Ratkovich. Spencer takes us inside his worship keys rig at Christ Church of the Valley in Phoenix and breaks down how he builds consistent sounds across multiple campuses. He shares his full keyboard setup, how he uses software to stay dialed in week after week, his audio interface and computer workflow, and a wa
Keys Rig Rundown & Nord Stage 4 Sound Pack with Filipe Martins
Watch On YouTubeCelebrate Episode 100 of the Worship Keys channel with a special conversation featuring Brazilian worship keyboardist, producer, and pastor Filipe Martins. Filmed backstage at Vessel Conference in Atlanta, this episode explores Filipe’s journey from growing up in church in Brazil to serving in ministry in the US, along with the influences that shaped his sound. You will get a clear
Keyboardist & Organist Caleb Marte
Watch On YouTubeHang out with keyboardist and organist Caleb Marte in an episode that feels more like a backstage chat than an interview. Carson Bruce joins Caleb as he shares growing up in church, being a PK, and how he went from hating piano lessons to loving worship keys. They talk gear, Nord boards, real B3 organs, keeping things simple, and staying humble while you grow. If you play keys or w
Aux Keys Rig Rundown with Joshua Zacarius
Watch on YouTube Joshua Zacharia from Fort Wayne, Indiana, jumps into The Worship Keys to break down his aux world setup from the gear he trusts to the way he programs and layers sounds. He walks through how he uses stock sounds, MIDI controls, keyboard splits, and why Logic and Ableton both have a place in his workflow. From Omnisphere and Keyscape to Valhalla Reverb, Joshua shares how he builds
How to Steward Your Worship Team Beyond the Stage with Jonathan "J Dubb" Wolliston
Watch On YouTubeJonathan Wolliston is back, also known as "Jdubb". In today's episode, Jonathan will share his journey as music director at Calvary Christian Center and lessons on stewardship, mentorship, and building real connections within a worship team. We discuss leadership decisions, including vetting processes, eliminating midweek rehearsals, and fostering community through s
Mastering Worship Production with Jonathan "J Dubb" Wolliston
Watch On Youtube We sit down with Jonathan “J Dubb” Wolliston for a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation on worship production. From his Full Sail background to years of experience in church and live broadcast, J Dubb shares real-world insights on sound design, multitracks, keys rigs, MIDI workflows, and creating worship environments that serve both the room and the livestream. This episode e
Why Sound Design & Heart Posture is So Important with Max Whiting
Watch on YouTubeIn this episode of the Worship Keys Podcast, host Carson welcomes Max Whiting, a talented and dedicated musician from the Church of 1122 in Jacksonville, Florida. Join them as they delve into Max's personal journey of faith and music, discussing his experiences with worship music, his inspiration from mentors like John Wilds and Leonard Ray Jarman Jr., and the profound impact
The Hidden Costs of Ministry No One Warns You About with John Strandell
Watch on YouTube Join Carson Bruce as he chats with John Strandell, a producer, mix engineer, and songwriter signed with Centricity Music. In this episode, they discuss John's career in music production and ministry, the challenges of balancing church work with family life, and the inspiration behind John's powerful song 'A Good Name'. They delve into the realities of church mi
What's New in the Sunday Keys App in 2026 with Owner of Sunday Sounds
Watch On YouTUbeWe welcome back David Pfaltzgraff from Sunday Sounds for a conversation on the latest updates in worship music technology. David walks through the newest improvements in the Sunday Keys app, including enhanced piano sounds, better use of tonic pads, and the new Loop Connect feature. He also shares how these tools integrate with Prime, Worship Tools Charts, and Presenter apps to cre
Worship Keys Rig with Andrew Sharp of Church of the Highlands
Watch on YouTubeWelcome back to the Worship Keys Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of worship keys with Andrew Sharp from Church of the Highlands. While co-host Tyler Wester is not present, Andrew gives an extensive rundown of his full keys rig, including his go-to sounds on Keyscape and Omnisphere, and practical tips for managing and manipulating your sounds for worship settin
