How to Play Black Gospel: For Beginners
Robert L. Jefferson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, a Master of Music degree from the University of Houston, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the University of Maryland. He began playing the piano for the church at the age of nine. Dr. Jefferson was able to refine his gospel style by serving as pianist for the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, the Salt River Valley District Association Congress and the Arizona National Baptist Convention. He also promoted the gospel style of piano playing through his private piano students. After leaving Phoenix, he served as organist for the Christian Fellowship of Musicians and Entertainers and taught class piano at the University of Houston. Jefferson has had extensive performing experience as pianist for a variety of gospel artists throughout the United States and Asia. While in Japan, he was musical director of the Yokota Inspirational Gospel Choir in Tokyo and also educator for numerous Japanese gospel choirs and musicians throughout Japan. He is experienced as a soloist, songwriter, recording artist and jazz pianist and continues to perform and conduct workshops nationally and internationally. It is Dr. Jefferson's desire that his books will aid in elevating the spread of gospel music education throughout the world.