At A Glance: What To Expect at Skill Builders 2021

The keyboardist serves the liturgy in a variety of ways including leading and supporting the singing assembly, accompanying the psalmist in proclaiming the word, accompanying the choir, and underscoring certain extensions of the liturgical action. These are distinct functions and often the keyboardist must pivot from one to another seamlessly. In Skill Builders we will address each of these functions and how they differ from each other as well as provide some specific keyboard skills and technics to make you a more prepared and confident accompanist.

During the three days we will work on:

  • Basic keyboard technic: scales, arpeggios and cadences.

  • Music reading: hymns, octavos, and lead sheets.

  • Sight reading: score study, reading ahead and recognizing patterns.

  • Critical listening: breathing, phrasing and musicality.

  • Preparation for Sunday: learning the notes, the role of the music, determining tempo and arrangement.

  • Playing within a larger ensemble and improvisation.

Stephen Lay: Bio

Dr. Stephen Lay received his Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance and his Master of Music in accompanying and chamber music from the University of Maryland at College Park. He completed his doctorate studies in vocal accompanying at the Benjamin T. Rone School of Music at the Catholic University of America. 

He is the Director of Music at the Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City, Maryland. An active member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, Stephen has served as faculty for the NPM Guitar and Ensemble Institute and music director for the Mid Atlantic Congress, an annual Catholic convention held in Baltimore. Stephen composes for the Catholic Church and is published by GIA and OCP.

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Register today for the 47th Annual NPM National Convention (Kansas City, Missouri, July 8-11, 2024). Prices increase 4/3- don’t delay!