2025 Recap & Upcoming Events in 2026!
THANK YOU GUYS for an incredible 2025 year! Exciting plans for 2026, such as in-person workshops with details TBD. Join me in celebrating an amazing year and prepping for what's next!Support 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 fu
Christmas at Highlands Production with Andrew Sharp and Tyler Wester
Watch on YouTubeJoin us in this exciting episode as Andrew Sharp and Tyler Wester dive into the world of music production, focusing on the use of AI and Ableton Live. They discuss the innovative ways they're incorporating AI into their church's music production, the nuances of different pads and vocal encoding, and the detailed process behind recreating and reimagining a Christmas song.
Worship vs. Performance: Church Production with Tyler Wester and Andrew Sharp
Watch on YouTubeLet’s sit down with Tyler Wester and Andrew Sharp from Church of the Highlands for an honest and uplifting conversation about worship, creativity, and leadership. Tyler talks about how his passion for worship production has grown over the years, while Andrew shares his musical journey, his go-to keys tips, and the mindset that keeps him grounded. They also dive into the balance bet
Worship Keys Rig Rundown with Caleb King
Watch on YouTube Join Carson Bruce and Caleb King on the Worship Keys YouTube channel as they provide an in-depth look into setting up an efficient and streamlined worship keys rig. Filmed at the Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, Caleb gives a detailed gear rundown, explaining the hardware and software configurations he uses for live performances. Learn how he utilizes a fly rack for easy p
Christmas Classics on the Hammond Organ with Ralph Lofton
Watch on YouTube Welcome to this festive episode of the Worship Keys Podcast! Host Carson Bruce sits down with the incredible 70-year-old organist, Ralph Lofton. Together, they dive into Ralph's favorite Christmas tunes and share exclusive tips for maintaining comfort while playing, including Ralph's unique stadium chair setup. Tune in to hear Mr. Lofton's impromptu performances and
Christmas Through the Years with Hammond Organist Ralph Lofton
Watch On YouTube Ralph Lofton is back for our Christmas episode! He shares his incredible journey in music, his miraculous heart transplant story, and the Christmas memories that shaped him. Ralph opens up about his early years, touring with BB and CeCe Winans, and the holiday traditions his family still treasures. Don’t miss out as he plays his favorite Christmas tunes on the Hammond C3 organ.Ral
Full Worship Set with Otto and Jayna Gross
Watch on YouTubeWelcome to another episode! In this follow-up conversation with Jayna and Otto Gross, the discussion continues on how to prepare for a worship set—covering everything from selecting BPMs to building tracks—while staying sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. The episode flows into a heartfelt time of worship filled with prayer, scripture, and songs that invite you to engage fully
Preparing for a Worship Set with Otto and Jayna Gross
Watch on YouTube We are joined by the talented musical couple Jayna and Otto Gross. They share their incredible journey from Berkeley College of Music to leading worship in their community. Otto talks about his battle with scoliosis and how it led him to the piano, while Jayna reflects on her role as a student advocate and school counselor. The couple delves into their experience with diverse cong
Playing Spirit-Led Spontaneous Worship Keys with Caleb King
Watch on YouTube Join us this week's episode, featuring Caleb shares his unique journey from being a drummer with a background in Southern Baptist traditions to becoming a key figure in spontaneous modern worship. Join them as they discuss the heart of worship, practical keys tips, the importance of worship culture in churches, and Caleb's experiences playing for Garrett & Kate Serba
NAMM Show, Hammond Artist, & Keys Player: Doug Orlando Shares His Story
Watch on YouTubeJoin us for this week’s episode featuring Doug Orlando, a seasoned keys player with over 40 years of experience in the music industry. Doug shares his inspiring journey from his early days as a drummer to becoming a Hammond-endorsed artist. He talks about performing at the NAMM Show, serving in various churches and ministries, and witnessing the evolution of worship music through t
Minor Progressions in Worship with Spooky Scott of Red Rocks Worship
Watch on YouTube"Spooky" Scott is back just in time for Halloween week! In this episode, he breaks down how minor chord progressions can bring emotion and depth to worship—way beyond the usual “spooky” vibe. He also shares how these chords can help shape moments of prayer, reflection, and deliverance in worship. He gives real examples from Kory Miller’s album and other worship settings,
