Funk Keyboards - The Complete Method: A Contemporary Guide to Chords, Rhythms and Licks

Funk Keyboards - The Complete Method Book/Online Audio by keyboardist and composer Gail Johnson is an instructional piano and keyboard method for musicians who want to explore the signature chords, rhythms, grooves, and performance techniques that define funk keyboard playing. This edition combines written instruction with practical musical examples inspired by the styles of influential funk keyboardists.

The book covers common chords and progressions, classic funk rhythms, licks, and patterns, along with synth bass techniques, multiple keyboard playing, pitch wheel performance, and modulation concepts. The included online audio features 81 full-band tracks that demonstrate the musical ideas presented throughout the method. Audio is accessed using the unique code included with the book and can be streamed or downloaded for flexible practice sessions.

The online audio also includes PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow audio without changing pitch, create custom loop points, change keys, and adjust left or right channel balance. These features make it easier to focus on individual passages, experiment with different tempos, and integrate the material into regular practice or rehearsal.

This method offers a structured way to study essential funk keyboard vocabulary while encouraging confident musical expression through authentic grooves and performance techniques. Whether used for personal study, music instruction, rehearsal preparation, or expanding a contemporary keyboard library, it provides practical exercises supported by professionally recorded accompaniment tracks.

Ideal for piano and keyboard enthusiasts, music educators, studio libraries, or as a thoughtful gift for musicians interested in funk performance, this method combines detailed instruction with high-quality audio support to create an engaging study and playing experience.

Gail Johnson is a professional development advisor at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). She is also responsible for the delivery of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities for midwives across the UK. As part of this role Gail has designed and delivered a number of successful large conferences for midwives, including the RCM Legal birth conference and the Bereavement conference. The model for these events has been rolled out across the UK.

Gail is also the project lead on the RCM e-learning initiative. The success of the online learning has resulted in a need to move to a different content management system, a process involving editing and translation of the original content to the new system whilst maintaining new content to ensure that members continued to get an excellent service. The new platform was launched at the International Confederation of Midwives conference in June 2014.

In addition Gail has worked with the RCM's Chief Executive Professor Cathy Warwick in advising the NHS Leadership Academy on leadership challenges for midwives and nurses, attending a number of development meetings.

Her leadership work has enabled her to work closely with senior midwives and local supervisory midwifery officers (LSAMO) to gain a greater understanding of the challenges of midwifery practice and the needs of service.

She also provides advice and consultancy to a number of external agencies both at national and international level on issues which impact on the wider health or public health issues. For examples she is the designated lead on stillbirth and bereavement care and work with the Department of Health (England) and Sands (UK) on the role of maternity services in reducing stillbirth and improving bereavement care.

She works closely with NSPCC on public health messaging and improving safety and outcomes for children and young people.

Prior to working at the Royal College of Midwives she worked for seven years in midwifery education as a senior lecturer in Cambridge.

In supporting midwives and representing the midwifery profession Gail is frequently asked to speak to the press and media on midwifery, maternity and women's health issues. She may be required to write press releases or comment to TV and radio on topical issues.