The objective of Gospel Music by Ear Piano Course 1 is to present fundamental piano musical concepts and chords most commonly used in playing Traditional Gospel Music. Dividing the course into five phases and presenting the concepts and chords to the student sequentially, one phase at a time, meets the course objective. The phases are:

1. Introduction to the Piano
   
   
2. Basic Keyboard Scales
   
   
3. Introduction to Chords
   
   
4. Introduction to Gospel Chords
   
   
5. Applied Musical Chords

At the conclusion of each phase, a Basic Skills Test is given. This test determines the student's ability to apply the information presented. It also determines the student's ability to apply the information when performing on the piano keyboard. Successful completion of the Basic Skills Test is required to progress to the next phase.

Homework is assigned from Theory Workbook, Primer Level by Wesley Schaum. This is the course textbook. Mel Bay's Encyclopedia of Piano Chords by Bob Kroepel may be purchased as a reference book.

There are three requirements for successful completion of this course. They are:

1. Pass all Basic Skills Tests.
   
   
2. Complete all homework assignments.
   
   
3. Play three gospel tunes in the key of C Major.

Kroepel, Bob. Mel Bay's Deluxe Encyclopedia of Piano Chords: A Complete Keyboard Study of Chords and how to use them. Kirkwood: Mel Bay Publications, Inc., 1973.

Schaum, Wesley. Theory Workbook, Primer Level for Piano or Organ. Mequon: Schaum Publications, Inc., 1984.