How to Build Worship Tracks for Church in Logic Pro X with Marcus Perry
Watch on YouTubeJoin Marcus Perry from Mount Zion Church in Nashville, Tennessee as he takes us behind the scenes of worship music production, breaking down how he builds stems and creates tracks for “Fire” by CeCe Winans. He walks through his full process in Logic Pro X, shares his go-to plugins and gear, and gives practical tips for arranging tracks that shine in live church settings.Marcus Per
Playing Keys for the Choir Room & Tips for Church MDs with Marcus Perry
Watch on YouTubeJoin us on The Worship Keys Podcast. A special guest, Marcus Perry! He shares his journey from piano beginnings to becoming Music Director at Mt. Zion Church, one of the largest congregations in the U.S. Marcus talks about leading with excellence and humility, building community through music, and keeping the choir alive in today’s church culture.Hear behind-the-scenes stories from
How to Make Latin Multitracks for Worship with Khristian Diaz
Watch on YouTubeWe’re joined by Khristian Diaz, a worship musician with Puerto Rican and Honduran roots who’s bringing Latin flavor into worship. From his viral “Praise” remix to creating Latin multitracks, Khris shares how music became his way of connecting with God and inspiring others. He opens up about his journey, creative process, and the heart behind the upcoming Vessel Conference—a vision
How to Create a Worship Patch from Scratch in Omnisphere with Atreyu Singleton
Watch on YouTubeIn this episode of the Worship Keys Podcast, we talk with Atreyu “Tre” Singleton—music director, Ableton-certified trainer, and worship leader. Tre shares how he builds worship patches in Omnisphere and Logic Pro, the power of layering sounds, and how AI is shaping the future of worship sound design. He also opens up about his devotional project, Memoirs of a Minstrel, his passion
How to Produce Demos & Multitracks in Logic Pro X with Roger Ryan
Watch on YouTubeIn this episode of the Worship Keys Podcast, host Carson Bruce is joined by the renowned eight-time Grammy-nominated producer, singer, songwriter, artist, and professor, Roger Ryan. Roger dives deep into his creative process for building multi-tracks from scratch using Logic Pro X. He shares his experiences from working with various music production tools over the decades, tips for
Worship Keys Rig & Sound Design with Anaji Powell
Watch on YouTubeCarson is joined again by Anaji Powell, a worship keys player, MD, and creative behind powerful sound design. Fresh off last week’s episode with his wife Kaci, Anaji now gives a full breakdown of his worship keys rig, from the Nord Stage 4 and Ableton to TouchOSC and live looping. He shares how sound design isn’t about showing off, but about serving the moment, supporting pastors l
Navigating Music Ministry: Insights from Anaji & Kaci Powell
Watch on YouTubeJoin us on the Worship Keys YouTube channel as Carson welcomes husband-and-wife duo Anaji and Kaci Powell from Faith Church in Rochester, New York. In this episode, they share their journey in music and ministry, from how they met to serving God together through worship. Kaci talks about her experience as a female organist in a male-dominated field, while Anaji gives insight into t
How to Blend CCM & Gospel on the Piano with Carlous Drake
Watch on YouTubeCarlous Drake from Chattanooga, Tennessee joins us for this week episode on The Worship Keys Podcast. Carlous shares the merging of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) with gospel genres, exploring practical techniques and cultural insights for worship key players. He shares his musical journey, experiences in ministry, and provides hands-on demonstrations of playing techniques that
How to Organize Your Ableton Live Session with Andrés Páez
Watch on YouTube!In this episode of the Worship Keys Podcast, Music Director Andrés Páez from Abundant Church in El Paso, Texas, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small church in Spain to leading modern worship with excellence. He recounts his moves from Spain to Denmark, then to Florida, and finally settling in Texas, where he honed his skills with Ableton Live and developed an ef
Volunteering as a Keys Player at Red Rocks Church with Micah Weber
Watch on YouTubeCome hang out with Carson Bruce on the Worship Keys YouTube channel as he chats with Micah Weber, a passionate volunteer keys player from Red Rocks Church. Micah opens up about his move from Oklahoma to Colorado, why worship leaders matter, and what it means to serve as a volunteer in worship ministry. You’ll hear practical tips on keeping a servant’s heart, how the Nashville Numbe
