ethel caffie austin learn to play gospel

Finally, by adding intros, runs, harmonies, fills and turnarounds, you'll create a complete piano arrangement in true gospel style. Ethel teaches the basic melody of a hymn or spiritual, and then adds the chords and bass lines that will give the song a solid rhythmic foundation.

She has a clear and concise teaching method and a desire to get you playing this heartfelt and inspirational music, even if you have never played it before. Ethel Caffie-Austin, a formidable pianist, vocalist and educator, is steeped in the traditions and styles of the black church. In her instructional videos, Caffie-Austin performs such hymns and spirituals as 'When the Saints Go Marching In,' 'Standing in the Need of Prayer,' 'Angels Keep Watching Over Me,' 'Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'Show Me The Way,' 'Study War No More,' 'Jesus is on the Mainline,' and 'Amazing Grace.'įor more information on the concert, please contact the University at 47.There's no sound more thrilling than the walking bass notes and driving chords of traditional gospel piano, and there is no better way to learn it than from this 2-DVD set. She was the subject of a 1999 documentary film entitled 'His Eye Is On the Sparrow' and a 1997 Goldenseal magazine article, 'Hand-Clapping and Hallelujahs: A Visit with Ethel Caffie-Austin.' She also is in demand as a clinician and often presents gospel workshops in conjunction with the Vandalia Gathering.Ĭaffie-Austin founded the Black Sacred Music Festival at West Virginia State University in Institute and has several recordings and an instructional videos to her credit. She has taken her music and ministry into prisons, schools and government housing projects, and has performed at festivals across the country and in Europe.

Throughout her life, she has carried on a rich tradition of African-American gospel singing, piano playing and worship. She began playing piano at the age of six, started accompanying church services at nine and directed her first choir at age 11. The concert, which is free and open to the public, is part of the University’s 2013-2014 Walton Arts & Ideas Series.Ī native of Mount Hope, West Virginia, Caffie-Austin is known as that state’s 'First Lady of Gospel Music.'

Ethel Caffie-Austin will perform a concert at University of the Ozarks at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 3, in Munger Memorial Chapel.

Renowned pianist, vocalist and educator Dr.

Ethel caffie austin learn to play gospel