Certificate of Worship Piano Instruction
Teacher Training Program
Would you like to teach worship piano? Perhaps you are in the process of learning worship piano yourself, or maybe you are classically trained with a degree in music but you feel called to teach worship.
The calling to teach worship is sacred and holy. God is looking for worshippers, He seeks lovers, and He pursues His people in every generation.
As a worship piano instructor for the past 5 years, I (Makayla) have found a side of His heart that I never knew existed. I have experienced His compassion and love for each student sitting in front of me. I have seen lessons turn into worship, as teacher and student are caught up into His presence and left with no words to describe His beauty. I have lives changed and churches transformed as the church pianist falls in love with Jesus and plays her love on the keys every Sunday. I have seen that as I faithfully teach my students how to adore Jesus on their instruments, I am ministering to the heart of God and bringing Him joy.
If you would like to learn how to teach worship piano from the heart of worship and first love for Jesus, I am launching a teacher training program, resulting in a Certificate of Worship Piano Instruction.
Program Details
About
The Certificate of Worship Piano Instruction offered through Adoration Music Academy is designed to train up worship piano teachers who teach from the heart of worship, with skill and excellence. It is open to those who do not have a degree in music, as well as those who do. The program is unaccredited, as the skills needed to teach worship piano (in both the worship and piano aspects) are distinct from the skills taught in traditional piano pedagogy programs.
Endorsements
The CWPI program consists of 3 endorsements, corresponding to the level that the recipient is certified to teach: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. Candidates must start with the Beginning endorsement (required for certification) and optionally can choose to add the other endorsements (Intermediate and then Advanced) simultaneously or upon completion of the first.
Format & Schedule
The CWPI program consists of weekly, 1-hour, 1-on-1 sessions with Makayla and assigned homework. The program requirements are fixed, but the sessions are customized for each student, and the pacing can be customized to meet the student’s needs. (Weekly meetings are recommended, but twice weekly or every other week may be allowed with permission.)
The Beginning endorsement is expected to take an average of 6-8 months to complete if meeting weekly with Makayla. The Intermediate endorsement is expected to take 3 months, and the Advanced endorsement is expected to take 2-3 months. Homework will average 3-5 hours a week. These timeframes may be longer or shorter depending on the student’s individual needs and learning pace.
Cost
The cost is $80 per 1-hour session with Makayla. Tuition is prepaid at the beginning of each month for the sessions that are scheduled that month.
This pricing includes the cost of Makayla’s prior and ongoing work in developing the program, the complimentary Worship Essentials membership, and included resources. It does not include the cost of remedial piano lessons (if necessary to pass the proficiency assessment) or required books.
Content
The Certificate of Worship Piano Instruction covers 5 categories of content:
Personal Worship: Cultivating the teacher’s heart of worship
Teaching Worship: Forming others in the heart of worship
Personal Piano Skills: Developing the teacher’s proficiency in worship piano
Teaching Piano Skills: Teaching the skills needed to play for worship
Music Business: Preparing for the business aspects of teaching music
Syllabus
Please contact us if you would like to see the full syllabus and program requirements prior to applying.
About Makayla
Makayla was self-taught at the piano until college, when she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with specializations in Piano Pedagogy and Arranging. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano through MTNA and also has associate degrees in Education and Business. She recently graduated from Jesus School and their House of Bethany worship academy, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation.
When Makayla started teaching piano independently after college, she discovered the need for worship piano resources that teach not only how to play the piano but also how to worship. She also found that traditional piano lessons often focus on a different skill set than what is needed to play for worship. As a result of these findings, she began to develop and refine an innovative method for learning worship piano, which she uses for her private lessons and Worship Essentials courses.
Adoration Music Academy exists to raise up lovers of Jesus who live their lives to adore Him, worshipping with musical excellence from a heart of first love. Our vision is that worshippers would arise from around the world who sit at His feet, minister to His heart, and love Him forever.
What Students Say
“I love taking private lessons with Makayla. Her love for Jesus, and the reverence and beauty in worship for Him shines forth in her lessons and video courses. I purchased both the Beginning and Intermediate worship piano courses to reinforce what she has taught me in our lessons. They have been so helpful. I recommend watching the lesson, taking notes, and then sitting at the piano doing what she is teaching. The lessons are very thorough. The most important thing I've learned is to make this all about Jesus, and where my heart should be for Him. Thank you, Makayla!”
— Kimberly
“I was always frustrated when I tried to learn piano by myself because I'm not very motivated on my own, and the books I used tended not to teach piano in a way that kept me interested. With Makayla, however, lessons are enjoyable, engaging, and extremely helpful. I have made significant progress and now enjoy playing a wide selection of worship songs. She adapts the lessons to whatever pace I can handle and is understanding when I encounter difficulties with playing. I highly recommend her as a teacher!”
— Miranda
“It took me a while to find the worship teacher I was looking for . . . and then Makayla came my way. In half a year, she made my dream happen. It's a joy to learn chord playing, accompaniment patterns, and fills while singing for the Lord, our Creator. I also feel confident now to play hymns in a more reflective style at my church. Makayla is amazing and makes learning so easy and fun. What a blessing she is.”
— Mira
“I am an older student and wanted to learn worship songs. Makayla is truly the best teacher for this. She is patient and explains the concepts well. I have learned so much from her.”
— Beverly
“Makayla is a wonderful teacher! She really went all out to understand me and help me learn piano basics! She’s a wonderful pianist and excellent teacher!”
— Patience
“Without a doubt, Makayla created a comfortable environment for the children to learn and grow musically. They never complained about lessons or practicing and enjoyed learning all that she asked of them. She genuinely cared about our children, both musically and in their personal lives.”
— Penni
“Makayla is an excellent keyboard teacher. I am focusing on learning keyboard for the purpose of leading worship and Makayla has an entire curriculum that focuses on just that! Makayla is a very organized, detailed & patient teacher who will help you reach your goals. I highly recommend her!!”
— Tiffany
“I am an older student and appreciate Makayla's desire to serve God. She is a great teacher and portrays that same image in the way she teaches. She keeps lessons fun and knows what music to give according to my ability. I highly recommend her.”
— Gene