Worship Keys Sound Design & Balancing Tour Life/Ministry with Spooky Scott of Red Rocks
Join Spooky Scott from Red Rocks Worship at the Worship Keys Podcast. Spooky share about life on the road, leading worship, and all the gear and tech that makes it happen. He dives into how he uses the Nord Stage 3 for sound design, how Red Rocks stays unified across campuses with tools like Resi, and what it really looks like to balance touring with serving at church. He also shares some behind-t
From College Friends to Worship Leaders with Jenna & Zoë
Join Carson Bruce for a heart-to-heart with Jenna and Zoë, a talented worship duo from Nashville with a powerful story to tell. They open up about how they met in college, their journey into worship music, and what it’s been like to battle anxiety and stage fright while staying faithful to their calling. From songwriting to leading worship, they share genuine moments, honest struggles, and what tr
The Lifelong Influence of a Good Piano Teacher with Tim Abel
Watch on YouTubeCarson sits down with his childhood piano teacher, Tim Abel, for a heartfelt conversation full of music, memories, and ministry. They talk about the power of playing by ear, the journey from trombone major at JSU to worship leader, and the real stories behind leading worship. Tim shares practical tips for key players, from the basics to creative improvisation. Plus, Carson pays tri
Funky Chord Progressions in CCM with Natalie Layne
Watch on YouTubeWelcome Natalie Layne, to The Worship Keys Podcast! Natalie opens up about life on the road, her early days in music, and how she went from indie artist to signing with Centricity Music. We talk about everything from her classical roots to her creative songwriting process. Natalie also shares about her journey on social media, the story behind her new album All Joy, and what it’s r
How to Use Tracks in Spontaneous Moments of Worship in Ableton with Evan Fernald of TBCO
Watch on YouTubeIn this episode of The Worship Keys, Carson Bruce chats with Evan Fernald from The Belonging Co. about all things tracks in worship. Whether you're new to using tracks or looking to level up your setup, this conversation dives into the heart behind it all—how to keep worship spontaneous and structured. Evan breaks down his process for running tracks with flexibility, training
How to Create a Great Sound Design & Tone on Keys for Worship with Evan Fernald of TBCO
Watch on YouTubeCarson Bruce is joined by Evan Fernald, music director and keys player at The Belonging Co. In this episode, Evan opens up about his spiritual journey and gives an in-depth look at his worship keys setup from how he blends hardware and software to create seamless worship moments, to his personal approach to sound design, layering, and dynamic control. Whether you're a seasoned
5 Chord Progressions Every Worship Keys Player Should Know with Alex Smith
Watch on YouTubeIn this episode, Carson Bruce sits down with special guest Alex Smith from Georgia to break down five must-know chord progressions every worship keys player should have in their toolkit. Recorded live at Foothills Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, this session is packed with practical tips for beginner and intermediate musicians from embellishments and inversions to building confiden
How to Play Aux Keys for Worship with Micaiah Wesler
Watch on YouTubeJoin us in welcoming Micaiah Wesler to the Worship Keys YouTube channel as we dive into the world of auxiliary keys in worship music. In this episode, Micaiah shares how he first discovered aux keys back in 2012 at The Ramp and how years of learning and dedication helped him master the craft. We’ll cover the key differences between main keys and auxiliary keys, why auxiliary keys m
How to Produce Stems for Worship in Logic Pro X with Josh Brown
Watch on YouTube Welcome Josh Brown, a renowned producer, songwriter, and musician. The discussion takes listeners through Josh's incredible musical journey, from starting out on drums to mastering the piano and creating multi-tracks for worship services. Josh shares insights on crafting stems from scratch in Logic Pro, emphasizing the importance of blending skill and anointing in church musi
How to Program Keys and Synths in a Worship Song in Logic Pro X with David O. Ramirez
Watch on YouTubeDavid O. Ramirez joins us once again for another episode of The Worship Keys! In this episode, David gives a detailed look into his song production process from pre-production and working with bands to post-production techniques. He breaks down his workflow using Logic Pro X templates and shares practical insights on editing, mixing, and adding organic texture to your recordings. W
Logic Pro X Template Tips for Producers & Worship Keys with David Ramirez
Watch on YouTubeDavid Ramirez is back to take us inside his Logic Pro X template that streamlines workflow and elevates worship production. He breaks down his full process of song production, synth layering, key programming, and organizing sound palettes. You’ll see how he uses plugins like Arcade for micro loops, layers warm, organic piano textures, and dials in synth presets to shape a rich, exp
The Best Advice for Worship Keys Sound Design with David O. Ramirez
Watch on YouTubeJoin us in welcoming David O. Ramirez to The Worship Keys YouTube channel for an inspiring conversation. David is a renowned keys player, producer, songwriter, and sound designer. In this episode, he shares his journey of playing with the band Leeland, his passion for sound design, and his experience touring around the world. David also breaks down the key differences between being
Lo-Fi Instrumental Piano Worship Music with Sam Garner
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 bala
What it Means to be a Pro Musician? with Louie Higuera
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
Is Worship Music Harder to Play than Pop? with Marcus Wiles
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,
How to Get Good Tone on the Hammond Organ with Ralph Lofton
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 influe
The Versatility of the Hammond Organ with Virgil Straford
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
Difference in Playing Live at Church vs In the Studio on Organ with Dwan Hill
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 o
5 Things Every Hammond Organist Should Know for Church
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 BuellF
How to Play the Hammond B3 Organ: Full Overview with Curt Buell
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 c
How to Improv on Piano with Otto Gross
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 showThank
Fostering a Life of Creativity with Otto Gross
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 t
Keys & Tracks Rig with Tyler Wester from Church of the Highlands
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 mus
MD and Keys Tips with Tyler Wester from Church of the Highlands
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 sett
Piano Tuning Tips with Austin from Seale Keyworks
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 w
Discipleship in Your Worship Team with Jin from On Water Podcast
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 bot
Different Levels of Playback Rigs with Seth Builds Rigs
In this episode of the Worship Keys Podcast, host Carson Bruce dives deep into the world of playback rigs with Seth Penn from Seth Builds Rigs. They discuss the importance of playback tracks in worship settings, how to build pedal boards for keyboards, and explore various levels of playback rig setups from entry-level to pro-level with redundancy. Seth shares his experiences working with notable a
Easiest Way to Run Tracks at Church with Matt from Loop Community
In this episode, Carson sits down with Matt McCoy, founder and owner of Loop Community, to discuss the intersection of technology and worship. They dive deep into the vision behind the Worship Innovators Conference, practical implementations of technology in worship services, and making multi-tracks accessible through Prime and other Loop Community products. Matt shares personal stories, insights
How to Approach Spontaneity in Modern Worship with Jonathan from 10kFam
Join Jonathan from Colorado Springs as he shares his experiences and insights on dynamic and spontaneous worship in church services. Jonathan, who works with New Life congregations and 10,000 Fathers and Mothers, delves into the need for worship leaders to also be effective pastors, fostering disciple-making cultures. He reflects on his upbringing in old-school Pentecostal churches and how those e
How to Avoid Fatigue in Your Worship Team with Jamie from Ascension Worship
In this episode, Jamie Miley of Ascension Worship dives deep into effective strategies for enhancing worship team collaboration, and avoiding fatigue and burnout in your worship ministry. Learn about the Ascension Network's innovative approach to connecting musicians with local churches, practical tips for managing rehearsals and resources, and the importance of pastoral leadership within wor
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